Known as “A3”, the Academy of Arts and Academics began as a magnet/alternative four-year high school that offered opportunities for students to experience quality instruction, high expectations for personal achievement, and a real community in which to learn and grow.
A3 features a strong academic program as well as a focus on visual and performing arts. Located in the heart of Springfield, A3 enjoys partnerships with local cultural organizations and students have access to the resources of the Wildish Community Theatre, the Emerald Arts Gallery and the Springfield Public Library.
THE ACADEMY OF ARTS & ACADEMICS:
- Is an arts-integrated, project based learning community. Students integrate their skills and interests into all curriculum areas.
- Focuses on interpersonal skills and is highly interactive. A3 students work in groups, and learn to give and receive feedback.
- Has high expectations of its students. These expectations are fostered through engaging course work and collaborative commitments.
- Uses a flexible schedule. A student’s day includes more personalized interaction with faculty.
- Builds community among its members. Students, faculty, parents, and community partners share responsibility to create and sustain a safe, ethical, and focused place to learn.
- Encourages faculty collaboration to develop courses that combine student interest with other disciplines.
- Integrates current technology into the learning environment and provides important educational tools.
ACADEMIC RIGOR THROUGH THE ARTS
A3 features a strong academic program with a focus on visual and performing arts.
A3 students work in learning teams across curriculums of Humanities (Language Arts and Social Studies), Inquiries (Math and Science) and visual and performing art to create project demonstrations that are examples of project based learning.
In addition to their classes, students work with guest artists from the community, take part in daily writing groups, and integrate internships and public demonstrations into their learning. Students also have the opportunity to take both college prep classes as well as receive credit for college level coursework.
At the end of each semester students produce and present “Confluence.” Confluence is a whole school public demonstration that features work from the arts core and academic classes. The event is multiple nights and features work from all students in all areas. The public and families are always invited to attend.
MAJORS
A3 students are expected to declare a “major” or “focus” area of study by the end of their sophomore year, either in an arts or in an academic curriculum. Sophomores and Juniors present “juried reviews” before committees of teachers and professional artists or professors from UO or LCC that feature an emphasis on their chosen major. Students who distinguish themselves in their presentations receive “Honor” status and are recognized at an all school event on the last day of school. Current major areas (and it is possible for students to “double” major) include:
Performance Arts
Visual and Media Arts
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Liberal Arts
THE A3 VISION: EVERY GRADUATE EMPOWERED TO CREATE, INNOVATE, COLLABORATE, THINK DEEPLY, AND SUCCEED.
Mission: The Springfield Academy of Arts and Academics is a small, four-year magnet high school of choice. We serve students who seek a non-traditional education and who wish to be part of a diverse and supportive community. A3 staff, students, and families are committed to developing a collaborative learning environment through programming that includes project based learning, integrated content, and the arts. To help students self-actualize future success, our school promotes acceptance, reflection, and perseverance.
EXPLORE – DESIGN – CREATE – REFINE – OWN (EDCRO)
At A3 students work in learning teams across curriculums of Humanities (Language Arts and Social Studies), Inquiries (Math and Science) and art to create project demonstrations that are examples of content learning.
Lessons and projects are built upon the “EDCRO” system – an acronym for Explore – Design – Create – Refine – Own. Students are taught the skills to use this system, and projects are assessed using the EDCRO rubric.
We believe in teamwork and building community. At A3, students, faculty, parents, and community partners share responsibility to create and sustain a safe, ethical, and focused place to learn.
At A3 we create a structure of learning based on real-world inquires, critical thinking and problem solving. We believe that when a student learns outside the context of a textbook, they will see a subject’s relevance and purpose in a richer light.
