Mission
The Arts Based School is committed to active and creative scholarly exploration that engages students, their family/community and all school personnel in the learning experience. A strong core curriculum that builds on students’ life experiences and multiple ways of knowing/learning will be realized through individualized and intimate integrated interdisciplinary, arts-based instruction.
Purpose
When the North Carolina General Assembly ratified Bill 955 to approve charter schools in our state, the purpose was to provide teachers, pupils, parents, and community members with opportunities to become involved in improving education. The purposes for charter schools include: to improve learning for all students, to encourage different and innovative teaching methods, to expand choices for students and parents, and to create professional opportunities for teachers. Teaching methods at The Arts Based School include, but go beyond, traditional approaches. ABS teachers implement arts integrated instruction, use alternative assessment techniques, and provide students choices. We ask that parents support us in making our school of choice different and innovative.
Goal
At The Arts Based School, our goal is to create an innovative, inspiring school to serve families in our community. We are concerned with the total development of each student and believe that it is our responsibility to address the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of all our students throughout each school day. This holistic approach to educating our students is designed to help them develop into healthy and well-rounded individuals who enjoy life and learning.
The school curriculum reflects our belief that every child can and will succeed in ways that reflect his or her own aptitudes and interests. Recognition and support of our students’ individual strengths contributes to development of robust self-esteem and self-expression.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Arts Based School (ABS) students are confident, independent learners who work cooperatively to solve real-life problems in a safe and supportive environment. ABS seeks to nurture an atmosphere of respect, openness, and trust. At ABS, we are enriched through our appreciation of diversity’s many faces, including but not limited to: race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, and socio-economic background. We are actively engaged in developing a culturally competent community that values equity, inclusion, and justice, and we continue to seek diversity among students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees. By honoring cultural differences and intellectual diversity, we create a vibrant learning community where each person is valued.