As the only arts-focused tuition-free public charter school in Douglas County, we proudly offer students in Kindergarten through 8th grade the opportunity to pursue their passion for theater, dance, music, and visual arts within the hours of a regular school day.
One Thing in Common
“Our students are truly diverse; yet they all have one thing in common – a passion for the arts,” says PPA principal, Phil Molfino. “We bring these wonderful, artistic kids together under one roof with a group of caring, talented teachers and teaching artists and good things happen.”
PPA was founded in 2016 by a group of parents, teachers, community, and arts leaders who envisioned an academically excellent school focused on keeping the arts free and accessible to the K-8 students of Douglas County. Any child interested in pursuing art and performance has that opportunity at Parker Performing Arts School where no audition is required to enroll.
Blending Academics with Art
“We’re growing kids academically as well as artistically,” Mr. Molfino explains. “Creative kids are creative thinkers, so PPA offers an artistic approach to learning.”
The school day is split between rigorous academics and performing arts training. At the elementary level (K-4th grade) our students engage in literacy and mathematics instruction in a blended, one-to-one, technology-supported environment. Our performing arts classes provide a solid foundation while exploring different forms of artistic expression including theater, art, music, and movement.
Kindergarten students receive push-in class time for the arts disciplines throughout the week while 1st - 4th graders attend performing arts classes every day!
“My son loves the art, music, and dance classes. I feel that it really gives him a great opportunity to explore the arts and figure out different passions.”
- Parent review, niche.com
Middle schoolers receive a half day of academic instruction in classes that average no more than 25 students. Our teachers provide both advanced and supported instruction as needed.
Students in 5th - 8th grade select 4 performing arts electives from our artistic pathways: dance, vocal music, instrumental music, theater, musical theater, and visual arts each semester. Because we offer classes at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, no previous performing arts experience is necessary.
“I love PPA. I personally think it’s a great match for me. PPA is very diverse in its classes. They have everything from dance to debate. Not only do they have great classes, but the teachers are also amazing! They make class fun but they also are great at teaching and make it easy to learn and understand.”
- Student review, niche.com
“Our teachers are trained professionals,” says Mr. Molfino. “They’re passionate and experienced musicians, actors, and artists who give our kids really good experiences in the arts.”
Every fifth grader learns to play a musical instrument. Middle school students can also select from several electives including non-performance based visual arts, theater design, debate, multi-media production, yearbook, and Shakespeare.
Students at every grade level can participate in varied after-school activities. Girls on the Run, chess, origami, and Spanish clubs are options in elementary school; with even more to choose from in middle school like GSA, Improv, Math, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Honor Societies
Middle schoolers are also eligible to join honor societies and organizations including the International Junior Thespians Society, the National Arts Honor Society, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Student Council.
PPA offers school tours throughout the year. Sign up today to see all that’s happening here.
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About Parker Performing Arts School
Parker Performing Arts School (PPA) is a public, tuition free performing arts school serving elementary and middle school students, chartered by the Douglas County School District. We deliver the art of education combining a rigorous academic curriculum and daily training in performing and visual arts We accept all K-8 students interested in pursuing their artistic passion. Enroll now.