Visual & Performing Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

The focus of the Visual and Performing Arts program is to develop a student’s talents and passion for the arts. Students receive specialized studies in dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts. As an integral part of a strong academic program, the Arts are approached through Arts education, integration and exposure.

At the elementary level, the Arts are used as a catalyst for building a collaborative, creative, Arts-infused culture and community. Students receive weekly classes in each of the four arts disciplines, as well as Arts integrated instruction in their grade-based classroom.

Students continuing to the middle and high school program will receive seven consecutive years of rigorous, intensive instruction in the visual and performing arts at a pre-professional level. The program provides flexible, skill-based groupings in the visual and performing arts to address the needs of individual students.

*Athletic programs and marching band are not offered on Visual & Performing Arts school sites. Students may participate in these activities at their home school (transportation is not provided).

Visual and Performing Arts Schools

Elementary

Transportation Zone

Blue

Green

Violet

Middle

Transportation Zone

Blue

Green

Violet

High

Transportation Zone

Blue

Green

Violet

Notes About Transportation Zones

Students from the home high school boundaries of Ardrey Kell, Harding, Hopewell, Myers Park*, Olympic, Palisades, South Mecklenburg, West Charlotte, South County Relief and West Mecklenburg will receive transportation to Myers Park Traditional.
- Students from the home high school boundaries of Butler, Hough, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Independence, Mallard Creek, Rocky River, Myers Park*, North Mecklenburg, Providence, and Chambers will receive transportation to Elizabeth Traditional.
- Myers Park High attendance area and Center City magnet feeder residents may apply to either Elizabeth Traditional or Myers Park Traditional.
Tuckaseegee serves the West Mecklenburg High School feeder pattern portion of the Blue Zone.
Students must complete the Late Entry process to enter a Montessori program for the first time after first grade.
Paw Creek serves the Violet Zone and the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern portion of the Blue Zone.
Parkside serves the Violet Zone and the Green portions of the Garinger and Rocky River High feeder patterns.
Long Creek Elementary serves the Violet Zone and the Blue portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern.
Language Immersion schools require a Late Entry Assessment after kindergarten.
Highland Mill Montessori serves the Violet Zone and only the Garinger HS feeder pattern of the Green Zone.
Quail Hollow serves the Blue Zone, excluding Harding University High School Feeder and Myers Park High School Feeder.
LI/TD magnet students have a continuation guarantee into middle school IB.
Coulwood serves the Violet Zone students living in the Hopewell, West Charlotte and the Blue portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern.
Governors Village serves all Violet Zone students in grades K-5. In grades 6-8, transportation is provided to students living in the Hough, Mallard Creek, North Mecklenburg, and Chambers High.
Wilson Middle serves the Blue Zone and the Violet portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern.
Northeast Middle serves the Butler, East Mecklenburg, Independence, and Providence High feeder patterns.
Northridge Middle serves the Violet Zone and the Green portions of Garinger and Rocky River High feeder patterns.
Whitewater Middle serves the Violet Zone and the Blue portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern.
Language Immersion schools require a Late Entry Assessment after kindergarten.

Entry Requirements

Students in kindergarten through 5th can apply through the School Choice Lottery. There are no entry requirements.
There are currently no entry requirements for 6th-8th grade students entering Crestdale Middle School. Students can apply through the School Choice Lottery.
A School Choice Lottery application and a successful audition are required for entry to Northwest School of the Arts. Schedule an audition.

Our Elementary Magnets are A+ Schools

A+ Schools of North Carolina is the largest, longest running, most successful arts-based whole-school reform effort in the nation. Since 1995, A+ Schools has been using the arts as a catalyst for creating connections and making school engaging, meaningful and enjoyable places to teach and learn. In this video, learn more about A+ and how it transforms teaching and learning.

Magnet Expectations Agreements

Elementary Schools – Visual and Performing Arts Expectations Agreement (revised 8/8/2023): English version

Crestdale Middle School – Visual and Performing Arts Expectations Agreement (revised 6/22/2023): English version

Northwest School of the Arts – Visual and Performing Arts Expectations Agreement (revised 7/11/2023): English version

Students Who Thrive in Visual and Performing Arts…

Are creative thinkers
Enjoy instruction in dance, music, theatre arts, and visual arts
Welcome opportunities to participate in performances
Learn from visiting artists and guest speakers
Are visual and hands-on learners
Thrive in special instructional opportunities, like photography, band, orchestra, and piano

Northwest School of the Arts Flip-Books

Click the image below to flip through the brochure and learn about NWSA!

NWSA’s Visual Arts Department Flip-Book