Joshua School of the Arts (Orientation)

When a potential supporter for creative youth development approaches me, one of the first things I tell them is to look at the numbers. This model works. Students who participate in rigorous, arts-based after SCHOOL PROGRAMS PERFORM BETTER IN SCHOOL AND HAVE HIGHER GRADUATION RATES THAN THAT OF THEIR PEERS WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ARTS .I believe strongly that developing young artists is of great value and not just because an arts education will improve academic scores. Tapping into the arts offers a pathway for students to access their deepest and most authentic selves and provides them with a creative outlet for expression and reflection.  Through this curriculum I hope to produce not only high school graduates, but citizens healthy in mind and body. Citizens with experience articulating their own values while being mindful of the values and diversity of their peers. Citizens who know how to lead while encouraging the people around them. Citizens who appreciate the beauty and brilliance of the natural world, knowing how to pause and listen to its wisdom. Citizens who can make difficult choices in order to create beauty, Artful citizens.