Nevada City School of the Arts

Nevada City School of the Arts (NCSA) is a public charter school located in Nevada City, California. Established in 1994, it serves Transitional Kindergarten through 8th-grade students across Nevada County. The school is part of the Nevada County Office of Education School District.

Overview

NCSA is recognized for its innovative approach to education, integrating the arts throughout its curriculum. The school's mission emphasizes the importance of music, dance, theater, and visual arts as essential components of a well-rounded education. This arts-integrated curriculum aims to foster a balanced and enriched life, encouraging students to appreciate and understand the role of arts in human experience.

Curriculum and Programs

The school's curriculum includes Main Lesson Art, which supports and enhances academic studies through tactile, hands-on experiences. Students engage with a variety of two and three-dimensional media, creating entries in a Main Lesson Book that illustrates key concepts from their academic studies. Additionally, Foundation Art provides a sequential introduction to art concepts and techniques, connected to art history, ensuring students gain a working understanding and practical skills in various artistic media.

NCSA offers a range of arts classes, including music, dance, and visual arts. Students in grades K-5 receive weekly music instruction, while those in grades 4-8 have bi-weekly instrumental lessons. The school regularly hosts exhibitions and performance nights to showcase students' talents in drama, music, and dance.

Enrollment and Admission

Admission to NCSA is managed through a lottery system, which is open annually from November to April. The lottery is used to fill available spots for the upcoming school year. If spaces remain after the lottery, students may be added from a non-lotteried waitlist.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

NCSA prioritizes creating an inclusive school culture that values diversity across gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, races, ethnicities, and physical and developmental abilities. The school is committed to identifying and addressing biases and barriers that may perpetuate inequality, aiming to foster positive identities and equitable opportunities for all students.

Performance and Recognition

NCSA is acknowledged for performing above average compared to similar public and charter schools in California with the same grade levels.

Organizational Structure and Funding

As a nonprofit organization, NCSA relies on a combination of public funding and private support to sustain its programs. The school conducts an Annual Giving Campaign to bridge the gap between state funding and the actual costs of its comprehensive programs. Contributions to this campaign are tax-deductible and are crucial for maintaining the school's commitment to arts-based education.

Native Land Acknowledgement

NCSA acknowledges that its educational activities take place on traditional lands occupied by the Nisenan people, recognizing their historical and ongoing stewardship of this area. The school aims to develop cultural competencies and relationships that support Indigenous sovereignty.