Achieving the Arts Advantage: A Whole School Assessment for an Arts Rich Student Learning Environment
The Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation Board of Directors seeks to celebrate and recognize innovative and resourceful schools that provide arts rich educational curricula and programming for their students and the communities in which they live. This application requests information about the various forms of arts education provided to your school's students and related opportunities to learn in and through the arts. Beyond the award, the TAA Foundation Board plans to showcase the winning schools as diverse models of what an arts rich curriculum may look like in communities across the state. The hope is that through continued media coverage and exposure throughout the year following the award, other schools will be motivated to create their own plans to become an arts rich school.
All K-12 schools in the state of Tennessee are eligible to submit an application. A select committee, composed of highly qualified arts leaders, will score and rank the identified applications against established criteria. The applications will be ranked in terms of various components but not limited to the following categories: Arts educator personnel, instructional time dedicated to fine arts instruction, variety of arts curricular offerings within and outside of the schools day, rigor and quality of student work, financial support, equipment, facilities, policy and media visibility, arts-focused professional learning, community outreach and partnerships, and the overall unique vibrancy of the school's arts program. The application portal will open in October, with submissions due no later than December 31st. Up to ten K-12 schools will be chosen as TAA Arts Rich Schools of Merit. From that list, a new panel of evaluators will select one elementary, one middle, and one high school to receive the TAA Arts Rich School of the Year Award. *******THE APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW CLOSED UNTIL OCT 1, 2025.
Rozelle Elementary School for Creative and Performing Arts, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a vibrant institution dedicated to nurturing both academic excellence and artistic talent. As part of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools district, Rozelle offers a unique Creative and Performing Arts program that integrates arts education into the core curriculum. Students have the opportunity to explore their passions through activities such as dance, drama, music, strings, visual arts, and more. The school earned significant accolades as a Model School in 2024, and since becoming a 2024 TAA Arts Rich School of Merit, has been named a Model School in 2025 and a 2025 Magnet School of Distinction for commitment to excellence in education and the arts. These honors underscore Rozelle’s dedication to fostering a love for creativity and learning. Rozelle has demonstrated significant academic growth over the past few years. In 2022, Rozelle was designated as a Level 5 Reward school by the Tennessee Department of Education for academic growth. Emphasizing a culture of respect, responsibility, and readiness, the school inspires students to excel academically while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Rozelle Elementary’s holistic approach ensures that students are prepared to become future leaders, innovators, and positive contributors to their community. With its focus on academic rigor and artistic excellence, Rozelle Elementary continues to shine as a beacon of inspiration and opportunity for young learners.
South Doyle Middle School (SDMS), located “south of the river” in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a Title 1 school serving approximately 800 students in grades six through eight. SDMS’s mission is to become a magnet that draws people to the community and a foundation for residents of South Knoxville. Its vision emphasizes creating a culture of belonging and engagement to support students’ academic and social growth. The faculty includes specialists in academics, special education, English language learning, and the related arts. The school’s daily KEE Time develops the core behaviors of Kindness, Energy, and Effort. All students participate in daily related arts classes, choosing from more than thirteen options including chorus, band, beginner guitar, general music, performance arts, and news production. After-school offerings such as honors band, art club, ensemble, and Cherokee Singers expand access to creative learning. The SHADES after-school program further enhances engagement through STEM, culinary arts, and media workshops. Students regularly participate in local area arts events and various music competitions and showcases. Serving a richly diverse student body, SDMS values inclusive practices that reflect its commitment to equity and belonging. The school’s dedicated and collaborative team of professionals recognizes the role of the arts in supporting students’ cognitive, emotional, and academic growth and is dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities that connect students with their community and the world.
Collierville High School’s diverse population remains steadfast in upholding the district’s core values of scholarship, integrity, and service. The school, located in Collierville, Tennessee, strives for academic excellence, fostering a love for learning that shapes the students’ futures. The commitment to integrity ensures that the school’s actions are guided by honesty, responsibility, and ethical conduct. Dedication to service, an emphasis on the importance of the fine arts, fostering artistic literacy, and a commitment to offer an extensive range of arts classes provide students with opportunities for growth and challenge in their artistic pursuits. The requirement for all students to take at least one year of fine arts classes ensures that every student can explore their creativity and develop skills in the arts. Sixty-six percent of the student body is engaged in the arts. A high percentage of students continues to advanced classes, including honors and AP courses. Community involvement in performances, competitions, and shows not only supports and celebrates the achievements of students, but also fosters connections between the school and the community. In the past year, students participated in approximately 123 community art opportunities. These performances and contests provide valuable experiences for students to share their talents and passion for the arts with others. The Collierville High School Fine Arts Department is making significant strides in fulfilling its mission to cultivate artistically literate students who are actively engaged in the arts as lifelong learners.
