Not every K-8 student who attends tuition-free charter Parker Performing Arts School has aspirations to star on the stage. Some are curious and want to explore our five artistic pathways while others are interested in our unique approach to learning that combines academic rigor and daily arts training. No matter what their motivation to attend, every PPA student benefits from our program.
What Students Gain from an Arts Education
A study on the impact of arts education for K-12 students found that the academic, social, and emotional benefits are significant.
Arts-learning experiences benefit students in terms of reductions in disciplinary infractions, increases in compassion for others and improvements in writing achievement. Furthermore, arts-education experiences improve school engagement
and college aspirations.
Houston Education Research Consortium
At PPA we prepare our students to become independent creative thinkers, critical problem solvers, and successful collaborators. These skills are essential to school success and foundational to preparing kids for life outside the classroom.
Arts Education Inspires Learning
“At PPA we coalesce around the arts so kids can focus on what it is they want to do;
but we’re growing kids academically as well as artistically here.”
PPA principal, Phil Molfino
No audition is required to attend PPA. Arts instruction is offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. More advanced students mentor and teach younger students which encourages collaboration and empathy, more skills that develop through our distinctive program.
“The conceptual things that underlie music, theater, and dance like counting out
beats, writing scripts or blocking a play – every artistic process – also develops
academic skills.”
PPA principal, Phil Molfino
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. Middle schoolers (5th – 8th grade) receive a half day of academic instruction in classes that average no more than 25 students.
“Because creatives are idea people, they often make profound changes in
society and in culture. Here at Parker Performing Arts we’ve developed a journey
for creative kids that sets them on that path.”
PPA principal, Phil Molfino
PPA is now enrolling for the 2025-26 school year.
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.