Tuition-free charter school Parker Performing Arts (PPA) gives K-8 students in Douglas County the freedom to explore the arts for free all within the hours of a regular school day. Psychologists agree that this kind of freedom helps kids thrive. In fact, trying new things is essential to their healthy development.
Free to Explore
No audition is required to attend PPA. Instruction is offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Our students are exploring dance, movement, theater, music, and visual arts.
“[Our daughter] has so much joy going to school every morning. We all
appreciate that she is able to spend half of her school day exploring interests
such as musical theatre, tumbling, dance, music, and art. We believe this,
in addition to the amazing teachers at PPA, have helped her thrive.”
PPA Parent
The school day is split between rigorous academics and performing arts training. Students learn literacy and math in a blended, one-to-one, technology-supported environment for half the day. They then practice movement, dance, instrumental and vocal music, theater, and visual arts under the direction of our professionally trained arts faculty for the rest of the school day.
Free to Create
Not every PPA student may want to be on stage. Those who prefer to be behind the scenes can try their hand at stage managing, lighting, directing, and even make-up.
Our middle school electives include theater design and multimedia production where 5th - 8th graders learn how to write screenplays and direct movies. Our visual arts offerings include drawing, painting, sculpture and handicrafts. This program is designed to not only foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage, but to enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, and express themselves.
Free to Perform
Shows take place throughout the school year. Past productions have included Shrek Jr., The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Seussical The Musical. Dance recitals, instrumental concerts, and choral performances are also scheduled regularly and often open to the public. We provide the opportunity to have students perform on stage each semester.
“Watching the grade level plays is hands down my favorite thing to attend
and watching the growth all the students make each year. Can't wait to see
where my children's journey takes them as they continue at PPA.”
PPA Parent
PPA is enrolling now for the 2025-26 school year. For more enrollment information click HERE.
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.