Mission Statement
The Newark School of the Arts (NSA) changes the lives of youth through access to quality education in the performing and visual arts. We accomplish this by providing excellence in sequential education and training, offering an emerging state of the art learning environment, accepting students of all ages and abilities, and partnering with other successful arts educators while maintaining affordability and accessibility. NSA is a family and community oriented school that has served over 50,000 individuals since its inception, and provides education for up to 750 students each week.
About
The School provides high-level training in the performing and visual arts. Since 1968, the school has offered instruction for everyone with an interest in the arts regardless of age, talent and financial resources. NSA is a family and community oriented school that has served over 50,000 individuals since its inception, and provides education for 750 students each week.
The school serves children from age 3 months to senior citizen through long-term sequential training that often contributes to lifelong learning and professional careers in the arts. Many additional students have benefited from individualized instruction and became successful in other fields of endeavor. Through the emphasis of comprehensive arts education, all students are given opportunities to perform and exhibit in formal and informal settings.
Specialized instruction is offered on all musical instruments, voice, music, dance (ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, zumba, social dance), drama and the visual arts (drawing and painting, acrylic painting, clay hand-building, cartooning, jewelry design, digital photography, portfolio development). Ensemble training opportunities include dance workshops, string, wind, guitar, and percussion groups. Special programs are available for talented students and children of preschool age. Individuals with special needs and senior citizens are integrated into NSA programs. In addition to on-site training, the school also serves area preschools, public, charter and private schools as well as other organizations through special arrangement.
The international faculty with degrees and advanced degrees from leading conservatories is chosen with a view toward professional competence and ability to work effectively with children and adults. Teachers strongly identify with the mission of the school. Some have remained with NSA for many years.
Newark School of the Arts supported in-part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, and funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. The School received a 2016, 2017 and 2020 "Citation of Excellence" and is designated a "Major Presenting and Service Organization" by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Other major support comes from the City of Newark (CDBG/HUD), Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Prudential Foundation and Prudential Financial, Victoria Foundation, Turrell Fund, William Randolph Hearst Foundation, Inter-Atlantic Group, and Wells Fargo.
