Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts

- 4201 Rhododendron Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758

For families in the Osceola County region of Florida seeking a unique and enriching primary school experience, the Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) stands out as a distinguished public educational institution. Located in Kissimmee, this elementary school (Pre-K through 5th Grade) has been formally recognized by the State of Florida as an Arts Model School for its exemplary commitment to integrating fine arts into the core academic curriculum.

The philosophy at PAFA centers on developing the "whole child" by blending rigorous academics with a comprehensive fine arts program. This arts-integrated approach is a critical component of the school’s identity, encouraging students to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills that extend beyond the classroom. The school is part of the Osceola County School District and is dedicated to providing engaging, relevant, and challenging instruction that adheres to the district's scope and sequence.

The dedication of the staff, many of whom have formal training in arts integration, is often highlighted by parents and community members, who praise the devoted and dedicated teachers and the hands-on, responsive administration. The focus on arts and a supportive learning environment helps students not only succeed academically but also grow into well-rounded, creative individuals.

This institution is a great option for Florida families prioritizing an early education that values creativity, performance, and a holistic approach to student success within a public school setting.

Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts is conveniently situated in the Kissimmee area, making it an accessible educational option for local Osceola County residents. The exact address is 4201 Rhododendron Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758, USA. This central location within the community allows for a strong connection between the school and local families, which is evident in the reportedly superb parent turnout for various school events and activities. The school's administration actively welcomes and responds to parents' inquiries, reinforcing the strong community-oriented environment.

The school is committed to accessibility for all members of the community. In line with this dedication, PAFA provides specific facilities to ensure ease of access:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

While the focus is on the local student body, the school is part of the Osceola School District’s Choice Program, which allows parents the ability to select the school they want their children to attend, provided the school has capacity and program availability. Prospective families should check enrollment and transportation details via the Osceola County School District resources.

Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts offers a range of services and educational programs that enrich the core elementary curriculum:

• Comprehensive Fine Arts Education: All students in grades K-5 experience all core arts programs, including Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music, and Strings.
• Arts Majors and Minors: Students in upper elementary grade levels have the opportunity to select an area of concentration (major/minor) based on their interest and skill level, allowing for deeper engagement in the arts.
• Online Classes/Learning Options: The school provides options for online classes as part of its service offerings.
• Rigorous Core Curriculum: The school follows the Osceola County School District's scope and sequence, ensuring students receive instruction aligned with Florida State Standards in subjects like Reading/Writing (ELA - Wonders Reading Curriculum), Math (Florida Reveal Math), Social Studies (Social Studies Alive!), and Science (Discovery Education).
• Student Support Systems: Systems are in place to support students through a rigorous curriculum, complete with college preparatory and career and technical education paths designed to meet the needs of every student.
• Extracurricular Arts Clubs: After-school clubs are typically offered, including Art Club, Drama Club, and others that support the fine arts focus.
• Athletics and Sports Programs: Opportunities for after-school sports like Track and Field, Cross-Country, and Soccer are available at various times throughout the school year.
• Gifted Program: The school lists 'Gifted and Talented' as a type of program offered, catering to advanced learners.
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): The school utilizes PBIS, promoting positive behavior and a supportive school environment.
• AVID School: PAFA is recognized as an AVID school, which means it employs strategies to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom through student-centered learning and problem-solving.
• School Resource Officer: A full-time sworn law enforcement officer serves as a School Resource Officer on campus every day, reinforcing a commitment to safety and security.
• School Productions: PAFA produces several shows each year for the school and the broader community, allowing students to showcase their talents in areas like dance and drama.

The Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts offers several distinctive features that make it a notable choice for Florida families:

• State of Florida Arts Model School Recognition: This designation confirms the school's high standard and successful integration of the arts since 2002.
• Arts Integration in Core Academics: Classroom teachers are formally trained to weave arts content and skills into core subjects like Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies, enhancing academic outcomes and providing a full view of life.
• Highly Qualified Educators: The school employs outstanding, certified educators and staff who provide engaging, relevant, and rigorous instruction, with many teachers having served the school for years.
• Acclaimed Dance Program: The dance program is specifically highlighted in community reviews for its beauty and the dedication of the staff, who work tirelessly on productions.
• Focus on STEAM: While primarily an arts school, the rigorous curriculum and focus on problem-solving, technology (like TV Production), and critical thinking aligns with the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The school administration proudly embraces a diverse student population and promotes inclusion in the learning environment.
• Exceptional Parent Involvement: The school is known for having many events and activities that involve parents, consistently resulting in a 'superb parent turnout,' reflecting a strong, family-oriented community spirit.
• Commitment to Student Success: Multiple parent testimonials affirm the school's dedication to ensuring every child succeeds, often providing individualized support and encouragement.

To learn more about the school, enrollment, or to contact the administration, please use the following details:

Address: 4201 Rhododendron Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758, USA
Phone: (407) 343-4500

Choosing Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts is an investment in a child’s holistic development, combining the structure and accountability of a public elementary school with the unique enrichment of a dedicated arts institution. For Florida residents, especially those in Osceola County, PAFA offers an opportunity to leverage the benefits of an Arts Model School.

The key factor that makes this school a worthy choice is its proven, systematic integration of the arts into academics, which has been shown to boost a child's creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall engagement in learning. As one parent noted, the students become “more critical and creative learners” with an appreciation of the arts.

Furthermore, the school operates with a clear mission to see every child succeed. The administration and dedicated teachers are responsive and 'hands-on,' ensuring that students like the one who "adores that place" and parents who are "very happy" feel supported. Whether a child is interested in Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music, or Strings, PAFA provides an early, foundational stage for developing these talents alongside a rigorous, college-preparatory academic path. This commitment to both academic excellence and artistic expression in a family-oriented, public school setting makes Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts a standout choice in the Florida educational landscape.

Poinciana Academy of Fine Arts

4201 Rhododendron Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758, USA