Savannah Arts Academy

- 500 Washington Ave, Savannah, GA 31405

For parents and students in the Coastal Empire and across Georgia, the search for a high school that seamlessly blends academic rigor with specialized arts training often leads to one exceptional institution: **Savannah Arts Academy (SAA)**. Located in the picturesque city of Savannah, SAA is Georgia’s first dedicated performing and visual arts school and a public magnet program within the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS). It is a highly sought-after educational opportunity that stands out not just in the local community, but consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the state and the nation, earning praise from sources like U.S. News & World Report.

SAA's core mission is to ignite a passion within each student by cultivating a nurturing environment that promotes artistic excellence in conjunction with a challenging academic curriculum. The atmosphere is one of intense focus and creativity, where students are not only talented in their chosen art form but are also dedicated to working exceptionally hard on their academics. The school maintains a curriculum composed entirely of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, providing a college-preparatory experience that ensures students are ready for their next chapter, boasting an impressive graduation rate. This dual commitment to the intellect and the imagination is what truly defines the Savannah Arts Academy experience for Georgia families.

Prospective students are drawn to SAA by the wide variety of art specialties it offers, which include **Visual Arts**, **Dance**, **Music** (Band, Orchestra, Piano, Chorus), **Theater**, and **Communications**. The admissions process is merit-based, requiring applicants to meet specific academic criteria set by the district, followed by a rigorous, major-specific audition. This competitive entry process means the student body is composed of highly motivated individuals who are genuinely eager to be there, creating a focused and welcoming social atmosphere that often minimizes the typical high school conflicts. Visiting the school, even just for an audition, leaves a lasting impression, with one parent noting the kind and welcoming staff and student ambassadors, while another observer admired the visible evidence of student talent, such as the colorful sidewalk chalk art.

Beyond the classroom and the studio, the academy encourages a well-rounded educational experience. Though the school may not have the traditional football team found in many Georgia high schools, it offers a wide variety of other sports and an abundance of after-school academic and extracurricular activities. The commitment to student development goes beyond test scores; it includes fostering leadership through programs like **Student Ambassadors** and promoting civic responsibility through **Community Service** requirements. This holistic approach prepares students for success not only in higher education but also as future leaders and engaged citizens of Georgia.

The Savannah Arts Academy is situated in a historically rich and picturesque area of Savannah, GA, adding to its appeal as a central and beautiful learning environment. Located directly across from a lovely, picturesque park, the school’s setting in a beautiful neighborhood contributes to a positive daily experience for students and staff.

Address: 500 Washington Ave, Savannah, GA 31405, USA

The historic building, originally a project of the Works Progress Administration, has been continuously updated to serve its modern educational purpose. Recent major improvements, such as replacing the windows, have significantly enhanced the school's facilities, improving the heating and cooling systems for a more comfortable year-round learning environment. The school also ensures accessibility for all visitors and students:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The facility has an easily navigable entrance to accommodate everyone.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Designated parking is available to ensure comfortable and close access to the building.
• It should be noted that the school's administration advises that the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is not able to provide transportation for Choice Program students at this time, which is a key consideration for families planning the commute.

Savannah Arts Academy, as a premier magnet school, provides a high-level educational experience with a robust suite of academic and arts-focused services for grades 9-12. These programs are designed to challenge students academically while nurturing their creative talents.

• Comprehensive Arts Program: Students major in one of the nine arts specialties, with extensive coursework in **Fine Arts** and specific training in their chosen discipline.
• Nine Art Specialties: Offerings include **Visual arts**, **Dance**, **Piano**, **Chorus** (Vocal), **Theater**, **Orchestra**, **Band**, and **Communications** (Film Studies).
• Rigorous Academics: The academic curriculum consists primarily of **Honors Classes** and **Advanced Placement (AP) Courses** to ensure superior college readiness.
• Online Learning / Virtual Learning: The academy integrates digital platforms and may offer or utilize **Online Classes** and virtual resources to enhance learning, especially for credit recovery or during specific circumstances.
• Summer Program: Opportunities for continued artistic and academic development during the summer months.
• Special Education: The **Exceptional Children** (EC) program is dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment, offering specialized academic support and accommodations.
• Student Services: Includes **Counseling** and guidance services for course selection, college planning, scholarships, PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation, and mental health resources.
• Extracurricular & Enrichment Opportunities: A variety of after-school clubs, academic-related activities, and sports teams (excluding football) are offered to enrich the student experience.

The distinct features of Savannah Arts Academy are what set it apart as a highly desirable educational destination within Georgia's public school system.

• Top Tier State Ranking: Consistently ranked as one of the top ten public high schools in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report, signifying exceptional academic quality.
• Specialized Arts Majors: A unique focus on allowing students to major in a specific art form, ensuring intensive and high-quality artistic instruction.
• 100% Honors/AP Curriculum: All core academic classes are taught at the Honors or Advanced Placement level, offering a demanding curriculum that prepares students for selective universities.
• Merit-Based Admissions: Admission is highly selective, based on both rigorous academic criteria and a successful, major-specific artistic audition, ensuring a highly engaged and motivated student body.
• High College Readiness: The challenging curriculum and the strong emphasis on both arts and core subjects contribute to the school's nearly 100% graduation rate and high college acceptance rates.
• Prestigious Annual Events: Students showcase their talents in high-profile events such as the annual **SAA Fashion Show** (formerly Junk 2 Funk) and the **Film and Media Festival**.
• Historic and Picturesque Setting: Located in a beautiful Savannah neighborhood, across from a park, in a facility that has undergone significant modernization and upkeep.
• Welcoming and Supportive Community: Despite the academic rigor, reviews highlight the friendly and supportive nature of the staff and student body, making it a positive place for artistic and personal growth.

For more detailed information on the choice program application, academic entrance criteria, audition rubrics, or to contact the main office in Savannah, please use the following details.

Address: 500 Washington Ave, Savannah, GA 31405, USA
Phone (General Office): (912) 395-5000
Mobile Phone: +1 912-395-5000

For Georgia residents searching for an unparalleled high school experience for their artistically inclined and academically ambitious student, Savannah Arts Academy is undoubtedly worth choosing. It provides a unique educational model that is hard to find elsewhere in the public school system.

The primary reason SAA is a stand-out choice is its **uncompromised commitment to a dual curriculum**. The school refuses to treat the arts as a simple elective; instead, it elevates the fine arts to the level of a core academic discipline, offering students a true "major" in their artistic field. Simultaneously, it maintains a remarkably challenging academic course load composed only of Honors and AP classes. This ensures that a student’s creativity is nurtured without sacrificing the intellectual rigor needed for top-tier college admissions. The high academic standards and the dedication of the qualified teaching staff mean that a student graduating from SAA is prepared for virtually any post-secondary path.

A second compelling reason to choose SAA is the **quality and culture of the student body**. The fact that every student goes through a rigorous audition and is there by choice, eager to work hard in both academics and arts, cultivates an atmosphere of mutual respect and dedication. As noted by one graduate, the students are highly motivated, and the culture is one where success is celebrated regardless of whether it comes from the classroom, the stage, or the art studio. This positive, focused peer environment is a crucial, often intangible, benefit that directly contributes to a student's confidence and overall high school experience.

Finally, the **opportunities for performance and exhibition** are extensive. The annual fashion show, film festival, and numerous concerts and plays give students professional-level venues to showcase their work to the Savannah community. These are not merely school projects; they are signature events that provide invaluable, real-world experience, distinguishing an SAA education from traditional high school arts programs and providing a strong portfolio for college applications. For the motivated young person in Georgia, Savannah Arts Academy offers a pathway to excellence where passion and intellect thrive together.

Savannah Arts Academy

500 Washington Ave, Savannah, GA 31405, USA