A+ News

Participating in ongoing, high-quality professional development is one of the three indicators of a highly engaged A+ school (along with principal leadership and teacher engagement), and it is the most important service that A+ Schools of N.C. offers.

A+ school White Oak Elementary in Carteret County transforms classrooms using arts-integrated curriculum woven throughout daily lessons.

A revolutionary way of approaching education started in North Carolina nearly 30 years ago, and it has been transforming the lives of students and teachers ever since. A+ Schools of North Carolina is a whole-school transformation model that views the arts as fundamental to teaching and learning.

A+ Fellows are leaders in the arts and education, and each year they facilitate high-quality professional development for A+ schools and partner organizations. Meet Gideon Young, one of our most enthusiastic A+ Fellows!

Photo: Teachers from Odyssey School at the 2024 A+ Summer Institute in Asheville. Photo credit: North Carolina Arts Council.

Welcome to "Capturing Creativity," a visual celebration of the creative and engaging work happening in A+ Schools. This collection of photographs and captions offers a glimpse into the vibrant classrooms, dynamic projects, and dedicated individuals who are practicing A+ philosophy every day.

To celebrate Arts in Our Schools Month, we’re shining a spotlight on A+ Schools of North Carolina. Established in 1995 by the Kenan Institute for the Arts, A+ Schools is the longest-running arts-based whole-school transformation model in the nation.

School’s in for summer!

When students begin their summer vacation, teachers at many A+ schools return to learning at an A+ Schools of North Carolina summer conference.