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To provide quality accessible arts education programs for Jackson County youth regardless of their financial means.
Jackson School of the Arts is a vibrant welcoming inclusive place that provides arts education programs for all ages and abilities.
Since 2001, Jackson School of the Arts mission is to make the arts accessible to Jackson County youth regardless of their financial means. The work of including, finding and providing programs to students not served anywhere else is at the center of the Jackson School of the Arts efforts. In September 2007 the “school” relocated to the ART 634 building next to Armory Arts Village.
We serve all youth by providing high quality low cost out-of-school programs for ages 2 ½ to 17 in art, dance and theater. Children come to take after school classes from all surrounding counties. Many are at-risk as identified by these indicators: poverty, welfare dependence, one parent household, un-wed mothers or both parents absent. We know that kids need an outlet for their creativity and energy. If this is stifled, they’ll find other ways of engaging in negative behavior. Just over 70% of the youth we serve are on scholarship or are paying at the lowest levels of the income scale.
Research has shown that “learning in and through the arts can help level the playing field for youngsters from disadvantaged circumstances.” The act of artistic creation expands and inspires young minds. An education rich in the arts is critical to the full intellectual, emotional, and social development of children – further, successful out-of-school programs have demonstrated that frequent access to and participation in the arts helps decrease and prevent negative behaviors in at-risk youth.
Jackson School of the Arts has grown into an organization with a reputation for excellence. We continually put a quality experience before profit which is why we keep class sizes small, frequently evaluate our programs and conduct research on best practices. We attribute our steady growth to the values we uphold as an organization.
The Jackson School of the Arts offers programs for all ages and levels in the visual and performing arts. We provide weekly classes on-site classes and partner with public schools and organizations to provide enriching out-of-school arts activities throughout the community. With on and off-site programs Jackson School of the Arts serves approximately 2,500 youth. It’s no wonder that Jackson School of the Arts has become the “go to” organization for arts education programs. Our staff of professional artists, actors and dancers are as at home in our studios as they are on stage. Click here to learn more about our classes and programs.
For two decades, Jackson School of the Arts has been a leading provider in art, dance, and theater education. As a nonprofit organization with a mission to make the arts accessible to all children, we offer subsidized fees that are based on household income.
Founded in 2001 by Leslie Montgomery as a 501(c)(3) organization with piano instruction, Jackson School of the Arts today provides multiple forms of artistic expression. From its beginnings as an after-school option for at-risk children, the organization has evolved into a multifaceted “school” for the arts that serves families from all over South Central Michigan.
The organization began in the founders’ living room and moved to 804 S. Milwaukee Street and then to the old Longfellow Elementary School building.
In 2007, Jackson School of the Arts relocated to the 2nd floor of the ART634 building. Also in 2007, we worked closely with the JSO’s Community Music School to transfer our piano students into their music program. From that point on, we began to specialize in the visual and performing arts not already offered in our community.
With our on and off-site year round programs we reach 2,500 children. We go above and beyond to reach children and youth in need whether that need is financial, social or something else entirely.
Jackson School of the Arts has grown into an organization with a reputation for excellence. We continually put a quality experience before profit which is why we keep class sizes small, frequently evaluate our programs and conduct research on best practices. We attribute our steady growth to the values we uphold as an organization.
“Growing up with a crayon always in my hand and a love for drawing and art I’m honored to be a part of the Jackson School of the Arts and to serve an organization that provides such meaningful and accessible programming to our community. I feel as though I get to be a part of coloring brighter futures for our kids!
Philip J. Curtis is a partner and managing attorney of Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski, P.C., which was founded by his grandfather, former Jackson County Probate Court Judge George H. Curtis, in 1901. As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, Mr. Curtis enjoys his family, giving back and serving his community by, among other things, serving on the Board of Directors of the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, the Jackson School of the Arts, and the Spring Arbor University Foundation in Spring Arbor, Michigan, and supporting many worthwhile organizations.
“Providing the arts for our children is vital to the health and development of our community. I’m honored to serve the Jackson School of the Arts as a community member and as a parent of a current student.”
“In my role at JTV, I have been able to help shine a light on the great people and organizations in our community, and Jackson School of the Arts is one of my very favorites. I’m also a student of JSA, and so impressed with their staff. This is my opportunity to give back, to an organization that has given so much to me. I look forward to doing my small part as JSA transitions into the historic downtown Masonic Temple Building.”
“On a personal level, I was a gymnast as a child and enjoyed art classes throughout school. Now, as an adult, I understand the value and impact that those experiences had in my life, and I want to be a part of bringing those experiences to children in our community,” Miller said. “My advice to others who want to get involved with their community is to determine what you’re passionate about and what strengths you bring to the table, and then find an organization that strikes the perfect marriage. Because when you find that perfect combination, your impact will be more meaningful – both personally and for the organization.
“As Dean of the School of Communication, Media and Fine Arts at Spring Arbor University, I work with other creatives. I spend my days surrounded by their paintings, music, stories, films, voices, and ideas. It makes my life beautiful and my heart full. The opportunity to serve Jackson School of the Arts is an opportunity to insure the creativity we are all born with, is nurtured in each and every person who is touched by the organization. After all, our ability to make the world a better, more beautiful place is at the core of being human. I am honored and humbled to be a part of that mission.”
“Upon moving to Jackson, I was immediately struck by the vibrancy of the art scene in Jackson. It’s unusual for a small community to have such rich offerings—a symphony, theatre, museum and of course, the Jackson School of the Arts! These institutions are treasures for our community.”
“The arts serve a critical role in a community and the Jackson School of the Arts is a beacon of hope for future generations to come. I’m honored to serve as a board member and support the equitable, impactful work the JSA is making in our community.”
