What are Fine Arts?

Fine arts programs are alive and well in Pasco County. Our programs offer students the opportunity to pursue their interests in art, dance, music, or theatre. We offer introductory courses for students that just want to explore the arts and earn their fine arts credit required for graduation. We also offer advanced level instruction in art, dance, music and theatre. Each genre of fine arts has its own path for students to pursue. Visual art course offerings include 2D, 3D, Digital Art and Photography. Dance offers different levels and styles of dance such as modern dance, ballet, choreography etc. Students can study various forms and different levels in Chorus, Band, Guitar, Steel Drum, Orchestra, Keyboard, Music Theory, and Jazz Band. Theatre has several course offerings such as Theatre, Acting, Technical Theatre, Playwrighting, Music Theatre, and more. Although all Pasco schools offer fine arts courses, we have several schools that offer in depth programs. Longleaf Elementary features a creative schedule that includes mini-majors. At this Florida Arts Model School, students can study art, music and theatre. We also have the FAME Academy at River Ridge and the Fine Arts Conservatory at Cypress Creek. These schools have expanded fine arts course offerings. To learn more about the offerings and pathways see the descriptions below.

How can I become part of a Fine Arts program?

Fine arts coursework is available at ALL schools. Students who live within the attendance boundary of Cypress Creek Middle School, Cypress Creek High School, River Ridge Middle School and River Ridge High School have the opportunity to be a part of expanded fine art programs. Students zoned for these schools should contact the school for specific course offerings. Students not zoned for these schools but wish to attend should complete the Pasco Pathways School Choice application. Students will be reviewed for a 2.0 GPA for any middle or high school courses taken as well as any required prerequisites for the grade level for which they are applying. All students that meet eligibility criteria will be sent to the lottery, even if this number exceeds the total number of available seats. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students residing in district will be given preference, followed by students outside the district. Applicants are randomized and seats are filled by the number of open opportunities designated during the seat setting process. Students not placed during the lottery process will be placed on a randomized waitlist. Students who accept their invitation to enroll from out of zone may not be eligible for school bus transportation.

Orchestra

Pasco County Schools is proud to offer Orchestra as an option for all middle and high school students. Orchestra programs allow students the opportunity to learn how to play an orchestral instrument such as violin, viola, cello or string bass. In addition to learning to play an orchestral instrument, being a part of an orchestra program offers several other benefits such as improved social skills, collaboration with peers, developing a sense of responsibility, improved cognitive skills and high engagement. We are excited to have multiple pathways to ensure students in all parts of our County have this option. If your student’s zoned school offers orchestra, contact the school’s administration for information on enrolling in an orchestra course. For students whose school does not have an orchestra program, please view the pathway document below. Families should use this map to determine the school for which they can apply for orchestra.

View the Orchestra Pathways map.

Students that apply to a high school orchestra program must have at least two years of playing experience at the middle school level or equivalent through private study or community orchestra. Beginning orchestra is offered at the middle school level so students do not need prior experience to participate. Students may need to provide their own instrument as school supply is limited. 

Students from outside of the school’s residential zone who apply through school choice will be reviewed for a 2.0 GPA for any middle or high school courses taken as well as any required prerequisites for the grade level for which they are applying. All students that meet eligibility criteria will participate in the lottery, even if this number exceeds the total number of available seats. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students residing in district will be given preference, followed by students outside the district. Applicants are randomized and seats are filled by the number of open opportunities designated during the seat setting process. Students not placed during the lottery process will be placed on a randomized waitlist. Students who accept their invitation to enroll from out of zone will not be eligible for bus transportation.

Cypress Creek Conservatory of the Arts

The Cypress Creek Conservatory of the Arts (CCCA) at Cypress Creek Middle School and Cypress Creek High School provides students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to access a multitude of arts programs. These include digital and visual arts as well as performing arts such as theatre, dance, chorus, band, and orchestra. The Conservatory of the Arts is designed to provide students with a highly specialized and sequential program of study that aids in the development of a students’ own artistic vision. The alignment of middle school, high school, and collegiate level arts programs, provides students with a world-class arts education and a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares them for careers in the arts and post-secondary education. 

In collaboration with PHSC, students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to begin their arts curriculum in the sixth grade and potentially extend their performing and fine arts journey into dual enrollment arts programs at PHSC as early as their sophomore year of high school. CCCA is designed to enhance students’ problem-solving skills, global cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills, through intensive creative study. Students will be able to take the knowledge learned in this program and apply it to future careers within the fine, and performing arts, and beyond. 

In addition to the curriculum, teachers and students will be able to utilize the Cypress Creek Middle School Black Box Theatre and the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC). Access to these facilities will provide these pre-professional students in the CCCA with real world experiences in all facets of the fine and performing arts; such as gallery work, vocal, movement, theatre performance, technical theatre, stagecraft, and digital arts. It is the hope of the Cypress Creek Conservatory of the Arts that all students leave with the necessary skills to make them college, career, and life ready.

Longleaf Elementary School

Longleaf Elementary School (LLES) is a Florida Department of Education Model Arts School and Florida Arts Achieve School. LLES was recognized as one of the best elementary schools for the arts in the state. It was the only elementary school in Tampa Bay to receive this prestigious honor. The Longleaf staff believes that all students can thrive when given choices in how they demonstrate their thinking, knowledge, and understanding. The school’s arts integration curriculum encourages and provides students with opportunities to use their creativity to problem solve, enhance communication and listening skills while increasing focus and discipline. 

The Longleaf Show Choir has traveled extensively throughout the state. They also performed in Washington D.C. and Nashville, where they received top honors as America’s best elementary show choir. In addition to choral groups, Longleaf Elementary offers musical theatre for every grade level, as well as enhanced music options such as drum line and modern band. The art department offers students the opportunity to study 2D and 3D art as well as sculpture.

River Ridge Middle & High School - FAME (Fine Arts and Musical Entertainment)

The FAME Academy at River Ridge Middle School allows students to have access to a comprehensive visual and performing arts coursework including visual and digital arts, dance and choreography, theatre, vocal, band, orchestral, and guitar/general music. In addition to the diverse curriculum offerings, teachers and students will have the opportunity to utilize the River Ridge Center for the Arts and the Black Box Theatre to provide professional real-world experiences in the visual and performing arts. Through partnerships with practitioners in these fields like the Straz Center, the students are provided many opportunities to showcase their talents throughout the community. Students will be able to take the knowledge learned in this program and apply it to future careers within the visual and performing arts and beyond. 

The FAME Academy at River Ridge High School allows students to have access to fine arts coursework ranging from art to theatre. This academy provides a comprehensive fine arts education and allows students the opportunity to perform and showcase their work throughout the community. Students within this academy leave with skills that allow them to pursue careers and higher education in the fine arts. Students learning through creativity enhances their ability to be problem solvers and in-turn increases their performance in core academic classes. River Ridge is proud to offer expanded fine arts offerings to their students.

 

Prior to applying for school choice, you must have a Parent Portal account set up in our student information system (myStudent). Please visit Enrollment Services for additional information.

Sign up to receive more info via email and get a friendly reminder once the Pasco Pathways school choice application window opens later this school year.

 

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