TRUMBULL CO. Academy for arts prepares to open

The plan is to add seventh-graders to the program in September and older grades if interest continues.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Classes begin next month for the second semester at the new Trumbull Arts Academy.
Twenty-five fifth- and sixth-graders from 15 Trumbull County school districts will start classes at the new school Jan. 27. The academy, an offering of the Trumbull County Educational Service Center, will be in the former Lordstown Middle School building.
The Lordstown school district no longer uses the building.
Debbie Quinn, TCESC director of curriculum and instruction, said Jan. 6 is the cutoff for student applications.
Service center officials have interviewed teacher applicants and expect to have one selected soon.
The academy is an outgrowth of the center's Arts/EXCEL, which allows students to focus on the arts 21 Fridays throughout the school year.
Courses of study include visual arts, vocal and instrumental music, drama and dance. The academy will enable students to learn the basic courses incorporating the arts.
Children interested in attending the school will submit applications, complete an essay and a personal interview with their parents and perform an audition. There also will be academic requirements.
"The interview, with the student, their parent and us, is mostly to answer their questions," Quinn said.
Here's the plan
The Arts/EXCEL, which has been in the county for about 12 years, and Arts Explore programs will continue. Trumbull Arts Academy will start with fifth- and sixth-graders when the school opens in January.
The aim is to add seventh grade to the enrollment in September and add older grades if interest continues.
Academy pupils will follow the same guidelines as those attending other schools in the county as far as proficiency test scores, attendance and report cards.
One regular classroom teacher will work with the pupils in academic subjects, and the artist-instructors also will be on hand during the school day for art instruction.
The 15 participating school districts will contribute $2,000 per student to attend the arts academy, but the bulk of funding is coming through grants.
First Place Foundation is contributing $25,000; TMH Foundation, $2,250; and the Raymond John Wean Foundation, $30,000.
"That's what made it all possible really," Quinn said.
dick@vindy.com