Calhoun Academy of the Arts
General Information – Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Overview
Calhoun Academy of the Arts is a public magnet elementary school located in Anderson, South Carolina, serving grades from prekindergarten through grade 5. It emphasizes an arts‐infused curriculum, integrating visual arts, music, dance, drama, and creative writing into core academic instruction so that students gain both academic proficiency and strong artistic literacy. The school’s mission centers on preparing all learners to be college and career ready, encouraging lifelong learning and creative thinking.
For many years, Calhoun has been certified as an “ABC School,” reflecting its commitment to Arkansas-based arts integration standards, and it is supported by the South Carolina Arts Commission. The school boasts dedicated faculty in theater and dance, a keyboard lab, and a large auditorium capacity on campus. In its position as part of Anderson School District 5, Calhoun Academy seeks to serve both local neighborhoods and families drawn to an arts-focused education, aiming to enrich student experience by blending creativity with rigor.
Contact Information
Address: 1520 East Calhoun Street, Anderson, South Carolina 29621
Phone Number: (864) 260-5090
Fax Number: (864) 231-2802
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| School Type | Public magnet elementary school |
| Grades Offered | PreK through Grade 5 |
| Certification | ABC Certified School (arts integration) |
| Established as ABC site | Since 2006 |
| Arts Programs | Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Creative Writing |
| Auditorium Capacity | 800 seats |
| Keyboard Lab | 30-station Yamaha lab |
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Rankings
| Ranking Metric | Position / Value |
|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade | B+ |
| Niche Academic Grade | B |
| Niche Diversity Grade | A |
| GreatSchools Rating | 4/10 |
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Academics
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Faculties / Departments
- Visual Arts Department
- Music Department
- Dance Department
- Drama / Theater Department
- Creative Writing / Language Arts Department
- Core Academics Department (Math, Science, Social Studies)
- Early Childhood / PreK Department
- Special Education / Support Services
- Gifted & Talented (if available)
- Technology / Media Integration Department
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Courses and Programs / Majors
Because the institution is an elementary magnet school, the term “majors” does not apply. Nonetheless, students enjoy a curriculum that includes:
- Visual arts classes (drawing, painting, sculpture)
- Music instruction (keyboard, vocal, general music)
- Dance and movement classes
- Drama and theater arts, including performance and production
- Creative writing and language arts enrichment
- Core subjects: math, reading, writing, science, social studies
- Integrated arts across curricula to support academic learning
- Technology / media arts integration
- Gifted and Talented differentiated lessons
- After-school arts clubs or workshops (if available)
Online Learning
Calhoun Academy of the Arts principally functions as a face-to-face elementary school. There is no published information indicating a robust full online program. In times of need (such as school closures or remote instruction periods), the school may adopt virtual instruction or hybrid modalities temporarily, but its core design remains rooted in classroom, arts-infused instruction and hands-on activities that do not translate easily into fully online formats.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Assessment | Reported Performance / Notes |
|---|---|
| State testing proficiency (Reading) | ~46 % of students scoring proficient in reading (per Niche) |
| State testing proficiency (Math) | ~46 % of students scoring proficient in math (per Niche) |
| National standardized tests (e.g. SAT, ACT, GRE) | Not applicable at elementary level |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As an elementary school serving grades PreK–5, Calhoun Academy of the Arts does not publish retention and graduation rates in the same manner as secondary or higher education institutions. The concept of “graduation” in this context would be moving from grade 5 to grade 6, but that statistic is not publicly documented. The school focuses instead on maintaining student engagement, low attrition, and strong foundational performance in early years. Student progression is monitored through formative assessments, grade-level benchmarks, and support programs to ensure continuity of learning.
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Calhoun Academy of the Arts does not hinge on GPA or SAT/ACT scores, since it is a magnet elementary school. Instead, candidate evaluation may consider student readiness assessments, prior school performance (if applicable), parent interest, arts interest or aptitude, and alignment with the school’s vision. Because students entering early grades may have little prior record, selection often depends on space, lottery, or district criteria rather than academic thresholds.
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Acceptance Rate
| Year / Admission Cycle | Approximate Acceptance or Enrollment Selectivity |
|---|---|
| Recent Years | Not publicly disclosed; selective based on available seats and magnet criteria |
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Application Requirements
Families desiring admission typically submit an application form, demographic and prior school data (if the child has attended preschool or kindergarten elsewhere), and may complete an arts interest inventory or brief interview. Some students may be asked to participate in a readiness or placement assessment in early literacy or numeracy. Because of the magnet nature, the admissions process may emphasize equitable access, arts potential, and alignment with district goals. The application may also request proof of residency, immunization records, and parental consent forms.
Application Process
- Complete and submit magnet school application
- Provide prior preschool or kindergarten records (if any)
- Complete readiness or screening assessments when required
- Participate in an interview or arts interest activity (if requested)
- Review by admissions committee or lottery system
- Notification of acceptance or lottery result
- Enrollment registration, orientation, and course placement
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Entry Level | Application Deadline | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|
| PreK / Kindergarten | Varies annually (often spring) | Early enrollment recommended |
| Grades 1–5 | Varies by year | Dependent on space and magnet transfers |
Essay Prompt
Because Calhoun Academy of the Arts serves young children, essay prompts are uncommon. In cases where older students (e.g. grade transfers) are applying, a short prompt like “Why I love arts and would like to attend Calhoun Academy of the Arts” or “How I enjoy creating art or music” might be requested. These prompts help gauge student enthusiasm, interest, and alignment with the school’s mission.
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Scholarships
As a public magnet school, Calhoun Academy does not charge tuition and thus does not offer scholarships in the traditional sense. All eligible students within the district or magnet catchment can attend without direct cost. Support such as free or reduced lunch, transportation, or supplies may be provided by district programs to reduce barriers for families.
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition for All Students | $0 | Public school, no tuition charged |
| Extra Materials / Fees | Minimal | May require fees for art materials, performance costumes, or instrument rental depending on school policy |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Calhoun Academy of the Arts serves approximately 441 students in grades PreK through 5, with a balanced gender distribution (around 50 % female, 50 % male) per Niche. The student body is racially and ethnically diverse: approximately 41.5 % African American, 36.1 % White, 11.6 % Hispanic, 10.4 % multiracial, and smaller proportions of other racial/ethnic groups. No significant population of international students is reported, as it is a local public magnet serving district families.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The school serves many students from economically disadvantaged families; in fact, Calhoun reports that 100 % of its students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs per available data, marking a high level of socioeconomic diversity and need. Regarding students with disabilities, the school supports special education services and accommodations under public school mandates, though specific percentages of students with disabilities are not publicly disclosed. The arts-infused model aims to provide differentiated access and support so that all students can engage meaningfully in creative and academic work.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number / Estimate | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Total Students | ~441 | Enrollment across PreK through grade 5 |
| International Students | 0 | Primarily local district population |
| Students Receiving Free / Reduced Lunch | ~100 % | High proportion of economically disadvantaged students |
| Students with Disabilities | Not publicly reported | Supported as part of district special education services |
University Diversity
Though Calhoun Academy of the Arts is an elementary-level institution rather than a university, diversity is a central feature of its community. The school embraces students from a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, cultivating both inclusion and equity. The fact that all students qualify for free or reduced lunch demonstrates a community of significant economic need, and the school’s arts magnet status likely helps draw families from across district lines. The racial mix is quite varied, creating opportunities for students to interact with peers of different backgrounds and life experiences daily. Diversity in such formative years is especially valuable, helping students develop cultural awareness, empathy, and a capacity to collaborate across difference. Teachers and administrators often plan curriculum, performances, and community projects that reflect this diversity and invite student voice from many perspectives. In doing so, Calhoun seeks not only to serve its local community but to prepare children to live and create in a pluralistic society rich with difference.
Average Earnings
Because Calhoun Academy of the Arts is a PreK–5 elementary school, there is no post-graduation earnings data as would exist for a university. Its success is better measured via student academic growth, arts proficiency, readiness for middle school, and long-term outcomes for alumni. The school’s approach is designed to build foundational skills — literacy, problem solving, creative thinking, social-emotional development — that support future educational and career success. While specific earning projections are not available, graduates who continue through secondary education with a solid academic and arts grounding may pursue college and careers in creative industries, STEM fields, education, or public service. The early exposure to arts integration can enhance critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability—qualities that may contribute indirectly to lifetime success and earnings.
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Calhoun Academy of the Arts is staffed by educators, arts specialists, administrative leaders, instructional support personnel, and school operations staff. Though exact headcounts are not publicly listed, the student-teacher ratio is approximately 13:1, meaning a relatively robust faculty for elementary levels to provide personalized instruction and small-group arts integration. In addition to classroom teachers, there are dedicated arts teachers in dance, drama, music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, plus support staff in technology, special education, and administrative support. Leadership includes a principal and assistant principal who oversee the academic and arts programs and coordinate with district offices.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Calhoun Academy of the Arts often possess credentials in both academic and arts disciplines, with specialized training or experience in arts integration, music pedagogy, drama education, dance instruction, and visual arts. The school maintains full-time theater and dance teachers, and the presence of a 30-station keyboard lab indicates strong music staff capacity. The arts programming is robust enough to support a large auditorium (800 seats), implying significant involvement in productions and performances. The school has been recognized as an ABC Certified site for many years, suggesting faculty participation in arts education professional development. Staff achievements likely include student productions, community arts collaborations, awards or grants via the South Carolina Arts Commission, and contributions to district-level arts initiatives. Because of the magnet status and arts emphasis, many teachers also lead extracurricular arts activities, performances, and curricular integration efforts, fostering a culture of creative excellence among students.
Calhoun Academy of the Arts Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Calhoun Academy of the Arts functions as a day school without residential housing, like most elementary institutions. Students commute daily from their homes. Campus life, however, is vibrant: students engage in regular arts performances, school-wide productions, assemblies, rehearsals, arts showcases, and community arts events. The presence of a large-capacity auditorium (800 seats) enables school productions, community performances, and gatherings. Artistic displays in the school halls, dance studios, music rooms, drama spaces, and visual arts labs contribute to a creative environment. Student life often includes after-school clubs, arts workshops, and performances, anchored by the arts mission of the school.
Transportation
Students travel to Calhoun Academy primarily by district-provided buses, parent drop-off, or carpooling within the school district. As a magnet school, transportation support may be part of district magnet provisions to facilitate access across zones. Once on campus, the layout is typical of a single-school facility, with students moving between classrooms, arts studios, rehearsal spaces, and the auditorium by foot. The campus is designed for ease of internal mobility so students can transition between academic and arts classes with minimal travel time. Bus routes and drop-off loops are organized to support efficient arrival and departure of students in multiple grades.