Thurman Francis Arts Academy
General Information
About Thurman Francis Arts Academy
Thurman Francis Arts Academy is a distinguished public middle school in Rochester, New York, that emphasizes a strong foundation in both academic and artistic education for students in grades 6 through 8. The school is committed to cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression, allowing students to explore multiple artistic disciplines while maintaining high academic standards. Students benefit from an integrated curriculum where core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies are complemented by intensive arts instruction in areas such as music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Thurman Francis Arts Academy fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages collaboration, individuality, and leadership. Teachers work closely with students to develop both technical skills and creative thinking, ensuring that students not only achieve academic success but also thrive as expressive and innovative individuals. The school prides itself on providing opportunities for students to engage in performances, exhibitions, and community projects, linking arts education to real-world experiences. By balancing rigorous academics with a rich arts curriculum, Thurman Francis Arts Academy prepares its students to excel in high school, college, and beyond, while instilling lifelong appreciation for the arts and a strong sense of self-confidence and resilience.
Contact Information
Address: 480 Thurman Street, Rochester, NY 14621
Phone Number: (585) 324-7550
Email Address: info@thurmanfrancis.org
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2003 |
| Motto | “Where Creativity Meets Learning” |
| Type | Public Middle School |
| Grades | 6–8 |
| School Colors | Purple and Gold |
| Mascot | Phoenix |
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Rankings
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| New York Public Middle Schools | Top 30% |
| Arts-Focused Schools (Statewide) | Top 10 |
| Student Academic Growth | High |
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Academics
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Faculties / Departments
- Language Arts Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science Department
- Social Studies Department
- Visual Arts Department
- Music Department
- Theater Department
- Dance Department
- Technology and Innovation Department
- Physical Education and Health Department
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
- Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Literature, Creative Writing
- Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry Fundamentals
- Science: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Laboratory Investigations
- Social Studies: World History, U.S. History, Civics, Cultural Studies
- Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Digital Media, Sculpture
- Music: Instrumental and Vocal Music, Music Theory, Band, Choir
- Theater: Acting, Stage Production, Drama Studies
- Dance: Ballet, Modern Dance, Choreography
- Technology & Innovation: Robotics, Coding, Multimedia Projects
- Physical Education and Health: Fitness, Team Sports, Health Education
Online Learning
Thurman Francis Arts Academy provides online learning options for remote instruction, particularly in cases of illness, inclement weather, or hybrid programs. These virtual lessons maintain alignment with in-person curricula and include interactive instruction, collaborative assignments, and arts-based projects that ensure students continue developing creatively and academically.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Performance |
|---|---|
| State Assessments – Math | 75% proficiency |
| State Assessments – English Language Arts | 78% proficiency |
| Music & Arts Competitions | Regional Recognition |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The school demonstrates strong retention of students through grades 6–8 due to its supportive academic and arts-focused environment. Graduates transition successfully to competitive high schools and specialized arts programs, reflecting the school’s focus on holistic student development and preparedness for advanced educational opportunities.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Middle school admissions generally focus on prior academic performance, teacher recommendations, and demonstrated artistic aptitude rather than formal standardized test scores. Students are evaluated based on report cards, portfolios, auditions, or teacher evaluations to assess readiness and potential.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Approximately 65% |
| Arts Talent Admission | Approximately 85% |
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Application Requirements
Applicants must submit prior school records, teacher recommendations, and a completed application form. For arts-focused admission, students provide a portfolio or participate in auditions. Families are encouraged to schedule interviews or campus visits to understand the school’s culture and programs. The school evaluates both academic performance and artistic potential to ensure each student is well-positioned to thrive in its dual-focused environment.
Application Process
- Complete and submit application form
- Provide school transcripts and teacher recommendations
- Submit artistic portfolio or attend audition if required
- Participate in interview or school visit
- Receive acceptance decision and confirm enrollment
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Process | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 1 |
| Early Audition/Portfolio Deadline | November 15 |
| Regular Admission Deadline | January 31 |
| Enrollment Confirmation | March 15 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants may be asked to write a brief essay describing their artistic interests, creative inspirations, and what they hope to achieve at Thurman Francis Arts Academy. This essay allows students to demonstrate their passion, creativity, and alignment with the school’s mission.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Scholarships
The school offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to support students demonstrating exceptional artistic talent or academic promise. Financial aid ensures access to the academy for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Public School Tuition | Free for residents |
| Arts Program Fee | $500 per year |
| Extracurricular Activities | $250–$500 per year |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The school enrolls approximately 350 students aged 11–14 years, with an equitable gender distribution. Ethnic diversity includes roughly 45% African American, 30% Hispanic, 15% White, 5% Asian, and 5% other backgrounds, fostering a culturally rich learning environment.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Thurman Francis Arts Academy serves a significant proportion of students from low-income families, offering robust support services. Special education programs provide tailored instruction for students with learning differences, ensuring equity and access to all programs.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 350 |
| Middle School Students | 350 |
| Students Receiving Special Education Support | 10% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 12:1 |
University Diversity
Diversity is a central component of the Thurman Francis Arts Academy experience. Students engage with peers from varied cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, promoting understanding, collaboration, and inclusivity. Arts programming, team projects, and community initiatives encourage interaction across diverse groups, fostering empathy and cultural competency. This emphasis on diversity not only enhances creativity but also prepares students to thrive in multicultural environments, nurturing socially conscious and globally aware individuals who appreciate multiple perspectives.
Average Earnings
While middle school students do not yet earn income, Thurman Francis Arts Academy alumni often pursue specialized high school programs and, later, careers in arts, education, technology, and professional fields. Early exposure to artistic expression, critical thinking, and leadership equips students with skills that contribute to long-term academic success and career achievement, positioning them for stable and rewarding futures.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The academy’s faculty consists of experienced educators specializing in both academic and artistic disciplines. Staff members provide individualized instruction, mentorship, and guidance, creating a supportive environment where students can excel both creatively and academically.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Teachers hold advanced degrees in their respective fields, with extensive experience in arts education, STEM, and humanities. Many faculty members have received awards for teaching excellence, community engagement, and innovation in arts integration, ensuring high-quality education for all students.
Thurman Francis Arts Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day school, Thurman Francis Arts Academy offers a vibrant campus life focused on extracurricular engagement. Students participate in visual and performing arts events, after-school programs, clubs, and community service projects. The campus is equipped with art studios, performance spaces, music rooms, science labs, and recreational facilities, providing a well-rounded learning environment that supports both academic and artistic growth.
Transportation
The academy provides bus services and safe pedestrian access to accommodate students from surrounding neighborhoods. The campus layout ensures efficient movement between classrooms, arts studios, and recreational spaces, supporting a seamless and engaging school day.