MILWAUKIE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

Milwaukie Academy of the Arts is a Public Charter School in the State of Oregon. MAA is sponsored by the North Clackamas School District.  

Located on the campus of Milwaukie High School, MAA will officially begin its fourth year as a charter school as the 2008-2009 school year begins. We will have all four grades and our first graduating class.

Milwaukie Academy of the Arts is a high school that will offer a rigorous and meaningful learning experience in and through the fine and performing arts.  Core subjects (Science, Math, Language Arts, Social Science) are integrated together and with the arts, for students whose interests, abilities, and learning styles connect with visual and performing arts. Students are encouraged to advance their interests and passions in the fine and performing arts by participating in arts electives--drama, music, dance, and visual art—as well as pursue other courses such as foreign language and business. Many of these electives are classes accessed by Milwaukie Academy of the Arts students in Milwaukie High School.

How do I obtain an application?

Students who wish to apply for the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts in the 2008-2009 school year must be entering high school, grades 9-12, in the fall of 2008.  You can print out an application and mail it to the address on the application or contact our office to have an application mailed to you.

Is there an application deadline?

Due to limited size, prospective students are encouraged to enroll for MAA as early as possible. The first enrollment period is open from February 1 until March 15.  If applications exceed the school's target capacity for next year, student applications will be selected by a lottery.  If there is still room after March 15, another enrollment period will be open from to students April 1 until May 1, 2007. Applications from students outside the NCSD boundary will be eligible.

How many openings for new students are expected in 2008-2009?

Our target population for the coming school year is 200 students.  Our full capacity will not exceed 200.

What makes MAA unique?

Integration. We are enthused about the emphasis on learning in and through the arts. There is much research demonstrating the benefits of learning in an integrated manner. Our core subject teachers integrate with each other and the Fine Arts faculty.

·     Size.  We are creating a small school that has its own unique identity, while preserving important connections with the larger school that will allow students to have access to important elective choices and school services.

·     Community. As a smaller school, our staff and students will have the opportunity to become well acquainted, and to develop a sense of accountability to one another.

Project Based Learning. Our students will work in small groups on projects that help them to express and display what they have learned. Student generated projects help learning to be more fun and effective.

·     Parent Involvement. One of our important priorities at MAA is to develop strong parent participation in this school.  We hope to see parents here during the school day, and of course, attending our events that showcase student accomplishments.

Will I be able to participate in athletics, bands, choruses and other extra-curricular activities if I’m enrolled at MAA?

OSSA and District policies require that students who are participating in athletics and activities that are OSAA sanctioned for competition will need to participate at Milwaukie High School.

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a public school which may provide instruction in any grade K-12. A charter school is usually created or organized by a group of teachers, parents, community leaders or a community-based organization and is usually sponsored by an existing local public school board.

Any student in the state of Oregon may apply to any charter school in Oregon that is designed for their grade level and academic goals. Milwaukie Academy of the Arts is for students in grades 9-12 who have an interest or participation in the Visual or Performing Arts.

Specific goals and operating procedures for the charter school are detailed in an agreement (or "charter") between the sponsoring board and charter organizers. Milwaukie Academy of the Arts is sponsored by the North Clackamas School District.

Is a charter school public or private?

A charter school is by law a state sponsored public school. Any student in the state of Oregon may apply to a charter school, even if that school is not part of their local school district.

If my child needs special educational services, will the services be provided?

Yes, if a student who is enrolled into MAA has identified needs for educational services and they live in the NCSD, those services will be provided. MAA contracts with NCSD and Milwaukie High School to provide such services for in district students. If you do not live in the NCSD, the district where you live will provide your special education services. IF YOUR CHILD IS ON AN IEP OR 504, THE INFORMATION REGARDING THOSE NEEDS MUST BE MADE KNOWN TO MILWAUKIE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS UPON APPLICATION. If your child is capable of honors chredit, those credits can be earned through core classes at Milwaukie Academy of the Arts.