Artspace Charter School

I have to agree that this is an excellent school, and deserves 5 stars. My children came to this school from an out-of-state private school in 2009. The teachers, counselor and administration consistently worked with us to help them to adjust. Throughout the years, I have volunteered, working closely with the teachers and adminstration, and have come to deeply appreciate their noble intention and vision of a school that teaches through creativity and exploration: Caring, professional, pro-active teachers; arts-integrated curriculum; small class sizes; visiting teachers programs; wonderful AIG resources; staff and program for children with special needs; state of the art facilities for theatre and dance, and the list goes on. If you want to join a community of families and faculty in a warm, creative, integrated, and safe school culture, then this is the school for you!
--Submitted by a parent

This is the third year that our daughter has been a student at ArtSpace. My husband and I have been active partners with each of her teachers. She has benefitted greatly from team teaching, visiting artists, performing, and the after school extra curricular offerings. Since we both work, our daughter attends after-care but during that time she has participated in classes in: French, Spanish, crochet, pottery, mosaic tiling, play writing & performance, tae kwon do, belly dancing, jump roping, and voice lessons. ArtSpace encourages our daughter to be herself and to explore new and creative outlets for expression. We feel quite fortunate to be a part of the ArtSpace family. My husband and I expect to and do interact with both the teaching staff and the administration on a consistent basis. They have always been willing to bend over backwards to assist our daughter when we have approached them in a reasonable manner. We encourage other like-minded parents to explore ArtSpace for their children.
--Submitted by a parent

This is one of the BEST schools in Western North Carolina. They blow the county public schools away every year on EOG testing, and last year had an NC Teacher of the Year honored. The reviews I have read on this site that are negative are made up of parents who live in denial about thier children's abilities and their own lacking ability to parent well. As a longtime parent, I see kids come and go, and in most cases, the ones that leave under negative feelings do so because they were reprimanded for bad behavior, and the parents won't accept it. You won't find a better school in the county, or possibly the state.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended ArtSpace since he was in kindergarten. He is now in the 6th grade and we have nothing but positive things to say about this school. The teachers are dedicated and talented and committed to success of all students. As an Academically Gifted student my son has been challenged and encouraged to work beyond what is easily achieved. The arts are an important part of daily instruction at ArtSpace and this has been fun and exciting for my child. I look forward to two more great years at ArtSpace for my son and will most definately enroll my daughter when she is ready to start kindergaren.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at ArtSpace and NEVER will want to go to another school in the area! The best part of this school is undoubtedly the teachers. As I have gone through 7 years of ArtSpace and each year have gotten attached to my teachers. Not only have I learned much, but have befriended a few of my teachers, and so has the rest of my family. Our new AIG teacher has taught us all about genes, a subject often taught in high-school. There are many after-school programs, teaching a variety of things from music lessons to digital recording. In the 6th grade class i am in now, we have started learning about early Europe, such as Rome, Greece, and Scandinavians. Our teacher has tought us lots about lifestyle by teaching us songs, wich we analyze all of the lyrics and make connections to their society. We have started practicing Sakespeare's original, uncut, version of "The Merry Wives of Windsor", and will perform in December. ArtSpace is of course the best school in WNC, if not all of the Carolinas.

If my child was not so happy about Artspace I likely would move him. My child has been there since 2003 and the school had a more warm, friendly, and welcoming environment initially. Numerous changes have occurred with the new leadership of Ms. Cozi and unfortunately not all have been good although I believe she is gaining experience in her role. I believe the schools focus has shifted and perhaps the more negative influences of new staff and the outside world has weakened the schools approach in maintaining a less hostile, warm and supportive environment. I hope the school gets back on track otherwise I will be searching for a school that can offer the same hostility but has more to offer academically and especially in the math and sciences.
--Submitted by a parent

Try to make this short, my son went in on lottery at age 4, soon to be 5, He had a amazing teacher, my son struggled a bit do to his age with his social skills but did well with the school work, at the end of the year we met and I was assured that he should be passed threw to the 1st grade even though I feel social developmentally he was behind, I was hesitant because I really felt like another year of kinder garden would have done wonders! 1st grade stared bad and only got worse, He had a teacher that not only did not want to deal with him when he acted up {normal boy things} but would make a huge effort to separate him and single him out! We changed schools and he reading jumped 7 levels in 3 months, and he is HAPPY!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We have had two kids at ArtSpace, and have moved both out. This is one of the worst run schools I have ever encountered. Teaching is very spotty and teachers generally seem unmotivated. We could not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Superb teachers, art-inspired education, and an eclectic family community equals a wonderful school experience!
--Submitted by a parent

Great arts integrated learning environment. Amazing teachers. Fantastic community.
--Submitted by a parent