The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts Announces

Austin, TX - March 23, 2012 - The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts (ASPVA) will collaborate with Texas Connections Academy-Houston (TCAH), an online public school of choice, to offer students an academic program accredited by the Texas Education Agency, tuition-free, by state certified teachers. Students who reside in Texas and were enrolled in a public school 2011-12 are eligible according to state law.  TCAH is now open for enrollment and is based on a first-come, first-serve basis for grades 3 - 10. They expect to add 11th grade by fall 2012, and 12th grade the following school year. 

Carol de Cardenas, ASPVA founder, states, "This collaboration with TCAH makes our fine arts program more accessible to the artistically talented students in the greater Austin community." ASPVA serves students in grades 6 - 12 from intermediate to advanced artistic levels, and will schedule auditions upon receiving completed applications for their fee-based fine arts enrichment program in visual arts, dance, music, and theatre. Additional services include a 'bricks and mortar" educational facility, a 1:8 Learning Coach to student ratio, and tutorials. ASPVA 11th grader currently using Connections Academy, Kelsey Richards, explains, "I appreciate working at my own pace and not having to rush forward or be held back by other students.  It's a good way to balance academics while devoting time to develop my artistic abilities and creating my music."

Prospective students currently in grades 5 - 11 and their parents are welcome to join us for an Open House on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 7 - 9 pm to learn more about opportunities being offered by The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts.  Guest speaker, Lea Ann Lockard, Principal of Texas Connections Academy-Houston will present details of their available options. The Open House will be held in ASPVA's home located in the educational building of Central Christian Church at 1110 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701. Parking is free and guests may enter through entrance at southwest corner of building.

Space is limited so please RSVP by emailing info@theaustinschool.org or calling 512.522.7782. 

The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts (ASPVA) is an environment which promotes academic success, exposes students to the variety of artistic endeavors, and challenges students to continue to develop and perfect their unique talents.  ASPVA believes that the arts have the power to positively impact all areas of a child's life because of the unique ability of the arts to 
capture children's imaginations, motivating them to strive for excellence, and to see themselves and the world around them from new perspectives. ASPVA was established as a non-profit organization in 2006 and has served over 1,400 students grades K - 12 through their community outreach program. ASPVA began offering an accredited, full-time academic curriculum with an emphasis on the fine arts for grades 6 - 12  fall 2010 in their downtown location at 1110 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701. 

Texas Connections Academy @ Houston (TCAH) is a tuition-free, online public school that brings a fully accredited public education directly to students anywhere in Texas. TCAH is provided in partnership with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) under the terms of the Texas Electronic Course Program (eCP) and was established December 19, 2008. TCAH operates as an approved HISD campus charter and is accredited through HISD. The school serves students statewide and follows a standard school calendar. At TCAH, students do not have to sacrifice a quality education to pursue their individual interests, talents, or needs. Whether students are pursuing athletic or creative talents or addressing personal challenges, TCAH's individualized learning approach empowers students to reach their personal best-in the classroom and beyond.