About Jessye Norman
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
History
The Jessye Norman School of the Arts was founded in 2003 by the Rachel Longstreet Foundation, Inc. and was funded in large part during its first year by its namesake, the celebrated opera singer and Augusta native Jessye Norman, who has continued to be very involved in the life of the School in the intervening years. The School, a 501(c)(3) organization, offers courses in dance, drama, visual art, music, digital art, and creative writing on the same academic schedule as the Richmond County School District.
The school was first housed at St. John United Methodist Church and drew its first students from Tubman Middle School. By 2007, there were students from nine different schools attending JNSA; currently the school serves students from 11 public and two private schools.
In 2008, Augusta philanthropist Peter Knox donated the building at 739 Greene Street, near the Augusta Downtown Historic District, to the school. Phase 1 of the renovations were completed on the first floor in the spring of 2011.
Enrollment has grown steadily each year, and the school now serves over 1200 students a year in all programming!
The Jessye Norman School is funded by donations and grants.
Mission
The Mission of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts is to develop students to become creative, caring, visionary, responsible citizens through the transformative power of the arts. The broad-ranged fine arts program challenges students academically, integrates technology and lays the foundation for extraordinary life experiences.
The Jessye Norman School of the Arts is an after school program designed to develop and nurture the artistic and creative talents of students. The School of the Arts serves the cultural and educational needs of these youth by providing:
Tuition-free Fine Arts instruction
Academic Tutoring
An opportunity for advanced level study in dance, drama, music, art, and creative writing and more
Exposure to professionals working within the arts fields
Information on possible careers in the arts
Knowledge of technical aspects of presentation and performance
Facility
The Jessye Norman School is located in downtown Augusta on the corner of 8th and Greene Street. Originally meeting at St. John Methodist Church when it began in 2003, the school was gifted its current facility by Peter Knox in 2008. This 18,000 square foot building includes seven classrooms including a spacious dance studio, an art gallery, a full kitchen, and a theatre space. In addition to our Afterschool, Summer camp, Homeschool, and Community classes, this facility also houses community events. Visit our main lobby for beautiful artwork, information about Jessye Norman, the School, and our award winning programming. For information about partnering, please email ops@jessyenormanschool.org.
Accessibility
The JNSA facility is fully ADA compliant and includes access ramps and an elevator.
THE JESSYE NORMAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS IS COMMITTED TO ACCESSIBILITY AND ENCOURAGES ALL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY FOR AND PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMMING. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL AT 706-828-7768 WITH ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS OR QUESTIONS.
The JNSA Creed
The Creed, written by Russell Joel Brown, is the JNSA guide for conduct for students and staff.
I represent something larger than myself
In everything I do
And in everything I say.
I represent myself, my family, my school,
And the Jessye Norman School of the Arts.
I will strive to bring honor to all that i represent,
By doing only my best,
Saying only my best,
And being only my best.
I am a student of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts!
Video Gallery
The JNSA Students and Staff have Partnered with many fantastic organizations to create short videos, PSAs, Films, and more. Check them out below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel! Want to become a partner or creating a video? Email us at ops@Jessyenormanschool.org!
Our Programming
After School Program
The Jessye Norman School is first and foremost, a tuition free after school program for students between 5th and 12th grade who have a desire to pursue advanced education in visual, digital, and performing arts. Students meet between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm daily, with formal class time starting at 4:30. Each school year, students choose to pursue a discipline for the duration of the semester; each semester culminates in a professional level gallery show and theatrical performance. We serve over 400 students a year in our After School and Summer Camp programs. Classes are taught by degreed professionals in a variety of arts fields in both performing and visual arts. For applications and registration information, click below.
Summer Camp
During June and July, JNSA offers a tuition free Summer Camp program in house, as well as partnering with local organizations to offer arts education and curriculum for periphery summer camps. Students are provided a healthy breakfast and lunch, and have the opportunity to participate in STEAM based classes with professional artists. Click Below to apply for summer camp!
Homeschool
Fabulous Friday (And Wednesday!) Homeschool Program
Our affordable homeschool arts enrichment classes take place on Wednesdays and Fridays and cover a range of subjects including fitness classes, STEAM and visual/performing arts classes. Learn more by clicking the button below.
Community Classes
JNSA hosts many community classes and private, one on one lessons. Including tap, dance, painting, acting, vocal, guitar, and violin classes. Click here for more information on community classes.
The Garden
The Dr. Linda Scales Art Garden
Dedicated to the schools founder, Dr. Linda Scales, the Art Garden started with a single flower bed and bloomed into a space for the community to enjoy. Filled with flowers, vegetables, and herbs, what started off as an empty lot became a living, breathing work of art which and now includes a stage for entertainment and open air concerts, as well as a larger-than-life mural by Jay Jacobs.
Students learn about gardening throughout the year through regular visits to our outside garden and are taught about healthy and sustainable food, and have the opportunity to engage directly with the garden by attending the Garden Club during the summer. We encourage all members of our community to visit and grab a handful of herbs and vegetables as they need!
The Garden is also home to a little free Library put together by local artist and faculty member Jacob Boland, and a beautiful blessing box!
Health Resources for JNSA Families and the Augusta community!
We are very grateful for the Augusta University College of Nursing- Clinical Nurse Leader Program for putting together some amazing health and mental health resources for JNSA Families and our community. Resources include clinic, insurance, mental health, and pediatric resources and information at little to no cost to community members. They also created and installed this beautiful blessing box in our Art Garden! Donations are welcome and needed! Click here for more information!
