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!