MUSEUM SCHOOL FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
The Museum School for the Visual Arts is a unique alternative education high school that provides a challenging and nurturing environment focusing on individual growth, opportunity, and diversity. Originally founded in 1993 by the Tucson Pima Arts Council as an after-school visual art, service-learning program, the school is managed by the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) in partnership with the Tucson Museum of Art and is located within the Museum’s Education Center. Its goal is to transform the lives of youth by providing them with visual art based learning opportunities that promote empowerment.
Students and Faculty
The Museum School serves a culturally and socioeconomically diverse student body of 26 - 32 youth from communities throughout the city of Tucson ranging in age from 16 - 21. During the school year 88% of students come from Pima County and TUSD and the rest from other districts in the metro area as part of a voluntary inter-district exchange program. Students who attend the Museum School have a strong interest in the visual arts and prefer small teacher-student ratio and self-paced academic curriculum.
The academic faculty is fully credentialed, and the majority of the academic and visual arts instructors hold advanced degrees. They are dedicated and supportive professionals who help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in higher education or a profession in the visual arts. Guest artists and industry leaders also share their creativity and expertise with students through lectures, presentations, studio tours, and hands-on workshops. Students also benefit from instruction led by Museum professionals, including curators, museum educators, and collections managers. There are two volunteer retired educators serving as academic tutors.
Academics
The Museum School provides a student driven academic program aligned to the Arizona State Standards which meets all requirements for graduation from an accredited public school. Each day students attend 3 hours of academic classes in addition to 2.5 hours of visual arts instruction. Classes include: language arts, social studies, science, world history, and math.
Visual Arts
The Museum School is Tucson’s primary destination for aspiring young artists to refine their skills and flourish in one of several visual art courses offered, including figure sculpture, ceramics, drawing and painting, mixed media, film analysis, and art history. The school also offers a graphic design course in conjunction with, Joint Technological Education District (JTED). The students often take part in art workshops revolving around special programs at the Tucson Museum of Art, such as Dia de los Muertos and the Spring Artisans’ Market.
Admission Requirements
Students interested in attending must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, provide a personal statement, a self-portrait (in any medium), and draw a repeated pattern. Letters of recommendation are encouraged.
Tuition
The Museum School is a public school and therefore tuition free. No student is admitted or denied based on financial capacity.
How to Apply
Applications can be picked up in the Museum’s Education Center. To schedule a visit or receive more information please contact the Manager of Youth and Family Programs at 520-624-2333, ext. 121 or email School@TucsonMuseumofArt.org.
