The federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) supports the creation of new schools and the replication of charter schools that are producing results. In this series, we take a closer look at charter schools across the nation that were able to open their doors and serve unique community needs due to CSP grants.
Harding Fine Arts Academy (HFAA) is a college preparatory high school in Oklahoma City that focuses on the integration of arts and academics. Community leaders and fine arts advocates founded HFAA with the mission “to provide an arts-enriched learning environment merging aesthetic and academic content to enhance student achievement and to encourage arts-related careers and lifelong arts appreciation.” Students take classes in required academic subjects, including mathematics, English, science, and social studies, and can also select up to three elective classes in dance, music, theatre, or visual arts programs. HFAA received a startup grant through the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP), and Principal Barry Schmelzenbach remarked that, “Being able to access those federal funds made a major impact on our ability to meet the needs of our students. Without the CSP funding, we would be years behind where we are right now. In the ten years we’ve operated, we have been able to provide an opportunity for students where we are now ranked as one of the top ten high schools in the state. We would not have been able to reach that level this quickly without the CSP funding.” Anthony, a senior, said, “Through attending HFAA, everything that is unique about you will just flourish. It’s like a seed is planted in you freshman year, and by the senior year you’re this big blossomed tree.” Please click here to learn more about Harding Fine Arts Academy and other charter schools that have received CSP funding.
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