FAQs – Our School – Premier Arts Academy

What is the cost of tuition?

Where is the school located?

We are excited to partner with Lifeline Youth Ministries as the owner and operator of the newly constructed HUB (located at 2721 Prairie St.) in Elkhart for our school facility. The HUB is a 50,000 sq/ft community-center facility under construction and scheduled to be finished this summer. Premier Arts Academy is leasing the building during school hours and will be collaborating in the afternoons with Lifeline after school programs.

Can I see a map of the school?

Who is your faculty & staff?

Click here for the full directory of faculty and staff.

Ashley Molyneaux, Head of School

Ashley is an enthusiastic educational leader with more than a dozen years of experience in teaching, administration, and in creating high-impact educational programs. Through her professional experience, she has demonstrated her capacity as a leader, the ability to motivate faculty in the pursuit of increased achievement, and has collaborated to build a student-centered culture of learning. Ashley co-founded and led the Elkhart Education Foundation to be named the #1 non-profit in Elkhart County due to the foundation’s exponential growth and positive impact on the local school district. Ashley will serve as the instructional leader for the Premier Arts Academy.

Craig Gibson, Executive Artistic Director

Founding Executive Director of the internationally recognized Premier Arts theater organization, Craig Gibson is a Muncie Indiana native who now proudly calls Elkhart home. He is an award-winning actor, director and writer who has given the gift of theater to our region for more than fifteen years. Showcasing local talent and sharing powerful stories on the stage is his passion. Children’s programming is an important hallmark of his work. Craig is also known for inspiring the next generation of theater lovers by investing in young people through arts appreciation programming. Craig will serve as the artistic leader for the Premier Arts Academy.

What is a Chartered Public School?

A charter school is a public school that operates under a contract, or charter, entered into between the school’s organizer and a charter school authorizer (sometimes referred to as a charter school “sponsor”). Under Indiana Code § 20-24, charter schools are established to serve the different learning styles and needs of public school students, to offer them appropriate and innovative choices, to afford varied opportunities for professional educators, to allow freedom and flexibility in exchange for exceptional levels of accountability, and to provide parents, students, community members, and local entities with an expanded opportunity for involvement in the public school system.Like traditional public schools, charter public schools must have open enrollment policies, may not charge tuition, and cannot discriminate based on disability, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, or ancestry.

What is your Language Arts and Math curriculum?

At Premier Arts Academy, we are dedicated to providing our students with a rigorous and engaging educational experience that fosters academic excellence. Our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners and to support their growth in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.

English Language Arts (ELA)

Grades K-5: Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Our K-5 students benefit from the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program, which emphasizes a strong foundation in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. CKLA integrates rich, content-based texts that build knowledge across subjects, helping students develop comprehensive literacy skills and a deep understanding of the world around them.

View scope and sequence here: https://amplify.com/pilotpacks/ckla-scope-and-sequence/

Grades 6-8: Amplify ELA For our middle school students, we use Amplify ELA, a curriculum that challenges students with complex texts and interactive lessons. Amplify ELA focuses on developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, preparing students for high school and beyond. Explore the detailed scope and sequence of Amplify ELA here: https://amplify.com/programs/amplify-english-language-arts/whats-included/

Mathematics

Desmos Math by Amplify In Mathematics, we utilize Desmos Math by Amplify for all grade levels. This innovative program combines interactive digital tools with a comprehensive curriculum to help students understand mathematical concepts deeply. Desmos Math encourages problem-solving, logical reasoning, and the practical application of math skills. Learn more about the scope and sequence of Desmos Math by Amplify here (K-5, 6-8 ).

At Premier Arts Academy, we are committed to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. Our ELA and Math curricula are key components of this commitment, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Will students wear uniforms?

The School expects student dress and grooming to be neat, clean and in keeping with community standards, so that each student may share in promoting a positive, healthy and safe atmosphere within the School. This expectation encompasses the School day and school sponsored extracurricular activities. Students may wear special clothing necessary for a school-sponsored event, as permitted by the Head of School.

The dress and grooming of the student body affects the educational environment and the climate for learning in our school. We believe that helping students become aware of the appropriate dress for various activities is part of the educational process. The nature of our curriculum demands that students have the correct clothing and footwear in order to be safe and to learn effectively.

Upper garments will consist of any shirt that is available through the PAA apparel line. The Academy students will have a wide selection of school gear to choose from to wear as their shirt. A wide range of colors and styles, all featuring the PAA logo, will be available in our school store and our online ordering portal. Students will be expected to be in a branded shirt every day unless it is a special dress-up or dress-down day. Students may wear a long-sleeve shirt (solid color) underneath their PAA shirts. Shirts must be properly fitted (not oversized or overly tight, and must cover the top of the lower garment). Shirts must not have holes. Sweatshirts or sweaters available through the PAA apparel line may be worn during the school day. A PAA logo must be visible at all times.

Lower garments will consist of appropriate jeans, khaki pants, walking shorts, capris, skirts or athletic pants (including sweatpants or yoga pants). Pants and shorts must be properly fitted (not oversized or overly tight) and must not have holes. Pants must fit at the waist, or a belt must be worn to prevent them from falling.

Shoes or boots must have both closed heel and toe. Gym shoes are recommended. You must also provide appropriate dance shoes as necessary.

Will there be transportation?

How will lunch work at the Academy?

Who is responsible for your accreditation?

Ball State University is our authorizing organization. We report everything including calendar, finances, operational procedures, safety protocols, test scores, curriculum, staff certifications, and academic achievement to their Office of Charter Schools annually. We also are held accountable by the Indiana State Board of Education where we must report all the same metrics that other public schools do. We are accountable to both entities as well as our local school board.

Does Premier Arts Academy have to do standardized testing?

Why must there be a Blind Student Lottery?

The Premier Arts Academy is a public school and thus will serve ALL kids regardless of demographics, test scores, or socio-economic status. That being said, there will be a limited number of spots in our classrooms as we usher in a responsible and sustainable growth plan. When interest to enroll is larger than our classroom capacity, it is required by law that we hold a transparent and open lottery to fill our spots. You can find the admissions policy and detailed lottery protocols in our Enrollment section.

What if my child has an IEP or special needs?

Premier Arts Academy is excited to have the opportunity to serve kids with a plethora of different learning styles and needs. The nature of our teaching strategies and the structure of our chosen curriculum is naturally a better fit for kids who learn differently than those in a traditional setting. We will have certified Special Education staff supervised by Leigh Lechlitner. Students with IEPs and their families will have an intake conference to assess the best course of action for optimum growth given our teaching model. Our special education staff will work closely with families to communicate and support students.

What if my child is high ability?

High Ability students will find the teaching strategies at Premier Arts Academy to be challenging and rewarding. The small group leveled instruction will provide daily opportunities for enrichment and extension of the curriculum. High Ability students will be appropriately challenged and will graduate from the PA Academy as well-rounded, socially aware individuals who have had many opportunities to work in groups, contribute to creative solutions, and communicate effectively in real-world settings.

Will there be sports available?

With enough student interest the Premier Arts Academy will offer Girls & Boys Soccer in the Fall, Boys and Girls Basketball in the Winter, and Boys and Girls Track in the Spring for 5th-7th grade students. Faculty members and/or students may propose a sport utilizing the NEW SPORT FORM. The administration will make every effort to seek out a coach and approve any new sport with enough student interest. Some sports may have modest participation fees. New approved sports will be advertised on the website, school app, and in-person to students for sign-up. Parents will need to complete the online sign-up and permission slip for their child to participate.

Will there be band, orchestra, and choir?

Band & Orchestra: 6th-7th grade students may participate in the Premier Arts Academy Band & Orchestra. Band and orchestra will meet in the Hively Annex and will begin at 7:15am. This schedule allows any student, regardless of their chosen arts major, to participate in the Band & Orchestra program.

Choir: 5th-8th Grade students may participate in the Premier Arts Academy Choir. Student musicians will stay after school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm. This schedule allows any student, regardless of their chosen arts major, to participate in the Choir program. You can expect to view performances at the quarterly community expos.

Can I still be involved in traditional Premier Arts opportunities?

What is your Inclement Weather Plan?

Our larger surrounding schools have to take into account walk zones, bus safety, and students who stand at bus stops in darkness - factors that for the most part our families do not have to deal with. We do need to take into account the long distances many of our families travel each day - in some cases over 45 minutes! In the event we have “typical winter weather” we will have a normal school day but will not assess tardies until 8:30am - please drive safely!

If a travel advisory is issued we MAY elect to call a two hour delay. In this case, early care will start at 8 and classes at 10. Breakfast would be a simpler “to-go” offering.

If a travel watch or warning is issued we will cancel in-person classes. If we have advance notice of severe winter weather the day before we will make sure students have the necessary materials/devices for e-learning for the next day. In the event we are on a delay schedule and travel conditions worsen we will cancel in-person classes.

Should a 2 hour delay or cancelation occur we will notify families via email and text as early as possible. We will also share it with WNDU and ABC57