About

Savannah Arts Academy

Situated in the heart of picturesque Midtown Savannah, Savannah Arts Academy is a Savannah Chatham County Public School System Choice Program School. SCCPSS Choice Program Schools offer specialized curricula that allow students to select programs that align with their interests, qualifications, and desired fields of study. To be considered for admission, students must complete an audition process that showcases their artistic abilities. Additionally, a minimum GPA requirement must be met to ensure that students are academically prepared for the rigorous curriculum offered at SAA.

Originally intended as a luxury hotel called Hotel Georgia, construction of our beautiful building began in 1912. Unfortunately, due to complications with funding and litigation, the project remained unfinished for several years. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) recognized the potential of the site, leading to the completion of construction in 1937. The building was then dedicated as Savannah High School. After serving the community for 61 years on Washington Avenue, Savannah High School relocated to a new facility.

In 1998, Savannah Arts Academy opened its doors as the first dedicated arts school in the area. Since then, we have cultivated a rich legacy of academic and artistic excellence, earning numerous awards and distinctions that showcase the talent and hard work of our students and faculty. We will continue to build the foundation for these milestones and to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of our dedicated students and their commitment to academics and the arts.

Accolades

Savannah Arts Academy is known for its high academic standards, consistently ranked on US News & World Report's Best High School Rankings list among the top ten public schools in Georgia, and nationally recognized in the top 97th percentile for public high schools. Savannah Arts Academy surpasses both state and national averages on SAT and ACT scores. Additionally, the College Board recognized SAA for the following: AP Humanities Award, AP Humanities Distinction, AP School of Distinction, AP STEM School, and AP STEM Achievement School. Admission to SAA requires an audition in the arts, and prospective students must meet specific academic criteria to be considered for entry.

Academics

Savannah Arts Academy boasts the largest Advanced Placement program in the district, giving over 1,000 exams on average per school year. At present, SAA offers 28 AP courses. All courses offered at our school are either Honors or Advanced Placement (AP), providing students with a challenging and comprehensive academic experience. The District covers the cost of AP exams for students, except those who cancel their exams after the deadline or have unused exams. Our CTAE courses provide students with valuable skills and knowledge. Additionally, many of our students take advantage of the Dual Enrollment opportunities available to them (qualifying courses can offer up to 30 hours of college credit and are funded by the state). These offerings significantly enhance our students' educational experiences and prepare them for their future academic pursuits. Moreover, our school has a strong presence in the Governor's Honors Program, with many attendees each year. We also celebrate the accomplishments of our National Merit Scholars and AP Capstone recipients. In 2023, we had 5 student achieve perfect scores on their AP Exams, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Last year alone, our students were awarded over $4 million in scholarships, showcasing their remarkable achievements.

Arts

Dance

The SAA dance program is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in both college and the professional dance world. Our program emphasizes conservatory-style training, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that fosters their artistic development. We believe in encouraging curiosity and passion, which allows our students to explore expansive definitions of what it means to be a dance artist, student, and responsible citizen of the world. We are proud of the unique opportunities our program offers to support our students' growth and aspirations in the field of dance.

Film Studies

Our Film Studies program provides comprehensive instruction to students wanting to learn about professional filmmaking tools and techniques - from cinematography, sound recording, and editing - to emerging technology that is changing the film and television landscape. Other elements of the film curriculum include screenwriting and story development, critical examination of genres and film styles, and a formal approach to film analysis. With a focus on both theory and hands-on practice, our students have a unique opportunity to develop workplace and industry skills through project management and creative engagement in visual storytelling.

Music

The Music Department at Savannah Arts Academy is one of the largest and most visible performing arts departments in Coastal Georgia, hosting over 30 concerts each year both on and off campus. Our program offers students the opportunity to choose an intended music major, wether it be instrumental music (including band, orchestra, and piano) or vocal music. In addition to major arts classes, students also engage in piano, theory, and academic courses, fostering a comprehensive music education. We pride ourselves on being a vibrant music community, rich in cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Our mission is to provide each student with a professional music education tailored to their chosen discipline. As our students graduate, they engage with the fundamental issues of their art, preparing them to become effective cultural leaders in society.

Theatre

Our mission in the Theatre Department is to provide students with hands-on experiences in a structured working environment, complemented by honest critiques. This approach is designed to cultivate well-rounded individuals who will grow intellectually, physically, and skillfully into accomplished artists and adults. Theatre students at SAA have the opportunity to study and practice various aspects of the field, including acting, musical theatre, directing, theatrical design, performance theory, dramaturgy, and stage management. We strongly encourage students to participate in the International Thespian Society and to enhance their skills through involvement in local community and professional productions. By implementing hands-on curricular experiences, our program enables students to develop essential skills through the fundamentals of technical production. This not only establishes a robust base of knowledge but also prepares those who aspire to pursue a career in theatre after graduating from Savannah Arts Academy.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Department is the largest major at Savannah Arts Academy, led by a team of dedicated and highly experienced instructors who are passionate about guiding, nurturing, and inspiring young artists. Our well-rounded curriculum provides a strong foundation in art history, aesthetics, criticism, and production. Students actively showcase their creativity through required exhibitions, highlighting their growth and dedication. Additionally, we encourage students to submit their work to local, state, and national competitions, offering valuable opportunities for recognition and artistic advancement.

Athletics

Through the Athletics program at SAA, we offer a wide range of athletic opportunities including volleyball, cross country, swimming, flag football, tennis, golf, track, and soccer. We believe that participation in our athletics program is essential for the holistic development of our students. Athletics functions as an integral part of our total curriculum and it fosters positive relationships, promotes good citizenship, and contributes to our students' overall growth. Our program is designed to provide a dynamic array of activities that are vital to a student's educational experience. These opportunities help our students establish positive habits and attitudes that will prepare them for adult life.

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