The new Young Audiences Charter School at Kate Middleton is an open enrollment, arts-integrated charter school opened this year with over 400 students in grades K-3. For the 2014-15 school year, enrollment is open to any Jefferson Parish student entering Kindergarten through 4th grade. Students must reside in Jefferson Parish. Each following academic year, the school will add one grade to serve students in grades K-8 by Fall 2018.
Recent research shows that students at schools with an arts integrated curriculum scored higher on standardized tests and academic measures than those at other types of schools, including academic magnet schools. (PAIR, 2013) Additionally, students highly involved in the arts are more likely to have better attendance, fewer disciplinary actions and increased class participation.
Parents are encouraged to visit the YACS website www.yacharterschool.org , call (504) 304-6332 or e-mail charter@ya4la.org for enrollment information.
Young Audiences of Louisiana has operated after-school programs throughout Jefferson Parish that promote academic excellence and social growth. External evaluations by SEDL (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory) have shown that students enrolled in Young Audiences after-school programs in Jefferson Parish schools outperformed their peers on standardized tests. In addition, students in these programs showed fewer disciplinary reports and increased school attendance.