THE ARTS BASED SCHOOL

The Arts Based School is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the Arts Based School school district, located in Winston-Salem, NC with about 518 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 37 teachers, The Arts Based School has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Arts Based School (ABS), located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a tuition-free public charter school that serves students in grades K–8. Founded on the principle that the arts are an essential vehicle for learning rather than a separate subject, the school integrates creative expression—including music, movement, visual arts, and drama—into its core academic curriculum. By utilizing an arts-integrated approach, ABS aims to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and academic excellence while providing students with diverse avenues to demonstrate their understanding of complex concepts.

Beyond its academic focus, The Arts Based School emphasizes the development of the "whole child" within a community-oriented environment. The school prioritizes a student-centered culture that encourages curiosity, empathy, and active participation in both the classroom and the broader community. With its unique pedagogical model and commitment to creative inquiry, ABS provides an alternative educational pathway for families in Winston-Salem seeking a curriculum that balances rigorous academic standards with meaningful artistic exploration.

For more information, contact The Arts Based School at (336) 748-4116 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.