INTEGRATED ARTS ACADEMY AT H. O. WHEELER

Integrated Arts Academy at H. O. Wheeler is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Burlington School District school district, located in Burlington, VT with about 300 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. 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 27 teachers, Integrated Arts Academy at H. O. Wheeler has a student/teacher ratio of about 11:1. 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 Integrated Arts Academy (IAA) at H.O. Wheeler is a magnet elementary school located in Burlington, Vermont, that centers its entire curriculum around the arts. Serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade, the school utilizes a unique educational model where music, visual arts, dance, and theater are not treated as separate extracurriculars, but are instead woven directly into core subjects like math, science, and literacy. This approach is designed to foster deeper critical thinking, improve student engagement, and provide multiple pathways for children to express their understanding of complex concepts.

Beyond its academic focus, the school is deeply committed to building a vibrant, inclusive community culture. IAA emphasizes social-emotional learning and provides a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to be creative risk-takers. By partnering with local arts organizations and utilizing a project-based learning framework, the school aims to cultivate well-rounded, innovative learners who are prepared for success in middle school and beyond. It stands as a distinctive model within the Burlington School District for families seeking an immersive, arts-integrated educational experience.

For more information, contact Integrated Arts Academy at H. O. Wheeler at (802) 864-8475 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.