TACOMA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Tacoma School of the Arts is a public high school that is part of the Tacoma School District school district, located in Tacoma, WA with about 618 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. With about 36 teachers, Tacoma School of the Arts has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. 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 **Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA)**, located in downtown Tacoma, is a unique public high school that integrates a rigorous academic curriculum with an intensive focus on the visual and performing arts. As part of the Tacoma Public Schools district, SOTA operates on a specialized model that embeds students within the city’s vibrant cultural infrastructure. By partnering with local museums, theaters, and professional artists, the school provides students with a real-world environment that bridges the gap between traditional classroom learning and professional artistic practice.

The school is renowned for its diverse arts disciplines, including dance, visual arts, theater, music, creative writing, and film. Because it functions as a "school of choice," SOTA attracts students from across the region who are looking for a community that values creative expression and collaborative project-based learning. With its urban campus setting, SOTA encourages students to take ownership of their education, fostering a culture of independence and innovation that prepares them for both higher education and careers in the creative industries.

For more information, contact Tacoma School of the Arts at (253) 571-7900 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.