Franklin School For The Performing Arts Launches New FSPA Academy And FSPA Afterschool

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) launches the FSPA Academy, offered in collaboration with Massachusetts Virtual Academy (MAVA), and FSPA AfterSchool this fall. In partnering with MAVA, FSPA will provide the setting for a complete and creative academic education with a special emphasis on arts, language and culture. FSPA will also introduce FSPA AfterSchool, offering afterschool enrichment and supervision for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. FSPA Academy and FSPA AfterSchool will be open to any student who wishes to enroll; FSPA music, dance and drama classes are not required for participation. Learn more about these programs at back-to-back Informational Meetings for prospective students and families on Tuesday, May 3 at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The Information Meeting about FSPA AfterSchool will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a session about FSPA Academy at 7:00.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

The new FSPA AfterSchool enrichment program will offer supervised recreational experiences beginning this fall for the 2016-17 school year. Extend the school day in bright new classroom space next to FSPA’s 38 Main Street location. The program begins at the close of the regular school day and continues until 6 p.m., providing a safe environment and engaging community in which to belong. Kids will have the opportunity to work on homework or to participate in games, crafts and other creative arts activities. For students enrolled in FSPA classes, the afterschool option offers a supervised transition from the program to individual singing, dancing and acting classes.

In collaboration with MAVA, the FSPA Academy will offer a nurturing environment and academic home from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday with individually tailored academic schedules. The program will deliver MAVA’s Massachusetts State- and NCAA-approved curriculum leading to the MA State Diploma. Students will be guided by a full-time Learning Coach employed by FSPA. Field trips will enhance students’ performing arts and cultural interests, and master classes will be held on a variety of subjects for academy students. Music Theory will be taught, with elective credit being given by MAVA. Academy students will have access to FSPA Administration for career and college counseling.

FSPA provides extensive College Prep Services for high school students, including college list, essay, and application coaching, as well as performing arts audition preparation. Director Raye Lynn Mercer and her staff annually prepare high school seniors for college and conservatory auditions, with placement at such prestigious programs as Baldwin Wallace University, Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Connecticut College, Eastman School of Music, Elon University, Emerson College, Hartt School of Music, Ithaca College, James Madison University, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, NYU-Tisch School of the Arts, Oberlin Conservatory, Oklahoma City University, Pace University, Pennsylvania State University, Princeton University, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (London), Syracuse University, UCLA, University of Miami, University of Southern California (USC), and Wagner College.

Massachusetts Virtual Academy (MAVA)

Founded in 1985 by Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school provides classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. MAVA offers immersive online learning for grades K through 12 and is the first diploma-granting virtual school in Massachusetts. For more information about MAVA, visit www.Mava.k12.com or call (866) 467-0843. To learn more about FSPA, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call (508) 528-8668, or email Hallie Wetzell at hwetzell@fspaonline.com.