General Overview
General Information
Manatee School For the Arts is a tuition free, arts infused, public charter middle and high school, which strives for academic and artistic excellence in a safe, student-centered environment. We are fully accredited at the high school and middle school levels by the Cognia and is the only accredited public middle school in Manatee County. We are also one of five Gold Seal of Excellence Charter Schools in the state of Florida. We have been an A or B for over 20 years. To view our academic performance click here.
Enrollment and Hours
Students are accepted from Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Middle School students are accepted on a first come, first serve basis, and subject to class size limits and ESE parameters required by the student, yet within the MSA Charter guidelines. Space is limited. High School applicants are chosen through an interview/audition with our staff. Students at the High School level should demonstrate a desire for higher level studies in one of the arts: Visual Art, Digital Art, Theatre, Music, or Dance.
- Grades: 6-12
- Middle School Class Size Average: 22:1
- Hours: Middle School – 9:45a.m. To 4:35 p.m.
- High School – 8:10 a.m. To 2:55 p.m.
- Enrollment: 1900 students
- High School Class Size Average: 25:1
Visitors to the School
Parents and visitors are welcome to visit our school campus but must be approved by administration. If a visitor is expected, the front desk must be notified. All visitors to the school should be dressed appropriately.
All visitors must check in at the front desk, and no visitor will be allowed into the school without a visitor’s pass. A valid I.D. is required to enter the school and used for the required background check through our visitor management software. This policy applies to vendors and contractors as well.
All visitors must wear a visitor’s badge while in the building and be escorted to their end point by a staff member. There are no exceptions to this policy. If someone is found in the school who does not meet these criteria, they will be addressed by school administrators and school guardians and escorted to the front desk immediately. Visitors leaving the campus must sign out and exit through the front office only, where they will return the sticker I.D. It is critical that everyone follow these procedures. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Curriculum and Special Programs
MSA’s curriculum includes a program of studies based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards, with a focus on an arts-infused approach reaching student’s individual needs by using multiple intelligence strategies in all classes.
Uniforms
Uniform shirts are sold at the MSA Uniform Shop located at the school.
Uniform bottoms for Middle School Students may be purchased at many fine retailers such as Target, Walmart, Amazon, and others. Please carefully read the uniform description at the link above.
For a full description of our strictly enforced dress code policy click below.
Schedule a Tour
Explore the vibrant world of creativity and learning at Manatee School For the Arts by scheduling a personalized tour today; our Admissions Office is ready to assist you in discovering how our unique blend of academic rigor and artistic expression can inspire your child's journey.