About Us
About MSA
MSA is a public charter school serving students in grades 6-12 in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. The school was established in 1998 through the vision of founder and principal, Dr. Bill Jones, along with the support of Mrs. Una Jones and a dedicated group of people. The school opened with grades 6 and 7, housing approximately 250 students. In the second year, the school expanded to include 8th grade, and in 2001, MSA included High School education as well. The first graduating class of Manatee School For the Arts walked across the stage in 2005. Students have successfully gone on to colleges and universities throughout the state and country and have become thriving visual and performing artists as well as achieving impressive academic pursuits. The sky is the limit here at MSA, where you are free to write your own story!
Middle School Mission
The mission of Manatee School For the Arts Middle School is to provide an educational environment that will allow the most students to succeed and grow academically by acknowledging and accommodating different learning styles and multiple intelligences . We believe that is best achieved by a curriculum that infuses and integrates the visual and performing arts into the core academic curriculum and offers a broad range of Visual and Performing Arts electives.
High School Mission
The Mission of Manatee School For the Arts High School is to provide advanced study and training opportunities in the Visual and Performing Arts while offering a strong academic program that maintains high standards and strives for excellence.
Beliefs
- We believe all students will benefit from an arts-infused curriculum that is integrative, creative, and exploratory.
- We are committed to using varied teaching and learning approaches to foster imagination, creativity, and to develop needed life skills.
- We foster a positive school climate with educators committed to all students, family and community partnerships, and an adult advocate for every student.
- We challenge our students with an academic program rich with technological learning opportunities.
- We nurture the emotional, physical, and intellectual well being of each student in preparation for a lifetime of learning.
Administration Team
Dr. Bill Jones
Dr. Steven Marshall
Mr. Luis Caro
Mrs. Jane Simon
Mr. Tim McMurray
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.