Northwest School of the Arts (NWSA) is the only public arts magnet school serving students in grades 6 -12 in the CMS District. NWSA is highly ranked among Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS) schools for academic success and is known both nationwide and internationally for the quality of its arts programs. Last year, 38% of our graduating class received some type of scholarship. For many of these students, the experience they gained in rehearsing and performing at the school played an integral role to successful college acceptance.
During the pandemic, CMS has allowed student athletes to practice and play games on campus. Furthermore, CMS installed live streaming cameras in all 24 high school stadiums and gymnasiums to provide parents, family, and friends the ability to watch the games in the safety of their home. Northwest School of the Arts does not have an athletic department, but it does have an arts department. Theatre arts, dance, and music performances are just as important to our student's future success as sports games are to the high school athletes.
We insist that our children be treated equitably. They should be allowed to rehearse on school campuses before and after school hours, following the same protocols set in place for the student athletic groups. Streaming cameras should be installed in our theater. Performances should be permissible on campus and streamed for the public following the same guidelines as the sports games.
