Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts and Forest Heights Academy of Excellence have been named as Exemplary Schools by the Arts Schools Network for the 2026–2031 designation cycle.
The national recognition is among the most significant honors in arts education. Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization dedicated to specialized arts schools, awards the designation through a rigorous application and evaluation process.
“Schools must engage in an in-depth self-study aligned to national standards, examining all aspects of their mission, instruction, operations and impact on students,” said Elizabeth Thomas, EBR Schools Recruiter for Magnet Programs.
With the recognition, BRCVPA and Forest Heights are the first K-5 elementary schools in Louisiana to earn the distinction, further solidifying the district’s leadership in innovative and high-quality arts education. They join McKinley Middle Magnet School as three of Louisiana’s five schools to receive the designation.
“Designations like this do not happen by accident. They are the result of the collective commitment, passion and daily work of dedicated staff, supportive families and students who fully embrace the vision and culture of the program,” said Dr. Casaundra McNair, EBR Schools executive director of Innovative & Specialized Programs. “This recognition reflects what is possible when an entire school community works together to create meaningful opportunities and outcomes for students.”
Nationally, BRCVPA and Forest Heights are part of an elite group of elementary arts programs recognized at this level, with only about 11 elementary programs ever earning the honor.
District leaders and school representatives will formally celebrate the achievement during the annual Arts Schools Network Annual Conference in October in San Diego.
For more information, go to www.artsschoolsnetwork.org.
Arts Schools Network Comments on BRCVPA:
“Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts is a nationally recognized public magnet school serving students in grades K-5 in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. The school offers a comprehensive academic curriculum integrated with intensive instruction in dance, music, theatre and visual arts.
Through a student-centered approach, BRCVPA fosters creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and artistic excellence while nurturing the unique talents of every child. Students engage daily in arts instruction led by specialized faculty who encourage exploration, innovation and performance opportunities across artistic disciplines. The school’s commitment to arts integration enhances academic achievement while cultivating confidence, discipline and a lifelong appreciation for the arts through performances, exhibitions, partnerships and community engagement.”
Arts Schools Network Comments on Forest Heights Academy of Excellence:
“Forest Heights Academy of Excellence is a public magnet school dedicated to fostering academic achievement, artistic exploration and leadership development in a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The school integrates rigorous academics with robust arts programming that encourages creativity, innovation, collaboration and critical thinking across all grade levels.
Students participate in meaningful arts experiences through visual arts, music, dance, theatre and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that support both artistic and academic growth. Through high expectations, community partnerships and a commitment to whole-child development, Forest Heights empowers students to become confident learners, creative thinkers and engaged citizens prepared for future success.”
