School of the Arts
The York County School of the Arts (SOA) is a program in the fine arts, providing students with an education comparable to the math and science opportunities offered by the Governor's School for Science and Technology.
Programs at SOA emphasize:
- Academic growth and artistic development
- The multidisciplinary nature of the arts
- Standards that distinguish the meaningful from the mediocre in the arts
- Career opportunities
SOA is located at Bruton High School and is open to all students in grades 9-12 in the York County School Division. Students in the Grafton, Tabb, and York attendance zones have the option of choosing Bruton High School as their home school. Williamsburg-James City County students may be eligible to attend SOA without tuition through arrangement with their school division.
Programs are offered in the areas of the Literary Arts, Theatre Arts, and Rhythmic Arts. Literary Arts students attend SOA one block per day and receive one weighted English credit and one fine arts credit. Theatre Arts students attend SOA one block on alternating days and receive one weighted fine arts credit. Rhythmic Arts students attend SOA one block on alternating days and receive one fine arts or one PE credit.
Students interested in attending SOA submit an application. Applicants receive written notification of a scheduled interview date and specific information for completing the application process. All applicants submit two teacher recommendations and are interviewed by SOA instructors.