ARTS EDUCATION

Arts Academy

Where CAAPA helps young artists discover their gifts every Saturday! 

Our comprehensive program for grades 2-8 combines music, dance, theatre, and visual arts in a supportive environment that celebrates each child's unique creative potential.

Online Registration Coming Soon

Logo of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) featuring the text 'CAAPA Arts Academy' with black silhouettes of three people performing or dancing, and additional text indicating the organization's mission.

Devoted to Developing Young Artists

Arts Academy isn't just another after-school program—it's where children develop confidence, discover hidden talents, and build friendships that last a lifetime. Every Saturday, grades 2-8 explore their creativity through music, chorus, dance, visual arts, cartooning, world drumming, and theatre in our structured yet nurturing curriculum.

What sets Arts Academy apart is our commitment to each child's individual journey. Whether your child is naturally gifted or just discovering their artistic side, our experienced instructors meet them where they are and help them grow. Students learn not just technique, but how to express themselves authentically while building the discipline and confidence that serves them in all areas of life.

The year culminates in staged performances where families witness the incredible transformation that happens when children are given the space, support, and encouragement to shine. Parents consistently tell us Arts Academy doesn't just develop their child's artistic abilities—it develops their character, confidence, and joy in learning.

Online Registration Coming Soon

Young girl with glasses and braided hair performing a dance move on stage, raising her arms and lifting one leg, with a black background and other children in yellow shirts watching in the background.
Three children standing against a white wall, wearing black t-shirts, one girl with glasses and two boys, one smiling and the other with fists clenched, appearing to dance or perform a move.
Children performing on stage and in the floor area, some kneeling and some sitting, during a dance recital or performance at a school or community center.
Group of children performing a dance or exercise in a school auditorium with red, white, and black balloons and football themed decorations.
Children singing on stage wearing black T-shirts with red and white text and graphics, a dark curtain backdrop.
Children participating in a dance or exercise class in a school gymnasium with a stage, decorated with red, white, and black balloons, and posters of African American figures.
Children sitting on chairs playing drums led by an instructor during a music class.
Children sitting on chairs holding drumsticks during a drumming lesson or performance, with a person demonstrating in front of them.
Children and adults on stage singing or performing, with a pianist playing at a keyboard in front of them. The stage is decorated with black curtains, red, white, and silver star balloons, and posters on either side.
Group of seven people posing together in a room with a banner, balloons, and photos in the background. They are wearing matching black T-shirts with red and white text.
A rectangular white cake with a red border and red writing that says 'SAAPA ARTS ACADEMY'.
Decorative balloons in red, black, and white hang above a table with a cake and drinks in a well-lit room.

★★★★★ 

Participant Feedback

  • "CAAPA has a major impact on the community, bringing color to the classics, allowing audiences access to a variety of visual and performing arts."

    — Kathi Muhammad

  • Colorful circular pie chart with the letter G in the center, divided into segments of green, yellow, red, and blue.

    "I've met some wonderful people and participated in activities such as yoga, choral group, zumba, the theater, and much more."

    — Veronica Plater

  • Colorful Google logo with a circular design divided into sections of red, yellow, green, and blue.

    "Outstanding program that provides activities stimulating education and growth in health, cognition, movement, music, and social skills."

    — Jo Ann Edelin

  • Facebook logo with a white lowercase 'f' on a blue circular background.

    "CAAPA provides the opportunity to enjoy quality performances at affordable prices."

    — Helane Miller

  • Google logo with colorful G symbol

    "Great program, with exposure to the arts that I may have not been a part of before. Thank you"

    — Sandra Hall

  • Colorful Google logo with a pie chart design, featuring sections in red, yellow, green, and blue.

    "Nice place for 60+ center. Good place to make friends. Very welcoming and focused on personal development."

    — Marie Vyas

  • Close-up photo of a smiling man with a shaved head, light skin, and brown eyes, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    "An incredible non-profit organization serving everyone from kids to seniors, general audiences to master artists."

    — Tony Howell

  • Pie chart with a black G shape in the center, surrounded by colored segments in red, yellow, green, and blue.

    "Great facility for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, and more. Great location. Plenty parking."

    — Katie Sheppard

  • Colorful circular chart resembling a pie chart with segments in red, yellow, green, and blue, forming a stylized letter G.

    "A fantastic experience."

    — Constance Moore

  • Facebook logo with white 'f' on blue circular background.

    "High Quality Entertainment"

    — Sylvia Beverly

  • Colorful pie chart with Google logo style colors (red, yellow, green, blue).

    "Absolutely one of the best African American Charities that supports artists"

    — Lawrence Ford 

  • Colorful Google logo with a black background.

    "The presentation on safe travel tips was informative and helpful. I purchased several items mentioned and felt safer using them."

    — Betty Marshall

Get Updates on Online Registration

Top Questions

Program Audience: Grade 2-8

Program Director: Nancy Staley

Assistant Director: Joseph Vice

  • None! Arts Academy welcomes complete beginners alongside students with previous experience. Our instructors adapt activities to each child's skill level.

  • Just enthusiasm and comfortable clothes for movement activities. We provide all instruments, art supplies, and materials needed for class.

  • Contact our program director for current tuition information and scholarship opportunities. We believe every child should have access to quality arts education.

  • Yes! CAAPA offers need-based scholarships to ensure financial circumstances don't prevent children from participating in our programs.

  • We understand family schedules can be challenging. Contact Program Director Nanci Staley to discuss make-up options or ways to keep your child connected to their cohort.

  • While we encourage all students to participate in our year-end performances, we work with children who may have stage anxiety to find comfortable ways to showcase their growth.

  • Absolutely. We work closely with families to ensure every child can participate fully and safely in Arts Academy activities.

  • Click "Register Now" above to complete enrollment through our secure online system, or contact us directly for assistance with registration.

Ready to unlock your child's artistic potential?

CAAPA Arts Academy is our comprehensive arts education program for grades 2-8, offering music, dance, theatre, and visual arts to help each child discover their unique creative expression!

Online Registration Coming Soon