An Introduction to CSA

New York City Charter School of the Arts (CSA) is the only NY public charter middle school (grades 6-8) dedicated to the synergy of artistic, academic, and social/emotional learning as a model for whole child education. All students receive training in piano and music theory, visual arts and performance, and social activism as an integral part of their middle school experience. This focus on multiple perspectives gives students a rich experience and prepares them for a wide range of high school opportunities.

  • We are proud of our record of continuous growth as a school with high student achievement on standardized tests without sacrificing our progressive approach to learning. Student average scores exceed citywide averages by 12-15% in both Math and ELA. 

    CSA is the only school in the SUNY portfolio that posted higher state exam results in 2022 than in 2019 - a testament to the impressive work of our staff to keep students learning during the pandemic. All 8th grade students take Living Environment rather than 8th grade science and over 60% pass the Regents Exam. About 30% of CSA 8th graders also take Algebra I and pass the Algebra I Regents. 

  • Counseling and support for the high school admissions process ensure that nearly 80% of students are accepted to one of their top three high school choices. In 2022, over 90% of students who applied to arts-based high schools received at least one offer. But CSA students attend specialized and competitive public high schools, independent schools, and faith-based programs as well.

  • Even our beginner piano students perform at recitals and succeed in competitions such as NYSMA. Our visual artists take part in juried shows. And the biggest events of our school year are the annual performance of a Shakespeare play in mid-winter and the spring musical. In 2019, the Disney production team contacted CSA to pilot its first student performance of Moana based on our production of Lion King. And our partnerships include Black Gotham Experience, Theater for a New Audience, and NY Youth Orchestra.

  • Students at CSA come from all five boroughs and over 25 community school districts

    The school community welcomes all including a significant number of trans and gender fluid students. Students at CSA come from all five boroughs and over 25 community school districts

    The school community welcomes all including a significant number of trans and gender fluid students. 

    13% White

    22% Black

    28% have IEPs

    35% Hispanic

    45% are economically disadvantaged

    9% Asian/Pacific Islander

    Nearly 40% speak another language at home

    9% Multiracial

Our Mission and Vision, along with more details about our program can also be found in the proceeding links.