Arkansas Arts Academy (AAA) prides itself on operating as a school of arts integration and community partnerships. As part of our operational mission, AAA began the work of museum and community partnerships to align visual and performing arts experiences into the core content found in connection with each PreK-12th grade state standards. Allowing AAA to utilize the value of cross-discipline integration, content enrichment and expansive learning opportunities when we are able to connect students to museums and other educational outreach experiences.
Northwest Arkansas is rich in heritage and support for learning centers and museums. With Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art as our flagship partner and extended classroom, AAA began establishing connections to the diverse resources and experiences offered by collections housed in local historical, natural, and science museums or sites. Building students’ awareness of the variety of museums and not-for-profit careers was an integral part of this early initiative,
Museums currently include:
Additional community partners include:
Now a decade later, Arkansas Arts Academy is recognized by the National Association of Museum Schools (NAMS) as a school district exhibiting best practices in a museum school approach . Selected as one of six schools across the nation, NAMS selected AAA as one of their 2023-2024 Road Trip tour.
Arkansas Arts Academy will host the 2025 National Association of Museum Schools Conference, September 25-27, 2025. The National Association of Museum Schools is primed to significantly impact schools and classrooms that are committed to engaging students through experiences at museums and integration of the arts. With a commitment to social justice, equity, and diversity, NAMS supports its members in reflecting on and making change within their own organizations’ policies, practices, systems, and structures to create equitable learning communities and spaces. The 2025 NAMS conference will bring together creative, dynamic leaders in museums along with innovative, inspiring educational leaders in a setting designed to challenge and expand thinking and impact.
