Hickory Hills Arts Academy underwent a transformation to focus on arts integration, becoming one of the first "Schools of Choice" in its district with this specialty. It has beautiful new art studios and galleries, and partners with local arts organizations to provide training to help teachers integrate arts into all subjects. The school is recognized nationally for its approach and students score higher in creativity and engagement than those in schools with less arts focus.

1. Hickory Hills Arts Academy A Story of School Transformation Through the Arts -Diana Mills, Principal

3. The Construction Phase

6. Beautiful New Studios

7. Beautiful New Studios

8. Art Gallery

11. BEST PRACTICES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING Differentiation to meet the needs of all students Standards-based instruction Research-based practices Data-driven Relevant Rigorous curriculum in all subject areas High expectations Critical and Creative Thinking Skills

13. Professional Learning

18. The Students Movement Expression Imagination

19. Why Arts Integration? Students in “arts rich” schools scored higher in creativity-imagination, expression, cooperative learning, risk-taking, and measures of academic self-concept than students in “arts poor” schools. [Burton, J. M., Horowitz, R., & Abeles, H. (2000). Learning in and through the arts: The question of transfer. Studies in Arts Education, 41(3), 228-275.]

20. The Students Individuality Success Creativity

21. Hickory Hills Arts Academy “ . . . I felt like I had stepped into a new era of American public schools. I have rarely experienced a school community so clearly dedicated to arts teaching and learning as the basis for school equity and excellence.” Dr. Larry Scripp, Director & Principal Investigator, Music-in-Education National Consortium

22. The Students Excitement Acceptance

23. See Us in Action! Arts Integration Day March 24, 2010 Arts Gallery and Arts Wing Dedication 5:00 PM March 25, 2010