Apply now for Jones and Corey academies
If you had to describe Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language in only two words – actually an impossible task – they might be integration and cooperation.
Jones, one of two Arlington ISD fine arts and dual language academies – the other is Corey Academy – has pioneered an innovative educational model that integrates English and Spanish, fine arts and core curriculum, and fosters continual cooperation among both students and teachers.
“The exciting energy that we have permeates throughout the building, from dual language classrooms to regular classrooms to dance and piano labs,” said Jones Principal Katiuska Herrador.
All teachers at Jones receive training in the integration of fine arts into the core curriculum.
“We bring learning to life by using visual arts, music and dance,” Herrador explained. “Students are making more meaningful connections.”
For example, second graders might write songs about shapes and perform them for kindergarteners. Fourth graders will be tasked to develop an art gallery based on arrays from math. Fifth graders learn the link between fractions and musical notes, and kindergarteners work on reading comprehension with art projects based on books by Eric Carle. Every subject is infused and integrated with others.
Many lessons and activities – like art projects, choreography and performances – require students to work together, consistently teaching collaboration, cooperation and problem-solving skills.
“Our students are stronger because they work together,” Herrador said.
The teachers are stronger because of collaboration, too. Teachers intentionally plan together and develop ways to integrate their different disciplines.
The culture of cooperation and excitement has “opened up our teachers,” Herrador said. “They feel free to take risks.”
Their creativity has been unleashed, sparking many new, innovative ideas and lesson plans.
“This school is not just a building with special classes,” Herrador emphasized.
It’s a culture based on integration and cooperation. And the result is an engaged, blossoming student body and teaching staff.
Apply now
Your child could blossom at Jones next year, too! Come to a parent information meeting at Jones on May 12 at 6 p.m. Get a tour of the school and meet Principal Herrador and some of the teachers.
And apply now for Jones, Corey or any one of Arlington ISD’s elementary or junior high specialized programs. Learn more about all of these amazing schools and apply here.
The deadline to apply is May 15 at 5 p.m.