Raegan Weir,
Freshman
Academy of Arts and Academics

“If it weren’t for A3, I probably would have dropped out of school by now.”

Raegan Weir is one of the first 85 students attending the new Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) in downtown Springfield, Oregon, a brand new small arts-based school developed with assistance from the E3 Oregon Small Schools Initiative.

The school provides students with a solid college preparatory curriculum and professional level media and theatre arts experiences to prepare students for a range of post-secondary options.  It connects their passion for the arts with academics in a challenging and personalized environment. 

“Middle school was a horrible experience for me,” said Raegan. “There were a lot of kids and I didn’t feel like I could ask questions, especially in math, and so I kind of gave up.”

A3 targets students who have a passion for the arts and who have been struggling to succeed in the traditional large school environment.  “Not everyone learns the same way,” said Michael Fisher, lead teacher at A3. “Many students are visual learners and need stronger, more personal relationships with their teachers.  In a small school environment teachers know every student well and we know what motivates them.”

The arts have always been a motivation for Raegan.  In the sixth grade she fell in love with theatre when she performed in the school play.  “It was an incredible experience, and it just clicked for me.”

Raegan has found the small school environment at A3 is working for her too. “In middle school I never really had a strong relationship with my teachers.  Now, I know all my teachers and they know me…and it’s not hard to ask questions.”  In addition to taking challenging courses in math, science and social studies, Raegan is involved in two theatrical plays that rehearse in the evening. “It’s really forced me to schedule my time so I can get my homework completed. But I just love it!”  In fact, Raegan is also involved on the A3 Student Leadership Council and is writing for the year book.  “I absolutely love school now and I’m getting A’s and B’s, which is a lot better than last year!”

“We are SO proud of Raegan,” said Fisher. “She is working very hard in academics and is blossoming in theatre, and as a school leader.  She’s the heart and soul of what small schools can be.”

A3 opened its doors in the fall of 2006 with freshmen and a few sophomores and will expand its enrollment until 2008, when it will have around 220 students in grades 9 through 12.  The school is headquartered in a renovated building in downtown Springfield and is within walking distance of local arts organizations, many of which provide internships and other hands-on learning experiences for students.  For more information about A3 visit their website at www.athree.org.