CACS was founded in 1994 by a small group of families and teachers who shared a vision of an arts-rich, hands-on curriculum based on the best educational research and progressive teaching practices. They had seen other schools' attempts to innovate falter when faced with bureaucratic obstacles and resistance to change. But they persevered in a national climate that alternately supported and reject
ed innovation in individual school settings. And today our students benefit from a challenging academic environment that includes dedicated dance, visual arts, and music teachers. Initially focused on Kindergarten through 3rd grade, the school's scope was extended through the 8th grade in 1997. Creative Arts' first graduates, the Class of 2002, enrolled in a range of high schools throughout San Francisco. Building on our success, the Board of Directors voted in 2012, with the support of the staff and community, to expand the student body to 432 by 2016. To reach this goal, the school will admit two Kindergarten classes each year, as well as an additional sixth grade class in 2014 and 2016. By 2016, each grade has contained two classes of students and has served thousands of students over our 30+ year history. Originally run almost exclusively by our Board and a long list of volunteers, the school now benefits from an administrative team that includes the Executive Director, Director of the Lower School (K-5), Director of Operations, Middle School Coordinator, Director of Arts Programming/Resource Development, and the Director of Afterschool. We currently employ 18 classroom teachers; music, dance, theatre and visual arts instructors; a PE teacher, and a literacy specialist. CACS is required to apply to the San Francisco Board of Education for charter renewal every five years. We look forward to continuing our success over the next 30 years!
