Location

Tacoma, Washington

Grade Levels

  • 9-12

Learning Models

  • Personalized Learning
  • Real World Learning

Governance

Public

School Website

Grades Served: 9-12
Students Served: 624

About

A great example of city-as-campus with theaters, museums, and a university as partners. Adjunct performers and artists support depth and application.

The Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA), located in downtown Tacoma, Washington, is a public high school that provides a rigorous, arts-focused education for students in grades 9 through 12. Established in 2001, SOTA offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates the arts with academic subjects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

SOTA’s innovative campus is spread across downtown Tacoma, using facilities such as the Tacoma Art Museum, local theaters, and other cultural institutions to enrich student learning. This urban setting provides students with access to professional artists, musicians, and industry professionals, creating real-world learning opportunities.

The school’s arts curriculum includes programs in visual arts, music, theater, dance, and media arts. Students engage in intensive, hands-on projects that allow them to explore their passions and develop their artistic skills. SOTA also emphasizes academic excellence, with students required to meet or exceed state and college-preparatory standards.

SOTA fosters a tight-knit community where students and staff collaborate closely. Advisory groups and mentorship programs ensure personalized support, helping students navigate both academic and personal challenges.

The school’s mission is to prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong learning by cultivating artistic expression, innovation, and resilience. With its unique approach to education, SOTA is recognized as a model for integrating the arts into public education.

Stories

View All Schools