What We Do
WE HELP INTEGRATE ARTS INTO SCHOOLS.
THERE IS NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL APPROACH.
Turnaround Arts California equips underserved public schools and their teachers to use the arts to reach every student and build thriving, creative school communities.
How Art is Making Learning Fun at Finney Elementary School
At Turnaround Arts: California, we believe that everyone in a school is a learner, not just the students. A key part of our work is engaging teachers as learners themselves. When we partner with schools, they commit to devoting valuable staff time for teachers to engage in professional development in the arts, allowing teachers to…
Our Approach
Turnaround Arts California focuses on the adults in public elementary and middle schools, providing training and resources to help teachers and principals use the arts to create thriving schools.
The Turnaround Arts program is distinct from other arts education programs in four key ways:
01
We’re responsive to each school’s unique situation and community
02
We involve principals and teachers as learners too
03
We use a state-wide network of artists and arts teachers
04
We help school leaders see the arts’ role in student success
What We Provide
TACA’s award-winning and research-backed programming provides in-depth and holistic support to schools for a minimum of four years.
Professional development in the arts helps teachers add creative strategies to their teaching skills. Our programming includes:
Our Impact
For more than 10 YEARS, we’ve been working with underserved California schools, teaching and learning from each other. TACA schools have experienced profound changes and growth.
Our Reach
36,000
STUDENTS 
2,100
TEACHERS 
36
SCHOOL COMMUNITIES 
125
ARTISTS & ART PARTNERS Students
Students at our partner schools respond enthusiastically to the arts and are growing in many ways. They report that the arts help them relax, build confidence and patience, and learn more about themselves and their peers. Thanks to the arts, students are becoming more invested in their own success.
96% of teachers reported the arts had a positive impact on student engagement and learning
“I like having the arts at our school because I feel like the arts bring us together.”
– 6th grade student, Zamboni Middle School
Teachers
Rare in most public schools today, teachers at Turnaround Arts schools regularly collaborate with colleagues to learn to use the arts to better support students and families. Teachers lean into their creativity and consistently apply the new skills they learn in their classrooms with students.
Two-thirds of teachers say that Turnaround Arts has made their teaching more enjoyable and they have new ways to reach a variety of learners.
“The arts are essential to student learning. Not every student learns the same. Arts give them another way.”
– Teacher, Fremont Lopez Elementary
Schools
Turnaround Arts schools have become more inclusive and creative places to learn. Students from all backgrounds and abilities feel more connected to their classmates and to their studies. School spaces have been improved with murals, art displays, and gardens. Teachers and families report feeling proud of what their students have achieved.
94% of teachers report that their school’s atmosphere and culture celebrates creativity and artistic achievements.
“Turnaround Arts helped us make learning fun, so that our children are happy to be at school, and so are the teachers.”
– Teacher, Mary Chapa Academy
Where We Work
Turnaround Arts California exclusively works in K-8 public elementary and middle schools in underserved communities where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced price meals.
Current Schools
Previous Schools
“The arts should belong to everybody, and every kid should have the chance for a good education. Access to the arts and a high-quality education aren’t two different ideas, they are one reality.” – Frank Gehry
Stay In Touch