The New School for the Arts & Academics (NSAA) is a tuition-free Tempe charter school founded in 1995 by Ron Caya to give students “an advantage in the arts with the primary goal of producing graduates who are prepared to enter the professional fields of art and education.”
The middle and high schools at NSAA are in a building that was once the Electric Ballroom, a venue where No Doubt, Weezer, Phish, Nirvana and Iggy Pop once played.
Today, the talented students are engaged with the community beyond the school campus. NSAA has been recognized as an Arizona Civic Engagement School of Distinction, with its student population actively participating in local events and community festivals.
NSAA’s robust curriculum combines academics and the arts, and the school has about 180 students in grades 6-12. The school is ranked #3 in Best High Schools for the Arts in Arizona, according to Niche.
Offering both visual and performing arts classes, NSAA’s courses include a wide range of topics, including ceramics, digital and 3D design, mixed media, fashion and jewelry design, painting and drawing, acting, music and theatrical design and production. College readiness is also a top priority at NSAA, which also provides a full range of academic topics.
New School for the Arts & Academics
Charter Middle, High School
|
Grade 9-12
1216 E Apache Blvd,
Tempe, AZ
School Details
Average SAT Score
1180
Average ACT Score
27
Math Proficiency
64.5%
Reading Proficiency
64.5%
Average GPA
3.55
Graduation Rate
84.5%
Niche Grade
B-
A+
C+
B
C
C-
C-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.55
Reading Proficiency
64.5%
Math Proficiency
64.5%
Teachers
Teachers in First or Second Year
6.1%
College Prep
Average SAT
1180
Math
560
Verbal
620
Average ACT
27
Math
24
English
27
Reading
30
Science
25
Number of AP Courses
2
AP Pass Rate
19%
AP Math Enrollment
Very Low
AP Science Enrollment
Very Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Math
36%
State Average
44%
Science
25%
State Average
31%
Student Diversity
Female
69.5%
Male
30.5%
White
60.1%
Hispanic
23.2%
Two or more races
7.4%
Black
3.9%
Native American
3.4%
Asian or Pacific Islander
1.5%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
School Rankings
#4
Best HS for the Arts in Arizona
#46
Best Public HS Teachers in Arizona
Specialty School Programs
AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Arizona State University
51 Students
Northern Arizona University
27 Students
Mesa Community College
20 Students
University of Arizona
18 Students
University of California - Los Angeles
11 Students
California Institute of the Arts
9 Students
Pacific Northwest College of Art
8 Students
Grand Canyon University
7 Students
Academy of Art University
6 Students
Berklee College of Music
6 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Fine Arts
13 Students
Creative Writing
10 Students
Drama and Theatre Production
8 Students
Business
7 Students
Music
7 Students
Photography
7 Students
Psychology
6 Students
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
6 Students
Fashion and Apparel Design
6 Students
Music Theory and Composition
6 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
9/10/2024
I have loved being a student at nsaa, i have never felt so accepted. I've found amazing life long friends and connection that i wouldn't have found elsewhere. some of the kids have definetly been weird and the administration is unorganized but they've helped me enjoy school and find my passions.
5/11/2024
The school has a good foundation and is enjoyable to attend, however some aspects are un organized. generally a good experience and suitable learning environment
2/11/2017
My girls have loved attending the school. I have one in the literacy arts and one in the dance track. The teachers send out regular communication and are always willing to give them extra help when needed.
GreatSchools Reviews
3/4/2025
This school saved my high school career. After COVID, I went online and had horrible grades. Since coming to NSAA, my grades and mental health have improved greatly. I have straight As and feel accepted here.
3/3/2025
This is my daughter’s first year at NSAA. She has been supported in her talents and recognized for her abilities. She is thriving. They understand her individual needs and have worked with her to be able to succeed. We are happy to have found a school that is suited for her and her love of art!
1/4/2021
The teachers are great and it's a shame that the administration is horrid. I mean THE WORST EVER!! As a educator who sub-contracts in many of the Valley's schools, I was shocked and sad to learn how she ran the school. The dean is in control of everything and there is no biased governing board to in...
11/19/2020
The administration is directly responsible for everything wrong with this school. No one is held to any permanent standards, and the Dean decides who she will and won't help. Preferential treatment is the elephant in the room. Students get a free, easy ride through to their diploma, and nearly all o...
Agents Specializing Near This School
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Stephen Liby
Stephen Liby
HomeSmart
(623) 254-1098
45 Total Sales
3 Near This School
$330K - $750K Price Range
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Lauren Wendt
Lauren Wendt
W and Partners, LLC
(602) 932-1263
159 Total Sales
5 Near This School
$205K - $600K Price Range
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Patricia Gore
Patricia Gore
Coldwell Banker Realty
(623) 526-5588
69 Total Sales
2 Near This School
$235K - $500K Price Range
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Jennifer Taege
Jennifer Taege
Compass
(623) 432-8504
60 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$439,900 Price
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Dawna Ruiz
Dawna Ruiz
West USA Realty
(480) 418-5775
86 Total Sales
2 Near This School
$284K - $419K Price Range
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Gaby Carder
Gaby Carder
Real Estate 48
(754) 247-1950
159 Total Sales
8 Near This School
$235K - $780K Price Range
Map
List Price Range
$224K - $1.6M
Homes For Sale
46
Average Home Value
$484,399
Median Lot Size
3,049 Sq Ft
% Renters
91%
Average Household Income
$67,331
% of College Grads
58.1%
Median Age
28
Average House Size
1,378 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
90.3%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
- 9th to 12th
- Charter
- 6th to 12th
- Charter
Parks in this Area
Jaycee Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Grills
Birchett Park
- Trails
- Multi-Purpose Field
Creamery Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Pickleball
Rio Salado Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Bike Trails
- Boating
Creamery Park
- Basketball
- Dog Park
- Grills
Daley Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Grills
Clark Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Dog Park
Hayden Butte Preserve
- Trails
Ragsdale-MLK Park
- Trails
- Multi-Purpose Field
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Marilyn Ann
Walkable neighborhood just over a mile from downtown Tempe and ASU
New School for the Arts & Academics is a charter school for students in grades 9-12 located at 1216 E Apache Blvd in Tempe, AZ. The school has a total enrollment of 172. Academic records show that 64.5% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 64.5% are proficient in reading. New School for the Arts & Academics has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B and a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.55, the graduation rate is 84.5%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1180 and an ACT score of 27. The average home value in this area is $484,399. Discover additional schools in the area, like Educational Models for Learning ? Arizona, International Commerce High School - Tempe, Tempe Preparatory Academy, and more. Learn more about what Tempe has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near New School for the Arts & Academics.