Among the Nation’s Finest: Two EBR Schools Receive Top Arts Education Distinction

*Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by EBR Schools. 

Among the Nation’s Finest: Two EBR Schools Receive Top Arts Education Distinction

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is celebrating a major milestone in arts education as the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts and Forest Heights Academy of Excellence have earned national recognition as Exemplary Schools by the Arts Schools Network for the 2026–2031 designation cycle. 

The designation is one of the highest honors awarded to arts-focused schools in the country and recognizes campuses that demonstrate excellence in academics, arts integration, leadership and student achievement. Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization dedicated to specialized arts schools, awards the distinction through a rigorous application and evaluation process aligned to national standards. 

For EBR Schools, the recognition marks a historic achievement. 

BRCVPA and Forest Heights are the first K-5 elementary schools in Louisiana to receive the designation. They join McKinley Middle Magnet as three of only five schools statewide to earn the honor, further establishing EBR Schools as a leader in innovative and high-quality arts education. 

“Schools must engage in an in-depth self-study aligned to national standards, examining all aspects of their mission, instruction, operations and impact on students,” said Elizabeth Thomas, EBR Schools recruiter for Magnet Programs. 

District leaders say the recognition reflects years of dedication from educators, families and students who have embraced arts education as a pathway to academic success and personal growth. 

“Designations like this do not happen by accident,” said Dr. Casaundra McNair, executive director of Innovative & Specialized Programs for EBR Schools. “They are the result of the collective commitment, passion and daily work of dedicated staff, supportive families and students who fully embrace the vision and culture of the program. This recognition reflects what is possible when an entire school community works together to create meaningful opportunities and outcomes for students.” 

Nationally, BRCVPA and Forest Heights now belong to an elite group of elementary arts programs recognized at this level; only about 11 elementary programs nationwide have ever received the designation. 

At BRCVPA, students receive daily instruction in dance, music, theater and visual arts alongside a rigorous academic curriculum. The school is known for cultivating creativity, collaboration and artistic excellence while helping students develop confidence and critical-thinking skills through performances, exhibitions and community engagement. 

In its comments about BRCVPA, Arts Schools Network praised the school’s student-centered approach and commitment to integrating arts into every aspect of learning.

Forest Heights Academy of Excellence was also recognized for its strong integration of academics and arts education. Students participate in visual arts, music, dance, theater and interdisciplinary learning experiences designed to support both artistic and academic growth. 

Arts Schools Network highlighted Forest Heights’ commitment to creativity, innovation, collaboration and leadership development within a diverse and inclusive learning environment. 

Representatives from both schools and district leadership will formally celebrate the achievement during the Arts Schools Network Annual Conference in October in San Diego. 

The recognition serves as another example of the district’s ongoing investment in specialized programs that provide students with unique opportunities to learn, grow and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.