Executive Summary
The Purpose Academy of Fine Arts seeks a grant of $3 million to expand its innovative K-12 private school program in Volusia County, Florida. Since its inception, the Purpose Academy has grown from 9 to 90 students in just two years, demonstrating the high demand for a comprehensive arts education. We aim to acquire a 63,000 square-foot facility, previously a preschool, that will allow us to enhance our individualized curriculums in academics and the arts, increase enrollment capacity, and build a dedicated auditorium for community performances.
Introduction
The Purpose Academy of Fine Arts is dedicated to fostering creativity, academic excellence, and community engagement. Our unique model emphasizes personalized learning experiences, allowing students to select specific arts majors, including dance, vocal music, instrumental music, drama, art, and technical theatre. In conjunction with core academic subjects—math, science, literacy, social studies, and history—students develop skills that prepare them for college and careers in the arts.
Vision and Mission
Vision: To be a leading institution for arts education that nurtures the talents and passions of every student.
Mission: To provide an individualized, comprehensive education in the arts and academics, fostering creativity and critical thinking while actively engaging with the community.
Need Statement
Volusia County currently lacks a dedicated arts education program that integrates a full spectrum of artistic disciplines with robust academic instruction. Many students interested in the arts face limited options and must seek opportunities outside their schools, often leading to disengagement from their education. The Purpose Academy addresses this gap by providing a tailored curriculum that nurtures both artistic talent and academic achievement.
The acquisition of a larger facility will allow us to:
- Increase Enrollment Capacity: Expand our student body from 90 to 300 students.
- Create Additional Teaching Positions: Hire qualified faculty in various arts disciplines and academic subjects.
- Build a Dedicated Auditorium: Facilitate school performances, community events, and public showcases of student talent.
Project Description
Project Overview: The Purpose Academy of Fine Arts is embarking on an exciting move and expansion from its current 30,000 sq. ft. business park facility to a newly acquired 63,000 sq. ft. school building. This transition aims to enhance our educational offerings, provide state-of-the-art learning environments, and accommodate our growing student body.
Objectives:
- Increase Capacity: To accommodate more students and diverse programs.
- Enhance Learning Environments: To create inspiring and functional spaces that foster creativity and learning.
- Develop Performance Facilities: To build an auditorium equipped with advanced staging, seating, lighting, and sound systems for performances and events.
Scope of Work:
- Moving Expenses:
- Logistics planning and execution for the relocation of existing materials, equipment, and resources to the new facility.
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- Minimal Construction:
- Basic modifications to optimize the layout for educational use, including partitioning for classrooms and collaborative spaces.
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- Beautification of Learning Spaces:
- Design and implementation of aesthetic enhancements such as paint, flooring, and furnishings that promote a stimulating educational atmosphere.
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- Auditorium Build-Out:
- Construction of a fully equipped auditorium, including:
- Staging: Design and installation of a versatile stage for various performances.
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- Seating: Comfortable and accessible seating arrangements for audiences.
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- Lighting: Advanced lighting systems tailored for theatrical performances and events.
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- Sound Equipment: High-quality sound systems to ensure excellent audio for performances and presentations.
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Timeline: The project is expected to commence on 12/1/24 and be completed by 1/1/24, with specific milestones for each phase of the work.
Budget: The project budget will cover moving expenses, minimal construction costs, beautification efforts, and the auditorium build-out. Detailed financial planning will ensure optimal allocation of resources.
Conclusion: This expansion represents a significant opportunity for the Purpose Academy of Fine Arts to enrich our educational mission and provide our students with enhanced facilities that reflect our commitment to excellence in the arts. By moving to a larger, purpose-built space, we aim to foster creativity, collaboration, and a vibrant community for our students and faculty
Facility Acquisition
We are seeking funding to acquire a 63,000 square-foot building that is ready for immediate use. This facility includes over 30 classrooms, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium, significantly enhancing our operational capacity.
Program Expansion
With the new facility, the Purpose Academy plans to:
- Implement Specialized Arts Tracks: Offer focused training in various arts disciplines, ensuring personalized learning paths for students.
- Enhance Community Engagement: Host performances, art exhibitions, and workshops that foster collaboration between students and the local community.
- Develop Partnerships: Work with local arts organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to enrich our curriculum and provide real-world experiences for students.
Financial Plan
The total funding request of $3 million will cover:
- Building Acquisition: $2.1 million
- Renovation and Equipment: $500,000
- Operational Expenses for the First Year: $400,000
Impact and Evaluation
We anticipate that the expansion will significantly impact the local community by:
- Increasing access to quality arts education.
- Enhancing students' academic performance and engagement.
- Contributing to the cultural landscape of Volusia County.
We will evaluate our success through enrollment metrics, student performance data, community feedback, and the number of public performances and events held.
Conclusion
The Purpose Academy of Fine Arts stands at a pivotal moment in its growth. With the support of this funding, we will not only expand our facilities but also enrich the educational experiences of our students and the community at large. We invite you to partner with us in this transformative journey to cultivate the next generation of artists and scholars.
Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how your support can make a significant impact on our students and the community.