Our History
Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts (RA) opened in 2014 and is the only elementary school of the arts in Upstate New York. We primarily serve students from economically disadvantaged communities in Rochester, many of whom have experienced poverty, trauma, or housing instability.
Our arts-integrated model teaches students through both an art form (visual art, music, dance, or drama) and a core subject (ELA, math, science, or social studies) at the same time. Each lesson is designed to deepen understanding, build confidence, and support emotional well-being.
Arts integration is especially powerful for students who have faced adversity. It offers a safe space for expression, encourages engagement, and helps develop the resilience and creativity they need to succeed.
At RA, we’re not just teaching subjects, we’re breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunity.
The Role of Charter Schools in Rochester and Beyond
Charter schools were originally created to be innovative, independently operated public schools that offer families more choices in education. Nationally, charter schools often exist alongside a range of high-performing public options, serving as alternatives for specific learning models or student needs.
In Rochester, New York, the role of charter schools is significantly more urgent and vital.
Rochester is home to one of the most challenged urban school districts in the country, with historically low graduation rates and achievement gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and those living in poverty. In this landscape, charter schools like Renaissance Academy are not simply offering "alternatives"—we are providing access to quality, consistent, creative, and student-centered education where it is most needed.
Unlike many parts of the country where charters are one of many strong options, in Rochester we are often a lifeline for families seeking safe, supportive, and academically rigorous environments for their children. We operate with fewer resources than traditional public schools but remain committed to equitable access to arts-integrated learning, social-emotional development, and whole-child support.
Our mission is not competition, it’s equity. And our goal is not just innovation, it’s impact.
How We Are Funded
Federal Funding
The Federal Department of Education's purpose is to ensure equal access to education for all; by ensuring state compliance with civil rights laws that protect students from discrimination and support equity in education.
Historically, RA has received federal grant dollars for Title I,II, III, IV and IDEA initiatives supporting economically disadvantaged students, school meal support, English language learner resources, students with disabilities, and student enrichment.
*As of July, 2025 all funds supporting English language learners, professional development for teachers, and student enrichment have been frozen by the federal government.
State Funding
Traditional public schools are funded through local and municipal property taxes.
While district schools receive 100% of state funding, charter schools receive only 68%.
On average, in Rochester, NY charter school students receive $15,000-$17,000 less per student, per year.
Each year, we must seek additional funding to provide essential programs such as teacher professional development, social-emotional and family support services, summer learning opportunities, and before-school programming. These resources would otherwise be covered by full and equitable state funding.
Private Funding
To fill the gap and fund valuable school resources and roles Renaissance Academy seeks private funding through generous individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations.
The generosity of our donors and supporters has allowed us to fund such programs, initiatives, and roles as:
Our Foodlink partnered on-site food pantry.
Alternative transportation for students experiencing housing insecurity.
Social emotional learning and family service roles.
Our summer learning camp, Camp ReAdy.
Our Student Need Fund that supports students and families in crisis.
Our 6th Grade Scholarship Fund that helps offset costs of graduating 6th grade students attending tuition-based schools after RA.
Our school therapy dog, Remy!
and more...