Visual and performing Arts, housed at George Wythe High School, is one of the magnet programs offered by Richmond Public Schools. The mission of the program is to provide students with integrated arts, technology, and academic programs that are designed to prepare students for college and a career path. The arts magnet currently offers instruction in dance, drama, music, and visual arts.

   To provide a broad range of programs in arts, technology and to provide opportunities for in-depth study in these programs.

   To combine academic instruction with specialized training which will prepare students for further study and a career path.

   To provide experiences that will enable students to make knowledgeable career and college decisions.

   To develop cross-disciplinary outcomes in all courses.

   To provide students with experiences that teach them how to relate in a culturally, economically and socially diverse environment.

   To combine theory with hands-on experiences.

   To form an academic atmosphere for lively interchange based on questioning and problem solving.

   To provide faculty and resident artists who pursue professional arts careers.

   Students take an arts class in 90-minute blocks scheduled on an even/odd block schedule.

   A certified teacher in each arts area teaches classes with supplementary instruction from guest artists.

   A team of teachers works with each grade/arts level.

   There is a parent meeting every month for information and support.

   Rising ninth through twelfth grade students may apply of admission to any area of study.

   Students must complete a magnet application.

   Applications are available through the guidance departments at all middle and high schools, or directly from George Wythe High School of the Arts.

   Students will be screened after acceptance and placed in a class level based on strength and previous experience.

     Over a four-year course of study,   students receive instruction in all the required core subjects, with other subjects added, based on each student’s Arts Magnet Strand.