School factors that facilitate viable arts programs and support student academic achievement: a case study

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to the preservation of Viable Arts Programs at a high academic achieving high school located in California. The study explored the relationship between the Arts Programs, the leadership that supports the Arts, and the resource allocation that enables the sustainability of a Viable Arts Program in a high school that has demonstrated academic success. In addition, this study sought to explore the external factors such as budgetary and accountability constraints at the federal, state, and district level and how these factors influence the preservation of a Viable Arts Programs. The results of this study revealed that key components have to be present in a school to facilitate a Viable Arts Program. These key components include a unique and effective mix of school structure, staffing, curriculum, and culture. Specifically, the study found that the three most important aspects related to the school's success were the strong adherence to their Mission, an unwavering Founder providing strong leadership, and a partnership‐based Fundraising paradigm that engaged all relevant stakeholders through very distinctive methods. The analysis and findings of this study expand the knowledge about this prevalent topic in education.