PISOTA Arts, Academics + Programs

We nurture and guide our students, connect them with the larger world, and prepare them to become global artists, innovators, and changemakers who will make our local and global communities better.

At PISOTA, we are bringing an international perspective to everything we teach. When students understand our world, they can make our world better. Art is a vehicle for positive change, progress, responsible expression, and healing in communities and spaces where people and societies gather.

PISOTA Curriculum

Our core subject curriculum is Cambridge International Curriculum.

used by more than 10,000 schools worldwide

in more than 160 nations

recognized by universities and employers worldwide

global artists, innovators, and changemakers.

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

PISOTA teachers pose questions, problems, and scenarios that ask students to grapple with new ideas and complex lessons so students engage in civic discourse and investigate various art forms.

That's the PISOTA Way

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That's the PISOTA Way *

Inquiry-based learning

As with project-based and discovery-based learning, inquiry-based learning is a form of active learning through addressing and posing questions, analyzing evidence, connecting evidence to pre-existing knowledge, drawing conclusions, and reflecting on newly learned findings.

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ARTS

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ARTS ~

Studying the arts allows students to learn about themselves, our world, and ideas in ways that build onto traditional core subjects, like reading, science, and history.

  • Dance Courses

    In our dance courses, students explore movement as a form of self-expression and storytelling, gaining a deeper understanding of their bodies and the world around them. Through diverse styles and techniques, they develop creativity, discipline, and physical awareness, enhancing their learning across traditional subjects like science, history, and reading.

  • Instrumental Music Courses

    In our instrumental music courses, students learn to express themselves through sound, mastering techniques on various instruments. They explore rhythm, melody, and harmony, gaining skills in creativity, discipline, and collaboration. These courses enrich students’ understanding of core subjects like math, reading, and history by connecting music theory to broader academic concepts.

  • Voice Courses

    In our voice courses, students develop their vocal abilities through technique, performance, and music theory. They explore different styles and genres while building confidence, discipline, and self-expression. Voice training enhances communication skills and deepens their understanding of language, culture, and history, complementing traditional academic subjects.

  • Theatre Courses

    In our theatre courses, students explore acting, script analysis, and stagecraft, learning to bring stories to life through performance. They develop skills in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Theatre fosters confidence and empathy while deepening their understanding of literature, history, and culture, complementing traditional academic subjects.

  • Visual Arts Courses

    In our Visual Arts courses, students explore various mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to express their creativity and ideas. They develop skills in observation, critical thinking, and craftsmanship while learning to interpret the world around them. Visual Arts enhance students' understanding of culture, history, and even science, enriching their overall academic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For questions about PISOTA’s enrollment policy, please visit our enrollment page.

  • If the number of applicants during Open Enrollment exceeds the number of openings at any grade level, enrollment is determined by a lottery and waitlist. The Open Enrollment period for Phoenix International School of the Arts is NOT first come, first served, and only applications submitted during the Open Enrollment period are included in the lottery. Lottery drawings are held after the Open Enrollment period has ended, and you will receive the results directly from the school. The exact Open Enrollment period and lottery dates are determined on a year-to-year basis.

  • Each time an opening becomes available in a particular grade, the school will contact the parent/guardian of the next student on the waitlist for that grade and offer their child the open spot. If the parent/guardian declines the spot, it will be offered to the next student in line on the waitlist for that grade, and so on

  • Yes, we continue accepting applications after Open Enrollment ends. However, only applications submitted during the Open Enrollment period are included in the lottery. Applications submitted after the Open Enrollment period has ended are processed on a first-come, first-served basis following applications received during the Open Enrollment period. If a waitlist exists for a particular grade, the applicant will be placed on the waitlist according to the time and date of their submission after applications are included in the lottery.

  • There are many variables involved, so we cannot accurately predict the chances of enrollment. Much depends on the decisions of other parents/guardians and the availability of seats in a particular grade. Offers are made throughout the spring, summer, and even into the next school year. Our teams work diligently to ensure that anytime a seat becomes available, an offer is made to the next student in line.

  • If your student is currently enrolled with Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), then their registration for PISOTA is taken care of by the school district and PISOTA (there is no action needed by families). CCPS will transfer all of the student’s information over to PISOTA. If the family is new to the district, they must register with the school district, and the district will send all information to PISOTA. To register with CCPS, visit the online registration website by clicking here.

    Students currently within the district have selected the courses they would have taken at their homeschools; PISOTA has received this information from each homeschool so that we may properly assign students to classes. If additional information is needed from a family, the school district or a member of the PISOTA crew will get in touch with the family directly.

  • PISOTA is open to all students. We have no entrance exams and do not restrict admission on the basis of academic achievement or any protected class.

  • We recommend completing student enrollment applications during the Open Enrollment period. However, applications are accepted throughout the year.

    Please note that the exact Open Enrollment dates and lottery dates are determined on a year-to-year basis. For questions about PISOTA’s enrollment policy, please visit our enrollment page.

  • We know our middle school students are excited about the independence and responsibility that lockers bring! Yes, there are lockers at PISOTA.

  • 7:50 AM - 2:20 PM

  • Currently, PISOTA provides transportation to students through the Charles County Public Schools Transportation office. However, transportation is reassessed annually and not guaranteed every year. Should bus transportation continue to be provided,  the school district will make bus pickup/drop-off locations available to families closer to the start of the school year in August. If transportation through CCPS is discontinued, families will receive ample notice before changes take place.

    Families may also choose to be car riders, use KidzCab, or coordinate carpools.

  • Yes, PISOTA uses Synergy and S’more (ParentVue/StudentVue) for day-to-day communications between teachers and families. Charles County Public Schools will communicate with families via SMS messaging and email through Synergy or School Messenger. Families will also receive a weekly newsletter from the principal’s office during the school year via S’more.

    You can access all pertinent links through our family portal.

    We always welcome informal engagement on our social media channels.

  • PISOTA is partnered with the school district to offer breakfast and lunch for families. More information about the school district’s lunch program can be found by visiting the family portal.

  • PISOTA follows all safety and security measures upheld by the CCPS district. For more information about safety and security policies expected of schools within the district, please click here. We also encourage using the district’s “See Something, Say Something” process.

    At the school level, we prioritize the physical and emotional safety of our students. In order for our students to be mentally well, they need to feel physically and emotionally safe. Here is what it looks like in action:

    • Students, faculty, and staff are required to do monthly safety drills;

    • A double-door entrance vestibule with key card access;

    • All visitors must sign in using the district-provided visitor monitoring software;

    • All visitors regularly working with children must go through the district’s background check;

    • And CCTV monitoring around the perimeter of the building.

    What one might expect at any public school in the district should also be expected at PISOTA. More importantly, with PISOTA being a smaller school, our emphasis on mental health and holistic wellness and the engagement of families is also a critical part of our safety protocol. We are vigilant and constantly reviewing protocols and procedures to ensure compliance and fidelity of implementation.

  • No, PISOTA students are not required to wear uniforms. Outside the required dress for certain arts disciplines (such as dance attire), students can wear whatever they choose — within the county dress code.

    We encourage our young people to explore their individuality and creativity and develop a sense of personal style while respecting their fellow students and maintaining a positive, uplifting learning environment.

  • The following sports teams have been offered at PISOTA in the past:

    • Boys Basketball

    • Girls Volleyball

    • Boys and Girls Track and Field

    These sports offerings are available as long as there is enough student interest and a volunteer coach available.