New Haven Interdistrict Magnet Schools

150 Kimberly Avenue New Haven, CT 06519 MAP
203-946-8974

Grades: 5th – 8th grade
School Hours: 9:15am – 3:30pm
Principal: Shawn True
Enrollment: 500 students
Website: www.rossarts.org

Open House 2012

Wednesday, January 18: 10am

Thursday, February 2: 6pm

Shadowing

Available by appointment on February 14-15.

More Info

Call Sylvia Petriccione at (203) 946-5008

Students at Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School study dance, music, theatre and visual arts at an advanced level with certified teachers who are also professional artists. In 2002 the school building and classrooms were created specifically for arts education, with specially designed display areas, rehearsal and performance facilities. Students spend a period each day in the arts and are exposed to all art disciplines while also receiving intensive instruction in the art area of their choice.

Students learn to make connections between the different arts and discover how each builds on and supports the others. This creative understanding helps to improve students’ overall academic performance. Betsy Ross students consistently score at the top in city and state-wide academic challenges like Book Bowl, science fairs and the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT).

Betsy Ross students perform throughout Connecticut at gubernatorial inaugurations, local business establishments and in parades. They also perform for community service organizations like Casa Otonal, Ronald MacDonald House and Yale-New Haven Hospital.

BRAMS’ Advancement Via Individual Determination-AVID program involves students in grades 5-8, preparing them for an academic future.

PBS-Positive Behavior Support Program is initiated successfully throughout the building. This creates an environment which supports students’ individual growth.

Students are offered numerous opportunities to expand their arts knowledge with trips to venues throughout the greater New Haven area.

Additional School Features

• Progressive arts education including: dance; ballet,modern,lyrical,jazz,tap, theatre arts; play writing workshops, music; instrumental/vocal, drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, video instruction
• Saturday/after school programs
• Professional performance and exhibition opportunities at venues like Carnegie Hall in NYC, CEA Headquarters in Hartford, New Haven Arts and I deas Festival, New Haven Arts Council’s Awards Ceremony
• School-wide multi-disciplinary performances throughout the year
• State-of-the-art computer/ science labs
• Honor students eligible for tuition scholarships to Quinnipiac University

Betsy Ross’s Education Partners

• Jazz Haven
• Long Wharf Theatre
• Neighborhood Music School
• Peabody Fellows
• Shubert Theater
• Pilobolus Dance Company
• Quinnipiac University; Scholars Program, Communications Department
• Yale University; Art Gallery, Repertory Theatre, School of Music, Teachers Institute
• Young Audiences of Connecticut

What our students are saying...

"My experience at Besty Ross Arts Magnet School has been amazing. I have had unique opportunities like; performing in the Marching and Jazz Bands, working with the Pilobolus Dance Theatre and having a major role in the BRAMS Spring Musical, just to name a few. I have also been part of our Book Bowl team for two years. BRAMS has given me the tools to be successful in the performing arts and academics. I would recommend this school to anyone who has an interest in the arts." - Logan, 8th grade

"When I was in 6th grade I accompanied our choral teacher on the piano for our school wide musical, "Seussical". It was an honor to be chosen and a great opportunity for me. I would recommend other students come to BRAMS because they will be able to enter into things they may already be doing such as dance, theatre and music. They will learn more than they knew before coming to BRAMS. If they haven't taken arts classes before they will learn new things. Many students who like the arts will be able to follow their dreams at BRAMS." - Jarrad M., 8th grade, New Haven

"The most exciting experiences I have had were many different experiences. The partnership with Qinnippiac University, as it sponsors an honors program which I have been involved in since 5th grade. I started to take Chinese in 6th grade. All the arts have given me opportunities to gain experience. I performed in the dance showcase in 5th grade for my tap class and I am in Museum Club at the Yale Art Gallery. There are so many exciting experiences at BRAMS. Students should come to BRAMS for the arts. You learn so much from them and you get a different way of looking at things from an arts perspective. You become more creative. I am able to present all my school work well because of my arts background. It makes me think of all my options when trying to solve a problem. I like the academics because the teachers here really get into their subject and make you want to learn. I am a member of the National Junior Honor Society, an honor student and I have been selected as 'Sudent of the Month'. One of my stories was published in 'Artful Magazine'. I won first place in the school Science Fair in 5th and 7th grades. I entered the Colt Foreign Language poetry contest and attended the competition. I have been a member of our school winning Book Bowl team and have competed city wide." - Alyssa C., 8th Grade, Derby

"Your dreams will come true when you come to Betsy Ross!" - Destry H-B, Grade 8, New Haven

"Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School has given me opportunities like being on the honor roll, becoming a NJHS member and being in the band. The teachers are supportive and make learning fun. Marching in parades is exciting as I worked to become a first class musician/drum major. BRAMS helps to explore the artistic side of you, the program is unique." -Zariah, Grade 8, New Haven