Picture the imposing Savannah Arts Academy building. Its history whispers stories of ambition and resilience. This wasn’t always a haven for artistic expression. The Savannah Arts Academy stands on the site once envisioned for the Hotel Georgia. A luxurious tourist hotel a palace of beauty its developers dreamed. Litigation steel shortages and financial woes stalled its construction. The foundation lay unfinished for two decades. Then the Works Progress Administration stepped in. During the Great Depression they saw potential in the site. They built the Savannah High School. It opened its doors on June 15 1937. It stood for sixty-one years a landmark on Washington Avenue. This magnificent building became the home of Savannah Arts Academy in August 1998. It was the first dedicated performing and visual arts school in Savannah. The academy opened with 397 eager students.
Savannah Arts Academy has grown impressively. In 2023 it was ranked the seventh-best high school in Georgia. It also earned a national ranking of 276th among all high schools in the US News and World Report rankings. The school’s success is also highlighted by a remarkable achievement. In the 2006-2007 school year it received the coveted Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence from the US Department of Education. This prestigious award recognizes schools in the top 10 percent of their state for test scores. It also recognizes those demonstrating significant improvements in student achievement. Today Savannah Arts Academy continues to thrive. It provides an exceptional education to its approximately 905 students. They benefit from a 14.57 student-teacher ratio. It ensures personalized attention and support.
Students have much to explore at Savannah Arts Academy. The Savannah Arts Fashion Show a highlight of the year. It showcases the talent of the visual arts and theater departments. Previously known as Junk 2 Funk the show now attracts large audiences. The annual Film and Media Festival is another popular event. It features the remarkable work created by the students in the film department. Past students have excelled in various fields. Ligel Lambert a visual artist Cheryl Haworth an Olympic weightlifter and Ben Marshall a comedian are just a few notable alumni. Their successes show the lasting impact of the school.
The Savannah Arts Academy stands as a testament to transformation. It moved from a stalled hotel project to a prestigious high school. From there it transformed into a vibrant center for the arts. It provides countless students with the opportunity to grow and thrive. The building’s history speaks volumes. It whispers of dreams deferred then realized. The academy’s ongoing success is a tribute to the dedication of its students and staff. It is a beacon of artistic excellence in Savannah. A place where creativity flourishes. A place where dreams take flight. It is a place you should definitely explore.