Frequently Asked Questions

Why are construction trailers at the north end of McCallum’s campus?

By Spring 2011, we will have a wonderful new arts complex housing a theatre, gallery space, and three art studios that will open to covered outdoor art pads/patios.

MFAA has some of the most outstanding visual and performing arts instruction in the state, but are the academics rigorous?

Absolutely! We are a national Outstanding Advanced Placement School (with high test scores in AP biology, physics, chemistry, calculus, statistics, US History, art history, music theory & more) and listed in Newsweek’s Top 3% of America’s Best High Schools. We have 8 National Merit scholars, seven of whom are in the Academy. Graduates have attended top colleges and universities, and they and their parents report that they go well-prepared. Academy graduating classes have consistently been offered millions of dollars in college scholarships.

What is the difference between going to another high school and taking fine arts classes and coming to the Fine Arts Academy as a fine arts major?

  • MFAA has curriculum and performance/exhibition requirements for majors beyond those required for students simply enrolled in arts classes
  • MFAA has rigorous upper-level courses, some which are not offered elsewhere
  • Our campus is diverse and embraces students whose passion is  fine arts
  • Here, English, math, science, and social studies faculty encourage creative expression in projects and assignments reflective of an Academy students major 

Can I major in film at the Fine Arts Academy?

No, students audition and may be accepted only as dance, music, art, or theatre arts majors. A well-known, highly successful filmmaker speaking to McCallum students said that, although most think film-making is all about having a camera in hand, what really needs to be there is a book (saying a film-maker is best-served by developing a passion for reading and literature). With its strong language arts department and classes in technical theatre (where students are required to study art, lighting design, sound design, set design and construction), a student interested in film-making could gain valuable skills in preparation for film school. McCallum offers a media tech elective, which fine arts students may request. But AISD’s media tech classes are not fine arts classes.

How many students are in the Fine Arts Academy, and what can you tell us about them?

  • In Fall 2009, there are 482 Academy students, of which 60% are transfers.    
  • 20% of all Academy students are economically disadvantaged.
  • The ethnic make-up of the 161 students in our newest class is: African American:  7%,  Asian/Pacific Islander: 8%;   Hispanic: 24%,  Anglo: 61%