Union Gets Arts Magnet Elementary School

By Emily S. Achenbaum, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Apr. 4–Benton Heights Elementary will become Union County’s first arts magnet elementary school.

Tuesday, the Union County Board of Education unanimously approved a request to begin the school’s transition after hearing a presentation from school leaders.

Benton Heights paired with the Charlotte-based Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Education Institute in 2004, and art is already woven into the curriculum. Benton Heights Principal Mike Harvey told the board the changes he’s seen in the student body are encouraging.

“Our students want to come to school,” Harvey said. “They love the entertainment value education is now providing.”

The school will use drama, music, dance and possibly orchestra to teach the standard state curriculum.

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

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