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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS **New Statewide Graduation Requirements Beginning with the Class of 2023** Senate Bill 1095 , signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on October 24, 2018, shifted Pennsylvania's reliance on high stakes testing as a graduation requirement to provide alternatives for high school students to demonstrate readiness for postsecondary success. Beginning with the class of 2023, CASA students must meet the school's local requirements along with the new statewide requirements Click HERE for details. *Note - Children with disabilities who satisfactorily complete a special education program developed by an Individualized Education Program team under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act shall be granted and issued a regular high school diploma by the Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School. This applies if the special education program of a child with a disability does not otherwise meet the established graduation requirements. Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) may meet the requirements for graduation by meeting or exceeding goals as outlined and agreed upon within the IEP. Early Graduation Policy

CASA PTO Volunteering with CASA’s PTO allows the opportunity to stay connected with your child’s school, get to know the CASA staff & teachers and contribute to enriching your child’s experience at CASA. We need many volunteers throughout the year to help in the PTO activities - from chaperoning, to providing refreshments and your most precious commodity – your time! More info coming soon for the CASA PTO! PTO Brochure

MISSION & VISION MISSION The Mission of Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School is to provide students with a rich, rigorous, arts-infused high school program that enables them to succeed in college and careers. VISION The Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School will be the significant and innovative provider of multidisciplinary arts and academic education to creative students. It will attract the most talented and motivated students and be a model for 21st century learning. CREATIVE WRITING MUSIC DANCE THEATRE FILM & MEDIA ARTS VISUAL ARTS

CASA Film Festival | West Shore Theatre, starting at 5:00 p.m. Grades 9-10 5:00 p.m. / Grades 11-12 8:30 p.m. Tickets: (sold at the door) are $5.00 for each screening / CASA students are free. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Amy Lane Food Services 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: Central Dauphin High School Graduate What brought you to CASA? My oldest daughter was a senior at CASA when my position became available. I love food and I love to serve! Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? I was and still am a personal shopper. Before that I was the full-time Chef at WSCA cafeteria. What is your favorite part of working at CASA? Being able to show love to students! What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist? I love to create with food, and mixed media art. What do you feel is your impact on our school community, students, and culture? Grace, love and second helpings of lunch! Do you advise any clubs at CASA? No, I would love to advise an identity club!

FAQs CASA is an exciting educational experience where premier arts education meets high-quality, standards-based academics. Capital Area School for the Arts was created in 2001 through a unique partnership between Open Stage of Harrisburg and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. In 2013, the school received charter status and is now an intensive, all-day academic and arts high school. Located in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, the school is an integral part of the economic, cultural, and artistic renaissance that has swept through the city in recent years. The students enrolled in CASA have an extraordinary opportunity to participate in a truly original and collaborative environment where they are encouraged to create, learn, and excel. Q: What is a charter school? A: A charter school is an independent public school, custom-designed by local citizens. It is typically endorsed or “chartered” by a public agency and has more freedom and flexibility than it would through magnet status or waivers. A charter school may not charge tuition and it may not discriminate. Charter schools typically focus on a special curriculum approach, a new school organization approach or some other feature that sets them apart from regular public school offerings. Q: What are the entrance requirements for CASA Charter School? A: Acceptance to the school is based upon an audition in the field of interest—creative writing, dance, film and video, music, theatre, or visual arts. These auditions are conducted by the instructors in that department. Q: May I audition for more than one area? A: We encourage students with multiple interests and talents to audition for up to two art majors. Q: How will I know if I have been accepted into CASA Charter School? A: Decision letters are mailed mid to late April. Auditions will continue throughout the year and are scheduled independently by the teacher. Notification of acceptance and space available to attend will follow the audition. Q: When are auditions scheduled? A: Auditions will be scheduled throughout late winter and spring for the next school year. The schedule will be posted on our website, www.casa-arts.org . Students are able to audition throughout the school year and may begin attending immediately if there are open seats. Q: What is the cost to attend? A: CASA does not charge students tuition. CASA is a public high school of choice and funded through the sending school districts. CASA Charter School receives 75% of the funding provided to the sending school district through state, federal, and property taxes. We rely on private fundraising to make up any operating deficit and to fund the cost of enhanced programming. We welcome the participation of students and their families in these efforts. Q: Will I be prepared for college when I graduate? A: Absolutely. CASA Charter School graduates are accepted into the most prestigious college programs in the nation. In fact over 94% of our students attend a college, university, or conservatory after graduation. Many of our students are awarded scholarships, grants, and financial aid each year. Q: Where is the school located? A: The school is located at 150 Strawberry Square in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at Third and Walnut Streets in state of the art classroom facilities. Academic classes are held in CASA's new academic suite on the third floor of Strawberry Square while most art classes are held on the first floor of the facility. Q: Do I have to live in Harrisburg School District? A: No. However, students who reside in the district are given first preference for spaces available. Q: What grades does the school serve? A: Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School serves grades 9 through 12. Q: What make the curriculum unique? A: CASA Charter School is a model of innovative and vibrant curricula that will engage students in learning and enhance their creative talents to determine a career path and future role in society. CASA Charter School will use the city of Harrisburg and the capital area as a “classroom” for architectural, governmental, and community resources to imaginative students to create great art. CASA Charter School will inspire an academic and artistic atmosphere of collaboration where the region’s most talented students can thrive. Students will graduate from CASA Charter School having mastered defined skills that will enable them to be productive, self-directed, lifelong learners, who appreciate and respect diversity. Q: Is transportation provided? A: If a student resides in the district, the Charter Act requires the district to provide the same type of transportation that would be provided to other district students. Nonresident students shall be provided transportation under section 1361 of Public School Code. The school district of student residence must provide transportation to a charter school up to ten miles from its border. Any child living outside the busing districts must provide their own transportation to CASA Charter School. Q: Are siblings given preference for admission? A: Yes. The Charter Act states that enrollment preference may be given to siblings of students presently enrolled in the charter school. Q: Who grants the charter for a school? A: In Pennsylvania, the local school board grants the charter. The Harrisburg School District has granted the Charter to CASA Charter School. Q: How long does a charter last? A: A charter school may be approved for no less than three and not more than five years. CASA Charter School was originally approved in May 2013 for five years and was re-approved in 2018 for five additional years. Q: What happens if there are more applicants than space available in the charter school? A: Students will be selected by lottery. Q: Can I withdraw my child from a charter school? A: Yes. If you are not satisfied with the match between the charter school and your child’s educational needs, your child may return to his or her assigned school within your district of residence. Q: Are the teachers in a charter school certified? A: In Pennsylvania, 75% of the charter school’s teaching staff must be state-certified. Teachers at CASA Charter School hold teaching certificates. CASA also has two resident Guest Artists.

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Board of Trustees Meeting Dates Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2025-2026 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2024-2025 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2023-2024 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2022-2023 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2021-2022 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2020-2021 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2019-2020 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2018-2019 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2017-2018 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2016-2017 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2015-2016 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2014-2015 Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 2013-2014

Kaleigh Killian Algebra I Algebra II Honors Algebra II Geometry kkillian@casa-arts.org 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: BA, Misericordia University. MA, Southern New Hampshire University Certified ELA and Math in grades 7-12 Where are you from? Wilkes Barre, PA What brought you to CASA? I was looking for a new job that put me closer to creativity. I feel like I'll fit well in this environment. Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? I worked at Steelton Highspire High School teaching ELA, pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Personal Finance, and Creative Writing. Then I worked at Boiling Springs High School teaching Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. What is your connection to the arts? Or, how are you an artist? I am a writer. I have a few completed novel drafts that desperately need to be edited. I also have been playing flute since elementary school, and I currently play with Keystone Community Band. I cross stitch and do embroidery too! What do you hope will be your impact on our school community, students, and culture? I hope to build strong bonds here the way I did at my other schools. I was well known as the school mom, and I'd like to continue to be a safe space, confidant, and cheerleader for all students! What advice do you have for our students? Work hard, ask for help when you need it, and practice your art every day! Where do you live currently? Harrisburg, PA Who is in your immediate family? Mom- Susan Dad- Bill Brother- Patrick Partner- Claire What are your favorite hobbies/activities? Reading, cooking, and puzzles. I also love short hikes and exploring new places! Fun facts about Ms. Killian: 1. I hate answering this question. I immediately forget everything "interesting" about me. 2. I can teach both Math and English - not a mix you see very often.

Ashika Dhaurali Special Education Classroom Assistant adhaurali@casa-arts.org 717-732-8450 EDUCATION: B.S. Criminal Justice, Purdue University (Anticipated Graduation: May 2026) What brought you to CASA? I started high school at an arts school, but after my family moved to Pennsylvania, I found myself in a more traditional high school setting. It just didn’t feel like the right fit—I missed the creativity and the energy. I discovered CASA and joined as a senior in the Theatre department. CASA soon became like home, and now I’m grateful to give back. Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA? I worked as the Youth Coordinator for GCRPPB. My work focused on mobilizing refugee communities and advocating for the freedom and rights of political prisoners in Bhutan. I organized national rallies, co-authored pieces, led youth leadership development initiatives, and lobbied at the UN and on Capitol Hill. What is your favorite part of working at CASA? My favorite part of working at CASA is being surrounded by students who are unapologetically themselves. They’re not lost or “bad” or “difficult”—they just need someone who understands. Being that person, even for a moment, is my favorite part of being here. What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist? I started acting in middle school and continued through my freshman year at the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS). After moving to Pennsylvania, I joined CASA as a senior in the Theatre department, where I acted, assistant directed, and worked in sound and tech. I later continued my artistic journey with Gamut Theatre in Harrisburg as both an actor and stage manager. For me, being an artist means telling stories in all forms—on stage, behind the scenes, and in the way I move through the world. What do you feel is your impact on our school community, students, and culture? When I was younger, there were a few rare adults who really saw me—who didn’t try to fix me but just sat with me in whatever I was feeling. That kind of presence changed my life. I know what it feels like to walk into school carrying things no one else can see. So, I show up with patience, softness, and honesty. My impact, I hope, is giving students the kind of care that doesn’t ask them to earn it. What advice do you have for our students? Take your time figuring things out. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. Don’t ever shrink yourself to fit into spaces that were never built for you. The right people—the ones who truly see you—will never ask you to be less. They’ll meet you where you are, and they’ll stay. Do you advise any clubs at CASA? Not officially—yet. But I’m always here to support student-led projects, especially around mental health, identity, or storytelling. Fun facts about Ms. Dhaurali : While paragliding in Nepal, I told the instructor I’d always wanted to try bungee jumping but hated the feeling of stomach drops. He laughed and said, “I can show you—for free.” Before I could react, he flipped the paraglider upside down and we went into a full freefall over Fewa River. I screamed the whole way down—but it was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. .