At A Glance

THE ARTS ACADEMY AT BENJAMIN RUSH HIGH SCHOOL

At a Glance

Principal
Dr. Latoyia K. Bailey | E-mail

Assistant Principal
Ms. Stephanie Henshaw | E-mail

Phone: 215-400-3030
Fax: 215-400-3031

Student Enrollment: 630

Address:
11081 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

SEPTA Routes: 20, 67, 84

Mission & Approach to Learning

Rush Arts is based on the belief that the arts provide an opportunity to develop intellectual growth and personal creativity as part of a rigorous academic curriculum. We emphasize the building of a reflective community of learners who are adaptive critical thinkers and creators while preparing our students for college and professional careers.

Transdisciplinary teaching and learning are applied in every classroom. Rush Arts prepares students to become active members of a democratic society by fostering a culture of respect for the various views of our diverse student population and encouraging student voice in the pursuit of social justice. Our Mission is Social Justice through the Arts.

What We Offer

Courses & Program Highlights

  • Advanced Placement & honors courses:
    • Studio Art
    • 2D Art Design
    • English Language
    • English Literature
    • Physics
    • Psychology
    • US Government & Politics
    • Computer Science
    • Calculus AB
  • Dual Enrollment Programs:
    • Community College of Philadelphia
    • Temple Education Scholars Dual Enrollment Program
  • Electives offered:
    • Creative Writing
    • Graphic Arts
    • Media Arts
    • Dance Technique
    • Chamber Singing
    • Forensics
    • Psychology
    • and many more
  • Special Education Services: For students with diverse needs, a resource room is provided in order to best facilitate their specific learning needs. Speech/ language therapy, vision therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, hearing support, transportation services and transition services are also provided to eligible students requiring these related services. Services are provided in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the child’s needs.

Points of Pride

  • The only 2022 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in the City of Philadelphia
  • Profiled in the Philadelphia Inquirer and gained national recognition in sites such as ASCD’s SmartBriefs and NCTE’s Inbox
  • First place award winner in the One Book, One Philadelphia Graphic Arts Contest
  • The David Drake Award for Excellence in Ceramics
  • The People’s Choice Winner: Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Accolades in the Philadelphia Sketch Club
  • First place winner in the Philadelphia Young Playwriting monologue contest
  • Many students participate in all-city orchestra and choir
  • One of three schools with a Relationships First Center for training students and adults in restorative justice practices and methods of problem solving.

Extracurricular Activities

  • Jazz Ensemble
  • Cooking Club
  • Media Arts Club
  • Crochet Club
  • Quiz Bowl
  • DEIC – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
  • Animation Club
  • Book Club
  • Gamer Club
  • Stage Crew
  • Student Government
  • GSA
  • National Honors Society
  • Poetry Club
  • Advisory Sports Clubs
  • Students Run Philly Style
  • Relationships First
  • Rush Votes Team
  • Yearbook
  • Eco/Gardening Club
  • and much more

Sports Teams

  • Basketball— Boys and Girls
  • Bowling – Boys and Girls
  • Field Hockey – Girls
  • Flag Football – Girls
  • Soccer— Girls
  • Softball—Girls
  • Volleyball— Girls

Admission Criteria

  • Grades: As, Bs and two Cs
  • Attendance: 90%
  • Standardized Test: 50th Percentile in ELA or 50th Percentile in Math
  • Additional Requirements: Audition – Successful audition in chosen major (art, dance, vocal, instrumental music, or theatre) required.