A public charter school is a public school that operates under a charter authorized by the State of Texas. Charter schools have greater flexibility in how they design and operate their educational programs while remaining accountable to state and federal requirements.
Texas School of the Arts Elementary (TeSA) and Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts (FWAFA) are tuition-free public charter schools serving students predominantly in the DFW area.
As public schools, we:
The charter is held by Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which administers the schools.
The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Charter Public School District operates three campuses serving students in grades K–12:
It’s never too early to start preparing. The first step is getting familiar with the audition process.
If a grade level is full when admission decisions are made, eligible students may be placed on a waitlist.
If a space becomes available, students will be offered admission according to the school’s waitlist process and audition results. A waitlist placement does not guarantee admission
The waitlist remains active through January 2028 for FWAFA and Spring Break 2028 for TeSA.
If openings remain after the initial admission and waitlist processes, applications may reopen for grade levels with available space.
Students applying during this period must complete the same audition process. Applications will remain open for a grade level until all available spaces have been filled.
Auditioning can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially for students who have never auditioned before. Our faculty and staff work hard to help students feel comfortable, welcomed, and ready to show what they can do.
Students do not need to be professional performers or artists to audition. We are looking for students who are excited about the arts and ready to learn and grow.
Grades K–2 participate in an arts and creativity workshop rather than a traditional audition.
In a small group with other students their age, they will participate in activities involving dance, music, theatre, visual arts.
Bring three (3) art or craft pieces to share during the visual arts portion of the workshop.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely. Dance clothing is welcome, but not required.
Students may wear dance shoes if they have them. If they do not have dance shoes, they may dance in bare feet.
No advance preparation is required for the music or theatre activities.
Students in these grades select two (2) arts disciplines in which to audition.
Dance
Choral Music
Theatre
Visual Arts
Students in grades 7–8 must audition in at least one (1) arts discipline. Click on each to download the guidelines.
Students may choose to audition in a second discipline, but a second audition is optional.
If a student auditions in two disciplines, the higher audition score will be used for admission.
Students in grades 9–12 audition in only one (1) arts discipline. Click on each to download the guidelines.
A second audition is not permitted for students in these grades.
Planning to join us for the 2027–2028 school year? Here are the key dates for applying, auditioning, receiving an admission decision, and completing enrollment.
Applications open for new students interested in attending one of our schools for the 2027–2028 school year, including:
Students entering any grade level may apply.
All applicants are required to audition. During the application process, families will select an available audition date and time for their student.
The application closes at the end of the day. No additional applications will be accepted after this date.
All applicants will receive their audition results and admission decision.
Students who are offered admission will have 14 days to accept or decline their offer.
Students who have accepted an admission offer must complete the school’s registration process.
No, all schools in the FWAFA District are tuition-free Texas public charter schools.
Any student entering K through 12 in the 2027-2028 school year.
Yes, all students must audition.
No worries! Many of our students have never had formal instruction in the arts.
Yes, if they are entering grades K – 8. High schoolers may only audition in one discipline.
FWAFA District schools are not bound by geography. Students may retain enrollment as long as they are able to commute to the school.
Yes, if that is what the family desires. Students who complete 5th grade at TeSA may automatically go on to FWAFA for 6th grade.
No, transportation to and from school is not provided. You will need to drop off and pick up your student.
Yes! We partner with Clayton Youth Enrichment (now a part of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County) to provide after-school care for students in grades K-6.
In addition, we offer after school fine arts classes through the TCA+A Fine Arts Conservatories.
No, meals are not provided, but we offer nutritional breakfast and lunch options through Crave It Nutrition.
By state law, Texas Public Charter Schools must offer special education and services to all students. Our schools offer robust services for students who require special education.
FWAFA District does not have athletic teams or organized sports.
FWAFA District does not offer band or orchestra. Students at FWAFA may enroll in piano courses.
Current school hours are as follows:
TeSA Kindergarten–1st: 7:45 AM–3:30 PM | TeSA 2nd–5th: 7:45 AM–3:45 PM
FWAFA 3rd–4th: 7:45 AM–3:30 PM | FWAFA 5th–12th: 8:00 AM–3:45 PM
These times are subject to change for the 2027-2028 school year.
Students wear standard dress, giving them several mix-and-match pieces which can be purchased almost anywhere, such as khaki pants, oxford shirts, etc.
In addition, we work with a uniform company for more specific pieces, such as plaid skirts or embroidered shirts.
The campus PTOs often have sales several times a year of gently-used uniform pieces. These are very popular with families.
There are various “free dress” opportunities throughout the year.
Join us for a tour of FWAFA or TeSA! Reserve your spot today.
You will create an account on the FWAFA District’s SchoolMint/Guardian account.
We are accepting applications to Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts or Texas School of the Arts.
