Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy Showcases Creativity, Talent, and Academic Excellence Through DeSoto ISD Choice Programs
DeSoto ISD is proud to highlight the Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy, a premier elementary Choice Program offering an arts- and humanities-centered academic experience where creativity, innovation, and imagination are at the heart of daily learning.
DeSoto ISD | Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy (Grades K–5)
The academy provides scholars in grades K–5 with access to visual arts, dance, music, theatre, and foundational creative disciplines, all embedded alongside rigorous English/language arts, history, cultural studies, and Gifted and Talented programming.
“The arts open doors for deeper learning, greater confidence, and bigger dreams,” said Principal Demitree Tatum. “At Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy, students don’t just study the arts—they use the arts as the lens through which they explore the world. For many scholars, this is the right fit: a place where their creativity is embraced, and their brilliance has room to shine.”
Research consistently supports the program’s approach:
- Scholars engaged in arts education show greater investment in core academic learning.
- Arts participation builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Students with arts-integrated learning outperform peers academically.
The campus will implement a school-within-a-school model, creating a focused learning environment where the arts are center stage and deeply embedded throughout the instructional day.
“Woodridge is creating a space where students can explore multiple dimensions of their talent,” said Director of Advanced Academics Robin Johnson-Ford. “This program nurtures scholars who thrive artistically and academically.”
“Early exposure to creativity, culture, and expression builds confidence and prepares students for future success,” added Dr. Anita Perry, Executive Director of College, Career & Military Readiness and Counseling Services. “The Fine Arts and Gifted Academy is a place where scholars dare to dream—and are encouraged to dream big.”
This approach reflects DeSoto ISD’s Right Fit theme: Every student is unique, with dreams, talents, and goals as individual as they are. At DeSoto ISD, students explore programs that fit them perfectly—from science labs to fine arts stages, leadership academies to technology magnet programs. The right fit makes all the difference.
Call to Action
Families may apply for the Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy through January 31 at DeSotoISD.org/CHOICE.
Find your child’s perfect arts and gifted fit today.