A Focus on the Arts and Leadership

Mineral Springs is an A+ School, a nationally recognized and research-based educational model sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Using the theories of Howard Gardner of Harvard University and arts integration methods, A+ schools have pioneered successful practices of professional collaboration and curriculum design across the state. Mineral Springs was the only middle school included in the original 25 A+ Schools that were selected for funding in 1995. As a result of this initiative, teachers at Mineral Springs have received extra training in arts integration and Multiple Intelligence Theories every summer for the past 10 years.

Arts opportunities at the school include classes in drama, dance, visual arts, piano, band, stringed instruments, chorus, and gymnastics.

Teachers and staff at Mineral Springs believe that discovering and grooming the leader within each child is a natural fit with the school's mission of developing "the whole child." Implementing the concepts of Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey has led to the construction of an overarching theme that is directly linked to the world of business and professional careers. By giving students the opportunity to regularly create, invent and produce, the arts and sciences serve as a laboratory for practicing leadership habits.

In addition, the school is committed to Howard Gardener's theories of "Multiple Intelligences" and plans to give an assessment to each student to determine his or her most developed "intelligences" as well as areas that need attention.