The Alberta School of Performing Arts

The Alberta School of Performing Arts is a public magnet school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, serving grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8 within Tuscaloosa City Schools. Located at 2700 University Boulevard East, it integrates visual and performing arts deeply into its curriculum, including theatre, dance, visual art, music, and STEAM learning. Students in lower grades (K-3) explore multiple art forms; intermediate students (4-5) begin specializing; middle schoolers (grades 6-8) engage in intensive fine arts specialty training alongside core academics. TASPA operates in a modern facility with a 300-seat theater, dance studio, piano lab and other dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social growth. Brenda Parker serves as principal. Enrollment is about 671-705 students, with a student-teacher ratio around 14-16 to 1.

In the 2024-25 school year, TASPA reported that 82% of its second graders were reading on grade level, with improvements continuing the following year.

TASPA students recently won recognition in the Future City Competition, a STEM-oriented contest that emphasizes real-world sustainability design and innovation.

Q1. What is the economic and demographic profile of TASPA’s student body?

A1. Approximately 82% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. The racial/ethnic composition includes around 84% Black, ~6% Hispanic/Latino, ~5–6% White, and remaining students of other or mixed backgrounds.

Q2. How proficient are students at TASPA in core subjects like reading and math?

A2. Recent state test results show about 42% proficiency in reading, while only ~12% of students met proficiency in mathematics.

Q3. What special programs and enrichment opportunities are available beyond regular classwork?

A3. TASPA offers Gifted & Talented programming, a 21st Century Community Learning Center after-school STEAM activities, a community garden project, and arts-infused specialty classes starting in intermediate grades.

Q4. How many students attend and what is the staff size / classroom ratio?

A4. The school has about 671-705 students in grades PK-8, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14-16 to 1.

Q5. What recognitions or evaluations has TASPA received in recent assessments?

A5. TASPA has moderate to average ratings in overall academic performance; it is a magnet specialty school known for arts integration, but its math proficiency remains a challenge compared to reading.