CHARTER SCHOOLS Willow’s K-12 Arts Staff, led by CEO Nicolette London and K-12 Arts Director Killian Williams-Morantine The Faces of Willow Charter School
PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF THE WILLOW SCHOOL
C reating With Purpose:
problem-solving in every academic subject. A partnership with KID smART and guidance from an in-house Arts Coordinator equip teachers with powerful arts-integration strategies, ensuring that creativity is woven meaningfully through daily academic instruction. As the CEO, Nicolette London, often shares, “Art is the thread that stitches together all three of our campuses. It is not an add-on; it is the lens through which our students experience connec- tion, curiosity, and deeper learning.” By high school, students may elect to build upon those foundational skills in a pre-professional arts experience in one of six artistic disciplines. Students in our arts program build portfolios, participate in exhibitions and performances, and pursue advanced coursework that mirrors industry expectations. Programs like the DaVinci Scholar distinction and the Certificate
of Artistry allow students to merge rigorous academics with artistic mastery, preparing them for college pathways, creative careers, and
The Willow School Approach At The Willow School, an A- rated, K–12 learning community, students engage in an arts-integrated education, blending rigorous academics with high-quality classical and con- temporary arts instruction. Research has long shown that arts education strengthens critical thinking, deepens comprehension, nurtures emotional intelligence, and increases student engagement. At Willow, these benefits are intentionally built into the fabric of everyday learning. Here, students don’t simply prepare for what comes next; they are already living it in classrooms, From kindergarten through seventh grade, every child is exposed to visual arts, dance, theater, and music. This cultivates curiosity, encourages creative risk-taking, and helps students develop the cognitive flexibility that supports studios, galleries, and performance spaces.
leadership roles that demand innovation.
Throughout the K-12 experience, our teachers and artist/teachers work together to develop a high-quality arts-integrated curriculum that empowers the learner by giving them a deeper understanding of both the academic and artistic content, as well as ownership of their learning. “At Willow, we teach students to create with purpose. It’s a space for mastery and reflection, where skill meets integrity, and creativity grows into discipline, connection, and authentic artistic voice,” says Killian Williams Morantine, Director of the Arts.
32 Faces & Places ® | Winter 2026
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