The Renaissance Arts Academy is a well-known fine arts and performing arts charter school where a classical Renaissance-era education is stressed. Housed in a large building that was once a shoe store, this is an "alternative" school that offers an education in the visual arts, dance and music.
The school's stated mission is to foster in students an "artistic discipline as an alternative gateway to powerful literacy and academic excellence in all subjects." The school's co-founder and director is P.K. Candaux, who won an Emmy award for producing the television series "Cagney & Lacey."