A public charter school is a public school that operates under a charter authorized by the State of Texas. A public charter school district may have one or more schools operating under the same charter. Charter schools have greater flexibility in how they design and operate their educational programs while remaining accountable to state and federal requirements.
The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Public Charter School District operates three campuses serving students in grades K–12:
TeSA and FWAFA are tuition-free public charter schools serving students predominantly in the DFW area.
As public schools, we:
The charter is held by Texas Center for Arts + Academics (TCA+A), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which administers the schools.
It’s never too early to start preparing. The first step is getting familiar with the audition process.
If a grade level is full when admission decisions are made, eligible students may be placed on a waitlist.
If a space becomes available, students will be offered admission according to the school’s waitlist process and audition results. A waitlist placement does not guarantee admission
The waitlist remains active through January 2028 for FWAFA and Spring Break 2028 for TeSA.
If openings remain after the initial admission and waitlist processes, applications may reopen for grade levels with available space.
Students applying during this period must complete the same audition process. Applications will remain open for a grade level until all available spaces have been filled.
Auditioning can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially for students who have never auditioned before. Our faculty and staff work hard to help students feel comfortable, welcomed, and ready to show what they can do.
Students do not need to be professional performers or artists to audition. We are looking for students who are excited about the arts and ready to learn and grow.
Dance
Choral Music
Theatre
Visual Arts
Dance
Choral Music
Theatre
Visual Arts
Dance
Choral Music
Theatre
Visual Arts
Planning to join us for the 2027–2028 school year? Here are the key dates for applying, auditioning, receiving an admission decision, and completing enrollment.
Applications open for new students interested in attending one of our schools for the 2027–2028 school year, including:
Students entering any grade level may apply.
All applicants are required to audition. During the application process, families will select an available audition date and time for their student.
The application closes at the end of the day. No additional applications will be accepted after this date.
All applicants will receive their audition results and admission decision.
Students who are offered admission will have 14 days to accept or decline their offer.
Students who have accepted an admission offer must complete the school’s registration process.
No, all schools in the FWAFA District are tuition-free Texas public charter schools.
Any student entering K through 12 in the 2027-2028 school year.
Yes, all students must audition.
No worries! Many of our students have never had formal instruction in the arts.
Yes, if they are entering grades K – 8. High schoolers may only audition in one discipline.
FWAFA District schools are not bound by geography. Students may retain enrollment as long as they are able to commute to the school.
Yes, if that is what the family desires. Students who complete 5th grade at TeSA may automatically go on to FWAFA for 6th grade.
No, transportation to and from school is not provided. You will need to drop off and pick up your student.
Yes! We partner with Clayton Youth Enrichment (now a part of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County) to provide after-school care for students in grades K-6.
In addition, we offer after school fine arts classes through the TCA+A Fine Arts Conservatories.
No, meals are not provided, but we offer nutritional breakfast and lunch options through Crave It Nutrition.
By state law, Texas Public Charter Schools must offer special education and services to all students. Our schools offer robust services for students who require special education.
FWAFA District does not have athletic teams or organized sports.
FWAFA District does not offer band or orchestra. Students at FWAFA may enroll in piano courses.
Current* school hours are as follows:
TeSA Kindergarten–1st: 7:45 AM–3:30 PM
TeSA 2nd–5th: 7:45 AM–3:45 PM
FWAFA 3rd–4th: 7:45 AM–3:30 PM
FWAFA 5th–12th: 8:00 AM–3:45 PM
*These times are subject to change for the 2027-2028 school year.
Students wear standard dress, giving them several mix-and-match pieces which can be purchased almost anywhere, such as khaki pants, oxford shirts, etc.
In addition, we work with a uniform company for more specific pieces, such as plaid skirts or embroidered shirts.
The campus PTOs often have sales several times a year of gently-used uniform pieces. These are very popular with families.
There are various “free dress” opportunities throughout the year.
We are accepting applications to Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts or Texas School of the Arts.
