CASA History
The Center for Advanced Studies and the Arts concept was born in the
1980's out of a desire to offer a larger variety of high level courses
by high schools with limited funding. Founding consortium members,
Berkley, Ferndale and Oak Park, began offering classes in 1983. At the
time, four classes were offered with an enrollment of 35 students.
In 1986, Madison School District joined the consortium and in 1987,
Clawson School District. By this time, 21 classes were offered and 280
students were registered. In 2001, The Lamphere Schools joined CASA,
bringing the total to six participating school districts. Current
enrollment runs between 370 - 400. Nineteen of the 41 courses offered at
CASA are Advanced Placement, which enable students to earn college
credit upon successful completion of the College Board Examination in
May.
CASA is housed in the Jackson Center for Advanced Studies and the Arts,
a centrally located facility in the City of Oak Park. Students may
select to drive to CASA; however, bus transportation to and from CASA is
available to those students wishing to use it. CASA moved to its new location July 16 & 17, 2002.
Still located in the City of Oak Park, the building belongs to the Ferndale
School District.
Seven rooms needed renovation; changing an elementary
school to meet the demands of a high school program is not without its
share of problems. Science rooms, computer rooms, art rooms, and another
dance studio with changing room had to be placed in the 40,000-plus
square foot facility.
Additionally, the parking lot was resurfaced and painted
to accommodate additional parking.
Students are able to receive outstanding instruction within this
diversified setting.
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