About Us Florida School of the Arts, Florida's first state-supported professional arts school, was established in 1974 and is dedicated to the premise that intense, individualized instruction and practical "hands-on" experience are essential to the full development of a student's creative abilities. Florida School of the Arts or "FloArts," as referred to by students and local supporters, has a 600-seat auditorium, a studio theater and a fine art gallery. A print shop, dark room and state-of-the-art computer lab is also available to students. Enrollment is limited to 150 students. Admission to Florida School of the Arts is based on audition/portfolio review and an interview. A.A. and/or A.S. degrees are available in the following areas: Fine Art Graphic Design/New Media Photography Illustration Dance Studies/Dance Performance Dance Studies/Entertainment Acting Musical Theater Costume Design Scenic/Lighting Design Stage Management FloArts is located on the Palatka Campus and is part of the academic and administrative structure of St. Johns River Community College. FloArts is statewide in scope, and has its own arts facility, faculty, administrative staff, mission statement, and curricula specific to each degree program. The academic year at Florida School of the Arts consists of a Fall Term, Spring Term, and Summer Term A. Enrollment is required during each of the three terms. WHERE IS FLOARTS? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS STUDENT LIFE MORE information on FloArts!

FLORIDA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS As part of public education in the state, FloArts provides comprehensive artistic training appropriate to each student's talent, enabling each student to acquire knowledge, skills, and appreciation of the chosen arts discipline required for employment in the arts profession. As a professional arts school, FloArts provides a learning environment in which students are expected to adhere to standards of professionalism and academic excellence. St. Johns River Junior College was established as a public institution in 1958 to serve the counties of Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns. It was one of several public junior colleges founded in accordance with legislation enacted by the 1957 session of the Florida Legislature. Located in Palatka, SJRCC was officially opened for organizational purposes on February 25, 1958. Dr. B. R. Tilley was appointed as the first president. Classes for the 1958-59 school year were conducted in the educational buildings of First Baptist Church of Palatka, and 191 students began the fall semester of 1958. In 1972, Dr. Robert L. McLendon, Jr., former vice-president and dean of academic affairs, was appointed and remains president. The new administration focused attention on increasing the educational opportunities and expanding services to the community throughout the three counties of the district. In August of 1976, the Florida School of the Arts began full operation as a part of St. Johns River Junior College with a charter class of 51 students. The first state-supported professional arts school for high school and college students in Florida, the school has continued to grow as its curriculum has expanded. The Florida School of the Arts serves the entire state of Florida. In 1977, the College underwent two major changes. The official name became St. Johns River Community College and SJRCC opened its first branch campus in Orange Park, a community in northern Clay County. The Orange Park Campus is now located on College Drive in the Doctors Inlet area. Construction of permanent facilities on that site began in 1987 and the College began operating in the new facility in 1989. A student center and expanded learning resources center were constructed in 1997. In July 1986, the College opened its second branch campus, this time in St. Augustine in the Fullerwood School, a site made available by the St. Johns County School Board. After operating for more than nine years in the Fullerwood building, the St. Augustine faculty, staff, and students moved in January 1996 to the newly constructed campus located on State Road 16 on the outskirts of St. Augustine. In 1999, SJRCC began offering classes in Ponte Vedra and in 2000 opened the Ponte Vedra Center. The College continues to expand its comprehensive educational role in all three counties by continuing to expand the offerings in academic, workforce development, and adult education areas as well as continuing and community education to better serve area residents. Philosophy The community college is a unique American 20th century institutional contribution to education. Its philosophy is based on recognition of the ever changing society. A further philosophical basis is the belief that there is a need in a democracy for all people to be educated to the limits of their abilities in order to reach their maximum potential for service to self and to society. BACK TO TOP

INDEX | HOME | ASK US | NEWS | FAQ | PROGRAMS | ADMISSIONS | TUITION FACULTY | SCHOOL VISITS | IMPORTANT DATES | ABOUT US | STUDENT LIFE SEASON OF EVENTS SJRCC | THRASHER-HORNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS FLORIDA'S FIRST STATE-SUPPORTED PROFESSIONAL ARTS SCHOOL An Equal Opportunity college. Located on the St. Johns River Community College campus in Palatka, Florida 5001 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Florida 32177 (386) 312-4300 St. Johns River Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4501 for questions about the accreditation of St. Johns River Community College.