In 1971 “Steel Unlimited,” a steel drum youth orchestra, successfully provided a positive outlet and arts experience under the direction of Rudy Wells and Sis Frank. Out of that experience the concept of an arts school was born. Since 1980, St. John School of the Arts (SJSA), a non-profit community art school, has been dedicated to offering children and adults in the community the opportunity to receive the highest quality of instruction in arts education, encompassing dance, music and visual art.

Through a curriculum of private lessons, group classes, and multi-cultural and educational programs, it is our goal to help each student reach his/her artistic potential in a supportive and nurturing environment, extending services to various populations including special needs, and undeserved and at risk youth. SJSA continues its commitment to offer in-school curriculum providing students with comprehensive programs in arts education and language arts.

St. John School of the Arts is partially funded by Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). SJSA is a full member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts.