Throughout the school year, on Park Avenue West, staff at the Richland School of Academic Arts are fostering lifelong learners.
Through arts-integrated, project-based learning, students don’t just take tests or get stuck in an endless cycle of homework. RSAA blends Ohio’s academic standards in language arts, math, science, and social studies with embedded instruction in music, visual arts, dance, and culinary arts—creating a daily, hands-on learning experience.
From day one, the school has been designed to serve students who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms. The arts aren’t “specials”—they’re woven into core academic subjects. Every unit feels fresh. Students might build something, act out a scene, or incorporate a new skill from dance or visual art.
Angel Vega, a 5th and 6th grade math teacher since RSAA opened 15 years ago, went into teaching to provide students with the kind of education she didn’t get to experience herself.
“A lot of kids that don’t think they can do academic things, believe they can contribute to the arts. They can express themselves in some way, maybe in movement or physical arts. That’s what drives me,” Vega said.
Now in his 14th year at the school, Dan Jones, a middle school social studies teacher, shares a similar sentiment. His inspiration for teaching began with his own sixth grade teacher, who showed him school could be fun. He wanted to give students that same experience.
When he discovered RSAA, he knew it was the place for him.
“Because of the arts integration, we get to learn more about the students, what they enjoy, and connect with them in that way. It allows them to bring those interests and passions into the classroom, and express understanding of content in ways that are meaningful to them,” Jones said.
With an average class size of around 20 students, RSAA ensures no child is overlooked. The small environment allows for more individualized instruction—matching students’ personalities, strengths, and needs—and creates a strong sense of belonging.
“It allows us to know the voice of every student. I can recognize the child’s voice. I’ve heard them speak. We get to know every single kid in a way that allows us to meet their needs in unique ways,” Jones said.
Even math becomes more collaborative and expressive. In Vega’s classroom, she’s noticed that students often compete—sometimes against each other, but more often with themselves. Her students aren’t just working toward the right answer, but learning how to think, communicate, and solve problems together.
Gathered around the board, working on a problem (sometimes intentionally incorrect), students have the chance to dissect what went wrong, discuss their thinking, and develop critical communication skills.
“They’re confronting things like ‘how do I say you’re wrong?’ How do you communicate on a deeper level?” Vega said.
As a publicly funded community (charter) school, RSAA is tuition-free and open to any student in Mansfield and surrounding areas. Transportation is provided by students’ home districts in accordance with state law.
Students also have access to a wide range of creative extracurriculars, including advanced dance and visual art, drama club, acapella choir, math club, and culinary classes with local Chef Michael Daniels. (Select students 5th-8th grade.) While RSAA doesn’t offer its own sports teams, students are still eligible to compete through their home districts.
RSAA is now enrolling students for the 2025–2026 school year. If your child is craving a more engaging, expressive, and personalized school experience—RSAA could be the right fit.
