Mississippi Whole Schools
Mississippi Whole Schools supports schools with arts integration, teacher learning, and arts education projects to strengthen classroom instruction and build lasting arts-based practices.
Funder: Mississippi Arts Commission
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Model Schools letter of intent) | April 1, 2027 (Arts in the Classroom) | April 1, 2027 (Whole Schools) | September 1, 2027 (Capacity Building Project Grant)
Funding Amounts: AIC services up to $3,500; Whole Schools services up to $5,000; Model School support valued up to $10,000, including $5,000 cash; Capacity Building grants $2,000–$5,000
Summary: Mississippi Whole Schools helps schools strengthen teaching and learning through arts integration, professional development, technical assistance, and grants.
Key Information: Schools must complete a year in Arts in the Classroom before applying for Whole Schools.
Description
Mississippi Whole Schools is a Mississippi Arts Commission program that uses the arts to strengthen instruction and learning across disciplines. It promotes arts integration in daily classroom teaching alongside sequential instruction in dance, theatre, visual arts, and music. Schools receive professional learning, technical assistance, and support for arts experiences and teacher workshops.
The program has three participation levels: Arts in the Classroom (AIC), Mississippi Whole Schools, and Model School. AIC introduces arts integration through training and visits to Model Schools. Whole Schools supports a longer-term approach to redesigning school environments, while Model Schools demonstrate established, sustainable arts-integration practices. Active Whole Schools and Model School members may also seek Capacity Building Project Grants for arts education projects aligned with their MWS Growth Planner goals.
