School based arts programs strengthen and augment the level of arts instruction in persistently low-performing elementary, middle and high schools. Following the ARTS CORE (Achieving Results by Transforming Students through Creative, Reflective, Open Expression), the program offers students intense, rigorous training in the performing and creative arts at a pre-professional level. Instructors are practitioners of their discipline and working artists in the community. The LTYC school based arts program also increases student exposure to the arts and builds skills in creating, performing and responding to the arts.