EdTA Names 15 Schools as Premier Communities for Theatre Education Recipients

The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) has announced the 2025-2028 recipients of its Premier School distinction, part of the Premier Communities for Theatre Education program, recognizing schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to theatre education and student success. This year marks the introduction of separate distinctions for schools and districts, with schools recognized in this current cohort.

Rooted in EdTA's Opportunity to Learn Standards for Theatre Education, the Premier Communities for Theatre Education program—comprising Premier School and Premier District distinctions—recognizes programs that provide teachers and students with the resources to achieve at or above the levels suggested by the National Core Arts Standards in Theatre.

“Theatre programs have the power to shape how students see themselves and the world around them,” said Jay Gerlach, EdTA's Interim Executive Director. “The Premier School distinction recognizes schools that are expanding access to high-quality theatre education and creating spaces where students can grow as artists, collaborators, and empathetic leaders. We're proud to celebrate the impact these programs are having in their communities.”

Schools are selected through a comprehensive application and review process, with the distinction awarded for a three-year period.

2025-2028 Premier School Distinction Recipients

• Academy for Academics and Arts, Huntsville, Ala.
• Birdville High School, North Richland Hills, Texas
• Bowie High School, Bowie, Md.
• Chaparral High School, Killeen, Texas
• Cumberland Regional High School, Bridgeton, N.J.
• Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, North Dighton, Mass.
• Farmingdale High School, Farmingdale, N.Y.
• Glen Cove High School, Glen Cove, N.Y.
• Hilton Head Island High School, Hilton Head Island, S.C.
• Madison Consolidated High School, Madison, Ind.
• Mississippi School of the Arts, Brookhaven, Miss.
• Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, Chicago, Ill.
• Oregon Trail Middle School, Olathe, Kan.
• Pine Island High School, Pine Island, Minn.
• The Overlake School, Redmond, Wash.

The Premier District distinction, newly formalized as a separate application track, recognizes school systems that demonstrate a broad, systemic commitment to theatre education across multiple schools. Applications for the Premier District distinction will open in Fall 2026.

For more information about the Premier Communities for Theatre Education, visit schooltheatre.org/premier-communities.