Perpich Arts High School Earns Arts Schools Network Exemplary School Designation

June 3, 2025

The Arts Schools Network Board of Directors has named Perpich Arts High School an Exemplary School in recognition of its commitment to excellence! The five-year designation is awarded for 2025-2030.

“Being recognized as an Exemplary School by the Arts Schools Network (ASN) is a prestigious and proud moment for the entire Perpich community,” said Rebecca Bullen, Perpich Arts High School Principal. “This honor reflects the dedication, creativity, and student and art centered passion that is Perpich Arts High School. Over the years, I’ve held deep respect for the schools and leaders who have received this recognition, and I believed that now was the right time to apply and showcase the outstanding work of the Perpich staff and students. Their commitment and passion embody the heart of this award.”

Bullen first joined the arts education network of ASN as an arts educator, and now, as the principal at Perpich, the association has lasting value. “I continue to find the support and connections I’ve built through ASN a critical part of my leadership. The organization has provided me with a network of colleagues and friends who have supported me through both successes and challenges,” Bullen said.

Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized arts schools, awards Exemplary School designations to members that follow A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School in strategically evaluating their school’s purpose, operations, and educational programs. The Guide is a collaborative effort by ASN and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). ASN will honor Perpich Arts High School, and the other five Exemplary School recipients, at the Awards Ceremony during the ASN 2025 Annual Conference, in Sarasota, Florida. The conference theme is Big Top, Bigger Arts and will be hosted by Booker Middle School.

“As a long-time member of ASN – over ten years of learning, presenting, and connecting – I’ve found it to be one of the most impactful influences in my career as an arts educator and leader,” Rebecca shared. “I’m especially proud to serve on the Board of Directors and see firsthand the amazing work ASN does to support schools like Perpich. I’m looking forward to attending the 2025 Annual Conference in October, where I’ll be presenting a workshop and celebrating the wonderful honor of receiving this award and recognizing the outstanding work of our entire Perpich arts education community. A huge thank you to ASN for this recognition and for the unwavering support provided to arts schools and leaders across the country.”

Perpich Arts High School opened its doors in 1989 and graduated its first class in 1991. It is a tuition-free, public, residential-optional high school for students in 11th and 12th grades. The school is part of Perpich Center for Arts Education, a state agency created in 1985 to promote access to and opportunities in arts education for all Minnesota students, teachers, and schools.

The school’s mission is woven into every level of operation, from governance to daily classroom practice. Perpich is a place where teaching and learning happen through the arts, and this interdisciplinary foundation empowers students to thrive both academically and artistically. Perpich’s values are reflected in our dynamic curriculum, extended orientation programming, and authentic commitment to student voice and agency.

Dr. R. Scott Allen, Managing Director for ASN, said, “We offer guidance, inspiration, and incentives to arts school leaders who strive for excellence in their schools. When they demonstrate outstanding efforts toward this goal, as they do by following A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School, we recognize and reward their achievements with this designation.”

The five other Exemplary School recipients are: KO Knudson Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, NV; New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe, NM; Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School in Waterbury, CT; Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humanities in Coeur d’ Alene, ID; and Wolfpit Integrated Arts School in Norwalk, CT.

Dedicated to excellence and leadership in arts education, Arts Schools Network, a non-profit association founded in 1981, provides arts school leaders, innovative partners, and members of arts education institutions with quality resources, support, and networking opportunities. Visit www.artsschoolsnetwork.org to learn more.