Our Story
Where It All Began
PAFA has always been a dream, but came into fruition during the whirlwind that was 2020. During one of the hardest times in our economy, our founder Ms. Crystal J. Draper, professional dancer and owner of Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy, stepped up, with courage and faith to make her dreams a reality. With this dream she formed the Purpose Performing Arts Foundation and the Purpose Academy of Fine Arts P.A.F.A, providing a useful, necessary, colorful and refreshing service to our community. Since opening our doors, we’ve seen our program blossom and there is so much more in store! At P.A.F.A we are committed to helping students pursue a passion for the arts. Purpose Academy of Fine Arts provides a unique and highly personalized method of learning, creating an environment to nurture, educate and encourage creative individuals to achieve the highest level of success in academics and the arts. Browse through our site to learn more about what we have to offer.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
Purpose Academy of Fine Arts is a unique Private Enrichment Academy for students who have a strong personal interest in the arts and a desire to further pursue higher learning and a profession in the Fine Arts or Performing Arts. PAFA students will receive individualized educational curriculums that are centered around Art, Music, Drama, and Dance and will prepare them to develop their skills and talents through an integrated arts and academic program that combine a critical thinking and a whole person developmental approach to learning.
Vision Statement
Purpose Academy of Fine Arts will consist of Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Education in the academics and Arts for select students that wish to excel in the Fine Arts and Performing Arts. Primary, Intermediate and Secondary students will study each art form and may also audition for the “arts focus” of their choice which they will declare as a major and/or minor. A student declaring a major will receive more focus on any particular art form combined with their academic curriculum. We aim to develop the students at PAFA, academically, artistically, socially and spiritually. PAFA offers a safe, comforting intimate setting, with small class sizes and more attention on YOUR child. Our passionate educators are dedicated to building independent, responsible, and creative young adults with a life-long interest and passion for the arts. We believe that arts education is crucial in the contribution to life, and the well- being of our community and our society as a whole.
P.A.F.A Team
Where the Passion Begins
Our faculty members are passionate and committed to our Purpose! In every course they teach, they bring their rich experience, knowledge and passion to the classroom. All of our staff members hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher and have at least three or more years of K-12th grade teaching experience. We make sure that all of our employees posses the special skills, knowledge, and expertise that qualifies them to provide the best education for your child.
Crystal J. Draper
Owner/ Dean of Students
Crystal J. Draper, Founder and President of Purpose Performing Arts Foundation began her studies in dance at the young age of two. She graduated high school as a dance major from the School for Creative and Performing Arts in 1999 and went on to attain her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance from Shenandoah University and Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia. After College, Ms. Crystal moved to Florida and she began Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy (KEDA) in Daytona Beach where she has been teaching and directing for the past 17 years. Ms. Crystal performed professionally and internationally with the Surfscape Contemporary Dance theater from 2015- 2018 as a principle dancer. She has been the Artistic director and choreographer for the Expressions Company since 2004. Ms. Crystal’s heart is for the community and giving back through her passion for the arts. She has been performing in the community with KEDA for 17 years. It has always been a dream of Crystal’s to tie in the fine arts with education & the opportunity presented itself in 2021!
Tammy Kemp
Director/ Office Manager
Tammy grew up in central Florida and has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. She has worked in the field of education for 36 years in teaching, curriculum writing, directing and administrative roles with K- 12 learners in the US and internationally. Her most recent position was Director of MEET and Mentor Community Learning Center. Tammy has two daughters and has lived in the Port Orange area for 8 years. Other passions include her faith, spending time with family, reading and travel.
Raquel Simmons
Headteacher
Raquel is a Florida native who graduated from Spruce Creek High School and Daytona State College with her AA and AS degrees. After working three years in the medical field as a Physical Therapist Assistant, she decided to pursue her passion for teaching and working with children. She spent the last 4 years working as a mentor at MEET and Mentor Community Learning Center. Raquel is married to Skip and together they have a 6-year-old son, Colt. Her other passions include her faith, family, art, dance, and reading.
Jessie Michel
Music/ Drama Instructor
Jessie was born in Misssouri into a vocally talented family. Her mother was her inspiration to the world of music. Jessie has been singing and performing in front of audiences since she was 8 years old. She has studied in depth multiple musical instruments including piano and flute and has been teaching voice for over 10 years. Jessie also has an extensive background in the theater on the stage as well as back stage. Ms Jessie has been acting coaching for the past 6 years and has a passion for directing students to reach their highest potential on and off the stage.
Calvin Johnson
Science Instructor
Calvin is a small-town native from Seville, Fl. After graduating Taylor Middle-High School in 2007, he went on to Daytona State College for one year before deciding to leave and join the U.S. Navy. There he served as a Hospital Corpsman providing medical and dental support to active, reserves, and veterans. Once he became Reservist he went back to college and pursued a career in the Science Field. While in college Calvin studied dance with the Daytona State College Dance Theater under Professor Kevin Veiga for 5 years. Once Calvin received his AA Degree from DSC, He transferred to Bethune-Cookman University and he received his Bachelors in Biology in 2018. Calvin began working for Ms. Crystal Draper at Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy from 2016 to the present as the Hip-Hop Instructor. He also worked in Deland as a middle school science teacher before beginning his current job as a lab specialist. His passions are the Arts (dance), outdoor actives, family and friends, and Science and he is excited about joining the Purpose team!
PAFA NEWS
"What would it be like if you lived each day, each breath, as a work of ART in progress? Imagine that you are a Masterpiece unfolding every second of every day, a work of ART taking form with every breath."
Thomas Crum
P.A.F.A Programs
Discovery Program
Grades PreK-7
The Discovery Program is designed for our early learners and will offer Core Academics in Math, Literacy, Science, and Social studies as well as an introductory exploration curriculum to all the fine arts. Students will learn the basics in each art form in order to build and nurture a passion for every form of art. Not only will students recieve individualized academic curriculums but, through their exploration of Art, Music, Drama, and Dance, students will be guided to discover the art form that they excel most in as well.
Pursuit Program
Grades 8-12
The Pursuit Program is designed for our older learners that wish to further pursue training and focus on a specific arts centered field of study. Students will study Core Academics in Math, Science, Literacy, and Social studies, History and electives through Khan Academy or through an individual customized curriculum designed specifically for your student. In addition the Pursuit program students will study all areas fine arts, performing arts and technical art forms. Pursuit students are also given the opportunity to decide to choose an art ‘major’ with more focus on a particular art form.
Online (Homeschool) Program
Ages 8-18
The Online Program is designed for our learners that complete their academic studies virtually through FLVS or any other ‘Homeschool” program. Students will be tutored through their individual online learning curriculums, as well as receive the integrated Fine Arts curriculum. This program is designed for Homeschool students who wish to continue their own homeschool program but in a classroom setting with more social opportunities.
Our Courses
At Purpose Academy of Fine Arts, we cover a full-range of courses across all levels of creativity and education. As a School for the Arts, we teach a variety of classes in the arts as well as academics spanning the introductory, intermediate and advanced levels of their field.
DANCE
Students who major in dance at P.A.F.A will study the fundamentals of dance in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop technique as well as composition and choreography. Students will study choreographers and professional dancers, dance history as well as learn choreography for routines to be performed at various events.
ART
Art through drawing, painting, sculpting, graphic design and photography. Students will study art appreciation as well as art history.
MUSIC
Music majors at P.A.F.A can study vocal or instrumental music with focus on the introductory study and appreciation of music with classes in theory, composition and music history.
DRAMA
Drama majors at P.A.F.A will learn the fundamentals of theater by studying plays, and other dramatic works, as well as learn about, and gain appreciation for art history, playwriting, acting and directing.
CREATIVE WRITING
Students who major in Creative Writing at P.A.F.A will focus on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as short stories and poetry and novels.
TECHNICAL THEATRE
Technical theater encompasses all that goes into making a staged production. Students who major in Tech Theater at P.A.F.A will study lighting, scenery, sound, costuming, photography, graphic design and stage design.
CORE ACADEMICS
All PAFA students in addition to their Arts classes will study all required core academics such as Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Students use Khan Academy curriculum as well individualized custom curriculums.
PAFA Schedule
Discovery Program
Monday-Thursday 9:00-2:00
Monday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 ART
10:15- 10:30 Snack
10:30-11:15 Language Arts
11:15- 12:00 Math
12:00- 12:45 LUNCH
12:45-1:15 Social Studies
1:15- 2:00 PE
2:00 Dismissal
Tuesday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 MUSIC
10:15- 10:30 Snack
10:30-11:15 Language Arts
11:15- 12:00 Math
12:00- 12:45 LUNCH
12:45-1:15 Social Studies
1:15- 2:00 Science (Tues) STEM (Thurs)
2:00 Dismissal
Wednesday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 DRAMA
10:15- 10:30 Snack
10:30-11:15 Language Arts
11:15- 12:00 Math
12:00- 12:45 LUNCH
12:45-1:15 Social Studies
1:15- 2:00 PE
2:00 Dismissal
Thursday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 DANCE
10:15- 10:30 Snack
10:30-11:15 Language Arts
11:15- 12:00 Math
12:00- 12:45 LUNCH
12:45-1:15 Social Studies
1:15- 2:00 Science (Tues) STEM (Thurs)
2:00 Dismissal
Friday
***At PAFA, we value Family time as well social time for our Staff, students, and families. Unlike most private schools, our program does not meet on Friday. Our students complete all required work and assignments Monday- Thursday. In Lieu of Friday classes, every other Friday at PAFA will be an Art Appreciation day where the students will participate in, field trips, special events, and other fun art centered activities for the whole family to enjoy.***
Pursuit Program
Monday- Thursday 9:00-2:00
Monday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 Language Arts
10:15-11:15 ART
11:30- 12:15 PE
12:15- 1:00 LUNCH
1:00-1:45 Math
1:45- 2:15 Social Studies
2:15 Dismissal
Tuesday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 Language Arts
10:15-11:15 DRAMA
11:30- 12:15 Science
12:15- 1:00 LUNCH
1:00-1:45 Math
1:45- 2:15 Social Studies
2:15 Dismissal
Wednesday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 Language Arts
10:15-11:15 MUSIC (Mon
11:30- 12:15 PE
12:15- 1:00 LUNCH
1:00-1:45 Math
1:45- 2:15 Social Studies
2:15 Dismissal
Thursday
9:00-9:30 Homeroom
9:30-10:15 Language Arts
10:15-11:15 DANCE
11:30- 12:15 STEM
12:15- 1:00 LUNCH
1:00-1:45 Math
1:45- 2:15 Social Studies
2:15 Dismissal
Friday
***At PAFA, we value Family time as well social time for our Staff, students, and families. Unlike most private schools, our program does not meet on Fridays. Our students complete all required work and assignments Monday- Thursday. In Lieu of Friday classes, every other Friday at PAFA will be an Art Appreciation day where the students will participate in, field trips, special events, and other fun art centered activities for the whole family to enjoy.***
Contact
Get in touch today to find out more about our admissions, faculty, educational opportunities and more.
3100 S. Ridgewood Ave. Suite 200
386-237-5535
Refund Policy
**When you reserve a place in our programs, that space is saved for your student. Spaces are allotted on a first pay, first reserved basis. We may refuse other students into our programs, based on your reservation. For this reason we follow a NO REFUND POLICY for any program affiliated with the Academy.**