JNSA2 HIStory
History of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts Eastside Atlanta (JNSA2)
The Jessye Norman School of the Arts Eastside Atlanta (JNSA2) was established in 2023 as an extension of the renowned Jessye Norman School of the Arts (JNSA), originally founded in 2003 in Augusta, Georgia.
The original school was the vision of Linda Scales and the Rachel Longstreet Foundation, Inc., who sought to provide equitable access to quality arts education for students at no cost. Jessye Norman, the world-renowned soprano and Augusta native, lent her name, influence, and unwavering support to the effort—helping rally donations, community partnerships, and national attention that gave the school its start.
JNSA2 HISTORY
Inspired by Ms. Norman’s belief that “the arts belong to everyone,” JNSA2 was created to bring that same transformative, tuition-free arts education model to the Eastside and South DeKalb communities of metro Atlanta.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Tony Aaron Hambrick, a seasoned performing artist, arts educator, and Augusta native, JNSA2 opened its doors at 2005 S. Columbia Place in Decatur, Georgia, in partnership with Holy Cross Episcopal Church, its founding sponsor. The launch represented a powerful step toward expanding equitable access to fine arts education in an area often underserved by arts programming.
From its inception, JNSA2 has carried forward the same three guiding aims that define its Augusta counterpart: Legacy, Service, and Impact.
JEssye Norman Schools LEGACY
Legacy honors the vision of Jessye Norman, whose artistry and advocacy continue to inspire generations of young creators.
Service reflects the school’s commitment to the community—providing high-quality instruction, mentorship, and creative enrichment at no cost to families.
Impact drives JNSA2’s mission to cultivate confident, disciplined, and expressive young artists who embody the school’s creed and core values: “I represent something larger than myself.”
In its first year, JNSA2 achieved remarkable growth, expanding enrollment by 133% and doubling reading and writing engagement hours from 900 to 1,800 through its Creative Reading and Writing Program. Students explored a diverse range of disciplines, including visual arts, theatre, music, dance, digital media, and creative literacy, taught by professional artists and educators.
As the program’s reach deepened, JNSA2 launched “Turning Point,” its first major fundraising campaign, with a goal of $32,000 to sustain and expand tuition-free programming. The campaign reflects both the urgency and optimism of this moment in the school’s journey—where the commitment to access, excellence, and equity converge.
Today, JNSA2 stands as a beacon for creative possibility in South DeKalb, nurturing young artists who see themselves as changemakers—ready to use their gifts to shape communities, tell powerful stories, and continue the living legacy of Jessye Norman through service and artistry.
