ABOUT US:Established in 1997, Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts & Education is a free, independent, public charter school in Wilson, N.C. that serves over 800 students in grades K-8. Our mission is to provide every child – privileged or underprivileged – the kind of education that nurtures students’ gifts, talents, and potential to become more than they ever thought they would be. At Sallie B. Howard School we prepare students for careers in the performing arts, science, and humanities. We employ over 100 culturally diverse faculty and staff from 4 continents (Asia, Africa, N. America, South America) and the Caribbean. With an arts based curriculum, a residential study abroad program, a culturally diverse faculty and student body, and expansion to a high school in sight, Sallie B. Howard is preparing its students today to become 21st century global citizens tomorrow.HISTORY-Sallie B. Howard School was among the first 32 public school charters awarded in the state and the only charter school to open in Wilson County after North Carolina passed legislation in 1997 to approve charter schools in the state. A charter school is an independent public school funded by state and local tax dollars but operated by a private, non-profit organization. The charter to operate the Howard School was awarded by the state to the Youth Enrichment Program of Wilson, Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1989 by Dr. JoAnne Woodard to raise the educational achievement aspirations of at-risk children. The Howard School is named in honor of Sallie B. Howard, a 94 year old retired elementary school teacher who is a legend in Wilson for inspiring the hopes and dreams of many children and adults, including Dr. Woodard.