R. J. Reynolds High School, Winston-Salem’s oldest continuously operating public high school, is an award winning arts magnet school.  Our magnet approach focuses on creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration.  Arts are integrated throughout our entire school and our programs prepare students for life and work in the 21st Century. 

At Reynolds, every student participates in and benefits from an abundance of opportunities through whole-school arts experiences and exhibits, school-wide themes, and arts integration.   Students choose from over sixty arts electives introducing students to art forms through skills-based instruction in Creative Writing, Instrumental/Choral Music, Theatre/Movement, and Visual Arts. We follow the Magnet Schools of America Pillars of Excellence to guide planning/development.  Arts integration positively impacts all our students, faculty and staff, as well as our community. 

Arts education prepares students to succeed in school by —

• Boosting literacy and English Language Arts

• Advancing math achievement 

• Engaging students in school and motivates them to learn

• Developing critical thinking 

• Improving school culture 

Arts education prepares students to succeed at work by —

• Strengthening problem solving ability

• Building collaboration and communication skills 

• Increasing capacity for leadership 

Arts education prepares students for life itself by —

• Strengthening perseverance

• Facilitating cross-cultural understanding

• Building community and supporting civic engagement

RJR Arts Magnet Director Rachel Stinehelfer