There is an old adage – “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. This aptly describes how the Art Excel Program came to Scuola Vita Nuova Public Charter School - the New Life School which not only teaches underprivileged children of all ethnicities traditional subjects like science, math, and communication arts but also courses that celebrate culture and life, such as music, the arts and the whole child.  

The seeds were sown in November 2005 when John Osborne- President, Art of Living Foundation and Dr.Richard Brown – Teacher, Art of Living Foundation made a presentation on ART Excel to Judge Charles – Board Member, SVN Charter School and Nicole King, principal of the school. Both Judge and Nicole were impressed with the experience that they had on the Art of Living Course for adults, taught by John and Richard. Their experience turned into a vision to get Art Excel for all the 180 kids at SVN Charter School. 

Laura Welch of Welch Family Foundation sponsored to have the first ART Excel Course going  at SVN.  In April 2006, the entire 3rd grade took the class. The experience was moving. The students had regular follow-ups once to twice a week. Over time, the principal found reduced incidents of students being brought into principal office. 

Since then, the entire 6th grade class has been taught the ART Excel Program, and the progess continues… 

Kids Share
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I learnt how to speak out more and share my feelings. Made us feel as a community more than we were. Help us change our minds about what to do and what not to do.
Vanessa Guzman, age 11 

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This class was really fun and helped me say things that I hadn't told someone else. I hope one day I will know about yoga and probably show others from it. This help my brain rest for the whole week. I hope you send them again to come teach some more of it. I also hope you send them to teach others about yoga.
Annel Perez, age 9

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I really liked ART Excel. I learned a lot of new ways to relax, to make new friends, and know how to be healthy. It was really fun and enjoyable. I did stop  drinking soda pop. Good-Bye Soda? P.S.S: Hope you come again with new stuff please!
Nayelu Yazmine Guzman, age 9 

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FEELING FREE
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F-focus and relaxing

E-exercising your mind

E-exercising your spirit

L-lifting your Happiness

I-investigating your body

N-negative thoughts

G-getting badness out

F-forgetting bad problems

R-resting your thoughts

E-exploring out new things

E-energizing your body 

Katherine, age 11