Our Story
Where It All Began
PAFA has always been a vision, but it truly blossomed during the challenging year of 2020. Amidst one of the most difficult economic climates our founder, Ms. Crystal J. Draper, a professional dancer and owner of Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy, boldly followed her dreams, resulting in the establishment of the Purpose Academy of Fine Arts. Since its inception, PAFA has provided a vibrant and essential service to our community, setting itself apart from other private school programs in Volusia County. Our program has thrived since 2020, and there is so much more on the horizon! At PAFA, we are committed helping students ignite their passion for the arts through a unique and personalized learning experience that nurtures creativity and fosters success in both the academics and the arts. Explore our site to learn more about how you can discover your PURPOSE at the Purpose Academy of Fine Arts.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
The Purpose Academy of Fine Arts stands as a premier private enrichment academy for students in Volusia County driven by a profound passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing their education and careers in the Fine Arts and Performing Arts. At PAFA, our students experience personalized educational curriculums that prioritize art, music, drama, dance and technical theater, in conjuction with their core academics. At PAFA we empower our students to use these skills through this integrated arts and academic program that champions critical thinking and holistic learning that is immersive. applicable and enjoyable.
Vision Statement
Purpose Academy of Fine Arts is dedicated to offering exceptional primary, intermediate, and secondary education in academics and the arts for exceptional students eager to learn the Fine Arts and Performing Arts. Our younger students will engage deeply with each art form and as they age up, they have the opportunity to audition for their chosen "arts focus," allowing them to declare a major or minor in middle and high school. Those who choose a major will receive enhanced attention on their selected art form, alongside a robust academic curriculum that supports their desired art form. At PAFA, we are committed to developing students academically, artistically, socially, and emotionally within a safe and nurturing environment. Our passionate educators are devoted to shaping independent, responsible, and creative young adults who will carry a lifelong enthusiasm for the arts. We firmly believe that arts education is essential to enhancing lives and enriching our community and society as a whole.
PAFA 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/ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/Dean of Students
Crystal J. Draper is the Founder, Owner, Director, of the Purpose Academy of Fine Arts. Having begun her dance studies at the age of two, at one of the first ballet schools in the midwest, the Anneleise Von Ottengin school of Ballet, Ms. Crystal began to grow her passion for the arts at this young age and never stopped. She graduated from high school as a dance, and musical theater major from the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1999, and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance as well as a psychology minor from Shenandoah University and Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia.
Following her graduation, in 2004 Ms. Crystal established Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy (KEDA) in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she has dedicated over 20 years to teaching, choreographing and directing.
From 2015 to 2018, she performed as a principal dancer with Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theater, showcasing her talent internationally in London and France. Since 2004, Ms. Crystal has also served as Artistic Director and Choreographer for the Expressions Children's Dance Performance Company.
Daughter of Sharon M. Draper, author and educator, Ms. Crystal grew up with the importance of a good education. Having both parents as educators and being immersed in the Arts at Cincinnati's "FAME" school Ms. Crystal feels well equipped to be the fearless leader of the Purpose Academy of fine Arts. With a strong commitment to community engagement, and changing lives one student at a time, she aspires to integrate her passion for the arts with educational initiatives and looks forward to advancing this unique program with her esteemed PAFA team.
Tamela Kemp
PRINCIPLE/Director of Academics and Curriculums
Ms. Tammy, a native of Central Florida, holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. With 36 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and various administrative roles, she has worked with K-12 students both in the US and abroad. Before taking on the principle role at PAFA she served as the Director of the MEET and Mentor Community Learning Center. Residing in the Port Orange area for the past eight years, Tammy is also a devoted mother of two daughters and enjoys her faith, family time, reading.
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Raquel Simmons
Tier 1 / Teacher Liason
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. Her goal as a teacher is to instill a lifetime love of reading and learning in her students. Raquel is married to her husband, Skip and together they have a son, Colt. Her other passions include faith, family, art, dance, fishing, and reading.
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Jessie Michel
Music/ Drama
Director of Facilities
Ms. Jessie hails from Missouri, raised in a family rich in vocal talent. Her mother inspired her journey into the world of music. Since the age of 8, Jessie has been singing and performing before audiences. She has thoroughly studied various musical instruments, including piano and flute, and has taught voice for over a decade. Additionally, Jessie boasts a strong theater background, both on and off the stage. For the past 6 years, she has been coaching actors and is dedicated to helping her students achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of performance.
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Trish Ricklick
Kindergarten Instructor
Mrs. Trish has been a valued member of the PAFA family for three years. She began her journey teaching first grade and is now leading our PAFA Kindergartners. Ms. Trish has always had a passion for educating young children that began in her own elementary school days. She earned her early childhood education degree from UCF, and enjoys working with the little ones and watching them grow. Her motivation, her support of her colleagues, and the joy of her students, makes teaching at PAFA a fulfilling experience for her every day.
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Pam Tesh
Physical Education/ Health and Science
Ms. Pam, originally from North Carolina, is a graduate of UNC Chapel. After retiring dedicating 25 years to teaching Physical Education, she returns to work with the students of PAFA in PE, Health and Science. She takes pride in being a mother of two and a grandmother to five. Ms. Pam is thrilled to engage with our PAFA students in their physical journey.
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Darian Swirka
Dance/ Art
Miss Darian is a valued member of the PAFA Family. She instructs art and dance for Tier 1 and 2 students, as well as creative writing for Tier 3 and 4 students. With nearly 17 years of dance experience, and also various arts and writing courses under her belt at Daytona State College, Darian is dedicated to helping every student achieve their fullest potential. She adores her students and colleagues at PAFA and always strives to inspire those around her.
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Lex St. Maria
Tier 2
Prior to joining PAFA, Ms. Lex was a tutor with eight years of experience and a passion for making learning fun! She earned her Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Daytona State College. With experience teaching children of all ages, including those with learning disabilities, Ms. Lex is excited to collaborate with her students at PAFA and be a valued member of the PAFA team!
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Kimber Schweke
Music and Drama
Ms. Kimber is a talented educator, behavioral therapist, caregiver, and devoted mother. With four years of teaching experience in Volusia County, she adds wealth of knowledge to her role. Additionally, Ms. Kimber is a classically trained singer, aiming to foster a passion for learning among her students at PAFA.
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Lacey Carter
Ms. Lacey, originally from the West Coast of Florida, has a rich background in both the arts and business. She was part of a State Champion Marching Band and Winter Percussion, participated in school orchestras, and earned spots in All-State Concert Bands. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Daytona State College, she worked in finance before transitioning to teaching. She’s also been a member of a touring rock band!
In 2024, Ms. Lacey joined the PAFA team shortly after the birth of her daughter. She loves watching her students thrive as they explore creative problem-solving and enjoys playing music, creating art, cooking, and helping bring big ideas to life.
Math / Instrumental Music
Ms. Stasia possesses over 31 years of experience in working with children, from infants to elementary age students. She has been certified in Child Development for more than 10 years and is also trained in CPR and First Aid. Ms. Stasia is a dedicated and positive professional, committed to fostering an environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Tier 1
Stasia Branton
Tier 2
Amanda Fortier teaches 4th and 5th grade general education at PAFA. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in K-6 Elementary Education with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Reading endorsements from Daytona State College, where she graduated with high honors. She also is an International Baccalaureate graduate with honors from Spruce Creek High School. She studied dance under the instruction of Crystal Draper for 14 years at Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy. She has numerous performance credits in both Florida and Virginia, including productions of White Christmas, Something Rotten, Urinetown, All Shook Up, etc. She has a deep love for the performing arts and loves having the opportunity to share that passion with the community and her students.
Amanda Fortier
Nicole Reese
Tier 2
Tier 3 and 4 Technical theater
Susan Mackenzie
PAFA NEWS
Audition Information
To keep our program select for arts driven students, enrollment at PAFA will be through audition ONLY! Click below and learn how to audition!
KINETIC EXPRESSIONS DANCE ACADEMY
Get involved in after school arts classes and programs in dance, acting, voice, and piano. Compettin Team and Performance Company!
SUMMER CAMP 2025
We'll be back this July hosting an epic July full of the ARTS! Click below to be added to our mailing list to hear first the theme for SUMMER 2025!
"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
Tier 1
Tier 1 students dive into our exciting Discovery Program, specially crafted for early learners! This vibrant program covers Core Academics in Math, Literacy, Science, and Social Studies, while also introducing students to a fantastic world of arts. They’ll explore the fundamentals of Dance, Arts, Music, and Drama, igniting their passion for both performing and arts. Plus, with personalized academic curriculums student recieve one on one student teacher attention. Through exploration and discovery, students will be inspired to find and shine in the art form that truly captivates them!
Tier 2
Tier 2 students enjoy a a more advanced and specific navigation of the Discovery Program. The dynamics of the Discovery program are more in depth and defined as the students get older and abegin to focus more on the art they enjoy the most. The Tier 2 Discovery program is tailored for our upper elementary learners, offering a solid foundation in core academics like Math, Literacy, Science, and Social Studies, alongside a more in depth study of the arts. Tier 2, students will explore all various art forms, igniting their passion for creativity and self-expression! As they progress on to middle school, they'll embrace independent learning and discover their unique artistic talents, paving the way for an amazing future the arts!
Tier 3
Tier 3 students excel in our Pursuit program. The pursuit program begins to encourage our middle school students to focus on a specific art study. The tier 3 pursuit program begins teaching the student more independent academic learning with readily available tutors for each academic subject. In the arts, Pursuit program students will begin to select their arts majors and minors to focus on and develop their skills.
Tier 4
Tier 4 students, encompass grades 9-12, that thrive as independent learners and focused artists. With dedicated tutors available for every subject, tier 4 pursuit program students passionately navigate their personalized curriculums, focusing on their chosen art major. What's more, Tier 4 students can seize the exciting opportunity to dual enroll in college courses, intern, and dive into enriching off-campus studies!
Online (Homeschool) Program
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.
SOAR program
The PAFA SOAR program is the perfect opportunity for students in tier 3 and 4 eager to elevate their fine arts and performing arts skills to a whole new career-oriented level! Soar students will dive deep into their specific art forms with core academics seamlessly integrated into an arts curriculum that empowers them for college and professional success in their chosen artistic field. Get ready to soar to new heights in your creative journey!
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
Dance majors will explore the essential techniques of ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop alongside composition and choreography. They will also delve into the works of choreographers and professional dancers, study dance history, and acquire choreography skills for performances at various events.
ART
Explore Art through various mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpting, graphic design, and photography. Students will engage in art appreciation alongside the study of art history.
MUSIC
Music majors can specialize in either vocal instrumental music, emphasizing an introductory exploration and appreciation of music through courses in theory, composition, and music history.
DRAMA
Drama majors will explore the essentials of theater through the study of plays and various dramatic works, while also gaining an appreciation for art history, playwriting, acting, and directing.
CREATIVE WRITING
Students majoring in Creative Writing will concentrate on the methods and techniques of crafting original across diverse literary forms, including short stories, poetry, and novels.
TECHNICAL THEATRE
Technical theater includes every aspect of staged production. Students majoring in Tech Theater will explore lighting scenery design and construction, sound, costuming, photography, graphic design, digital art, and stage design.
CORE ACADEMICS
All PAFA students, alongside their Arts classes, will also undertake essential core academic subjects including Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Students utilize the Khan Academy curriculum as well as tailored custom curricuums from other platforms.
Admissions
Audition Requirements
The Information You Need
Effective Fall 2024, all applicants in grades 4-12 will be required to complete an audition process for admission into the PAFA program. Students entering tier 2 must audition in all art forms, while those entering tier 3 are required to select up to three focuses for their auditions. Tier 4 students may choose to audition in the art form of their preference. Click below to find out when you can audition!
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.**