Former church to become fine arts school

The Willow Park City Council made a decision at its Tuesday, April 23 meeting that is both educational and entertaining.

They approved a zoning change for the building that once housed Willow Park Baptist Church, allowing it to become The Premier Academy of Fine Arts of North Texas. The property, located 129 S. Ranch House Rd., will be leased by The Journey Church, which intends to sublease areas within the campus to operate as a private high school.

Although a church can occupy any zoning district, a private school usage requires commercial zoning, hence the request for change in zoning from “R-1” Residential to “C” Commercial.

Dr. Elizabeth Tinius, Executive Director and Founder of The Premier Academy of Fine Arts, said the school is unlike any other fine arts academy. For one thing, she said, it is the only Christian fine arts academy in the state.

She also noted that what sets her school apart is its ability to find paying gigs for students within the field of fine arts.

“By the time a student graduates (from the school) they should be able to pay their own tuition through paid opportunities,” she said.

Tinius also noted that the school plans to have its own television station and will produce programming such as music videos and entertainment short videos. These will also, through Wings Distribution, be available on such sites as iTunes, Spotify and Pandora.

Courses will include studies in animation, graphic design, choir, theatre, dance and more.

“Anything that falls under the umbrella of fine arts is taught,” Timius said.

Tinius said the school actually had a soft opening this school year with a few students, but plans to expand to around 100 students, with approximately 20 faculty/staff members for the 2024-25 school, which is expected to run Sept. 9, 2024 through May 15, 2025.

City officials noted all traffic to and from the school will be commuter (no bus service). A traffic study has not been done by the school and the planning and zoning commission did not require one.

The P&Z commission conducted a public hearing and there were no objections to the zoning change.

“It’s a unique concept. I think it will catch on in Willow Park,” City Manager Bryan Grimes said. “A lot of people are excited, and we always welcome new members into our community.”

For more information about the academy, visit premieracademyntx.com. Tinius said she also welcomes emails (information@premieracademyntx.com) or phone calls 817-374-0205. They can also be connected with through Facebook.

“Or they can just drop by. We’d love to show them around and meet them,” she said. “We’re excited about being in Willow Park.”