NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla.- North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts has won a prestigious award, as the top arts school in America. A group called Arts School Network picked the local school as number one, out of a list of 1,500 schools.

"This is a tremendous honor and I am so proud of the students, the teachers, the parents who have worked so hard to get us to this point," said Dr. Douglas Santini, principal of the school, which is part of the Lee County public school system.

"This place is just so warm and welcoming. The teachers make you want to be here," said Caitlin Parkes, a 6th grader at the K-8 school.

"The teachers are more like friends or parents. They really care how we do, and we have a real connection with them," said Nick Lamaureux, an 8th grader.

Dr. Santini emphasizes that arts are important, but not more important than academics. The school has rated an A grade in terms on student test scores the past four  years. The school used to be known as Suncoast elementary and middle, and it ranked as an F school in those days, the early 2000's.

Dr. Santini says the arts teachers do not look for simple and easy things to do. They gently push the students to perform well.  

"We are doing some things that are pretty tough for middle schoolers. We just did Hamlet. We do the Nutcracker every year, the past two or so at Barbara B. Mann arts hall. We are doing the King and I as our spring musical. It makes for a challenge for the students,"  he told WINK News.

The school serves as a magnet for students from North Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Pine Island.