smART stART was designed to meet the needs of inner-city kindergarten and first grade students who often come to school less prepared than their more affluent suburban counterparts. The program uses the arts to help launch these students on a successful path of learning. Each year teachers in the Atlanta Public Schools work with Young Audiences arts in education specialists to choose a theme that is both engaging and age appropriate. Artist educators develop performances, classroom workshops, residencies, and family activities to support the theme. The year's success is celebrated with an exhibit of student work in the downtown branch of the public library each spring. Themes have included Animals, Families, and Our Environment.