Schools are searching for more effective strategies that will enable all students to thrive and succeed. Evidence indicates that the fine arts can provide a unique avenue for reaching challenging students with principles of brain-based learning. This article describes HEARTS, an after-school fine arts program which taps and develops the talents of African American middle schools at risk of school and social failure. Participants in the HEARTS program reduced their risk for violence. Statistically significant improvements were made in self-esteem, school achievement, and grade point averages.