To the Editor:

As a leader in fine-arts education and the nation's first art school and museum of fine arts, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts takes exception to the designation as an institution experiencing financial fragility ("149 Nonprofit Colleges Fail Education Department's Test of Financial Strength," The Chronicle, August 11).

It is of the utmost importance that other factors be considered when looking at the financial strength of an institution. The facts speak for themselves:

• For six consecutive years, PAFA has had a balanced budget.
• Throughout the recession, PAFA boasted full employment with no layoffs.
• The enrollment in our school of fine arts has increased 28 percent since 2006.
• Our endowment, like those of other institutions, saw a significant loss during the recent economic downturn. However, our endowment provides only a small portion of our operating budget.
• We continue to upgrade the school's facilities, and plans are under way for the construction of the Lenfest Plaza, which will unite both of our buildings on one campus.

PAFA continues to be recognized as a standard for excellence in shaping the diverse discourse and practice of the fine arts. We are able to make this claim because of our solid financial position.

David R. Brigham
President
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Philadelphia