imagine…

Imagine attending a public high school in the heart of downtown St. Paul, unlike any other in the country. Learn the skills and techniques to become a professional artist from current working artists. Receive a college conservatory level arts education under the guidance of current professional artists. Prepare for college academically in on-level, advanced or AP classes.

A private school experience at a public school price.
No audition. No tuition.

50/50
arts + academics

SPCPA provides authentic arts training taught by current professional artists utilizing the conservatory model while aligned with academic state standards in English, math, science, social studies, world languages, and special education. Half of each day focuses on academics, the other on arts.

at-a-glance

we are a diverse,
focused student body.

SPCPA students come from over 40 different school districts.

90-95% of SPCPA students graduate on time.

we are prepared.

99-100% of SPCPA graduates are accepted into college or conservatory.

50% of graduates pursue arts in some fashion after high school.

ON ACT TESTS

SPCPA students score 2.5 points higher than the MN average.

ON MCA's

SPCPA students score 20% higher than the state average in reading, 15% higher in science, and are typically at or above state average in math.

OUR ALUMNI SAY IT BEST

I had an amazing experience at this arts school! From the moment I walked through the door, I felt inspired by the creativity and talent all around me. The faculty and staff were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, always pushing me to be my best and never giving up on me. Not only did I develop my artistic skills in ways I never imagined, but I also made lasting friendships with fellow students who share my passion for the arts. The resources and opportunities available at this school are unparalleled, and I feel so grateful to have been a part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. I would highly recommend this arts school to anyone looking to grow their talents and discover their potential as an artist.

Maria Briggs, Broadway actor/dancer/singer, Class of 2009

CONNECTED

An important part of SPCPA’s purpose is to connect the students and the school to the Twin Cities professional arts community in a number of ways.

what's happening

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Every Thursday this semester, 30 of our 11th–12th grade Theatre students step a block and a half from campus into a professional theater for a three-hour stagecraft class at Park Square Theatre.

Yesterday’s focus: lighting—what a lighting designer does, how light shapes mood and story across different kinds of shows, and hands-on learning with professional instruments as they’re hung and focused.

Huge thanks to Park Square Theatre, and to the Minnesota State Arts Board for supporting this partnership. As a performing arts school, we don’t have the full technical infrastructure of a pro house—so having a world-class theater two blocks away in downtown St. Paul is a gift. Our students are learning the technical side of theater where it actually happens.

#spcpaarts #parksquaretheatre #mnstateartsboard
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J-Term officially wrapped last weekend, but one project needed a little more time—and for good reason.

The Hands in Clay J-Term project, led by Mudluk Pottery artists, culminated last night at Mudluk Pottery in Minneapolis with a beautiful exhibition of student work. Because ceramics takes patience (and fire), these pieces had to be glazed and fired after J-Term ended, which meant the celebration came a few days later—and it was worth the wait.

Students and families gathered at the Mudluk gallery to see the finished work on display, each piece the result of hands-on experimentation, risk-taking, and care. What started as raw clay became something lasting, expressive, and deeply personal.

So grateful to Mudluk Pottery for hosting and guiding this work, and to our students for their focus, curiosity, and craft. J-Term may be over, but the learning—and the art—keeps unfolding

#spcpajterm #mudlukpottery
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The company of These Shining Lives last night at the Jungle Theater, five minutes before the house opens, getting final words of inspiration from director Jane Froiland before performing for almost sold-out house. Tonight's J-Term performance has about four tickets remaining! See MoreSee Less

The company of These

J-Term Performance Weekend is officially underway!

Last night, J-Term kicked off with two performances of our Emerging Voices: Five-Minute Play Festival at The Playwrights' Center in St. Paul. Student playwrights saw their original work come to life – we are deeply grateful to the Playwrights' Center and to Marge Buckley and Gemma Irish for leading the project.

#spcpajterm #playwrightscenter
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J-Term Performance W

Take a 30-second sneak peek at this weekend’s nearly sold out J-Term Dance Concerts at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance!

This preview from a rehearsal at Ananya Dance Theatre features an excerpt from Davente Gilreath’s piece, alongside works by Helen Hatch, Alex Eady, and Herb Johnson & Mia Johnson.

#barbarabarkercenterfordance #spcpajterm
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SPCPA's J-Term project MEAN GIRLS has moved to the Boss at Park Square Theatre for three performances this Saturday and Sunday! The show is directed and choreographed by Jack Moorman, Music Direction by Natalie McComas.

#parksquaretheatre #spcpajterm #musicaltheatre
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Scripts in hand, voices taking shape. SPCPA students are creating original five-minute plays as part of our EMERGING VOICES: FIVE MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL, working alongside Playwrights Center Fellows, Marge Buckley and Gemma Irish during J-Term.

These new works will receive readings at the Playwrights' Center with two performances on Thursday, January 22.

Grateful to the The Playwrights' Center in St. Paul for their incredible partnership and support of young playwrights!

#spcpajterm #playwrightscenter
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Scripts in hand, voi

The J-Term project, These Shining Lives, is rehearsing at the beautiful The Jungle Theater under the direction of Jane Froiland. Thank you to the Jungle for hosting our students – performances are next Friday and Saturday!

#spcpajterm #jungletheater #SPCPA
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The J-Term project, Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

The J-Term dance piece choreographed by Alex Eady is rehearsing at Ananya Dance Theatre – the dance concert performs at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance at the University of MN January 24 and 25!

#spcpajterm #barbarabarkercenterfordance #AnanyaDanceTheatre
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The J-Term dance pie
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