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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Members of the The University of Minnesota School of Music Opera Theater (pictured center) came to present some material from Street Scene by Kurt Weill yesterday at SPCPA – the program is led by Director David Walsh (pictured far left). They also spoke about the background story, working with an intimacy director, opera, and musicals. SPCPA Music, Musical Theater, and Theater students all enjoyed the performance!

Street Scene will be opening at the U of M Ted Mann Concert Hall on November 20th, 2025: cla.umn.edu/music/news-events/news/kurt-weills-street-scene

Thank you David Walsh and the U of MN School of Music Opera Theater!

#uofmn #uofmnmusic #spcpacommunity #SPCPA #spcpamusic #spcpamusicaltheatre
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Members of the The University of Minnesota School of Music Opera Theater (pictured center) came to present some material from Street Scene by Kurt Weill yesterday at SPCPA - the program is led by Director David Walsh (pictured far left).  They also spoke about the background story, working with an intimacy director, opera, and musicals. SPCPA Music, Musical Theater, and Theater students all enjoyed the performance!

Street Scene will be opening at the U of M Ted Mann Concert Hall on November 20th, 2025: https://cla.umn.edu/music/news-events/news/kurt-weills-street-scene

Thank you David Walsh and the U of MN School of Music Opera Theater!

#UofMN #uofmnmusic #spcpacommunity #spcpa #spcpamusic #spcpamusicaltheatre

Yesterday, SPCPA’s 11th and 12th grade dancers had the honor of working with renowned choreographer, dancer, and scholar Ananya Chatterjea.

Ananya’s groundbreaking work blends contemporary dance, social justice, and healing practice. She is the creator of Yorchhā, the signature movement language of Ananya Dance Theatre, and the architect of Shawngrām, a justice- and community-centered choreographic methodology. A Guggenheim Fellow and Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota, her work has been performed and taught around the world.

We are deeply grateful for the inspiration, movement, and dialogue she shared with our dancers.

#spcpacommunity #uofmn #uofmndance #universityofminnesotadance #AnanyaDanceTheatre #spcpa
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Yesterday, SPCPA’s 11th and 12th grade dancers had the honor of working with renowned choreographer, dancer, and scholar Ananya Chatterjea.

Ananya’s groundbreaking work blends contemporary dance, social justice, and healing practice. She is the creator of Yorchhā, the signature movement language of Ananya Dance Theatre, and the architect of Shawngrām, a justice- and community-centered choreographic methodology. A Guggenheim Fellow and Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota, her work has been performed and taught around the world.

We are deeply grateful for the inspiration, movement, and dialogue she shared with our dancers.

#spcpacommunity #uofmn #uofmndance #universityofminnesotadance #AnanyaDanceTheatre #spcpa

Big smiles in Ensemble class this week! Thanks to a successful DonorsChoose campaign organized by SPCPA music teacher Momoko Tanno, students just received new amps, keyboards, and more to support their work in class.

DonorsChoose is a platform that allows public school teachers to request materials and resources to enhance student learning — and thanks to generous donors, SPCPA musicians are already putting these new tools to great use!

#SPCPA #artseducation #donorschoose #musiceducation #thankyoudonors
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Big smiles in Ensemble class this week! Thanks to a successful DonorsChoose campaign organized by SPCPA music teacher Momoko Tanno, students just received new amps, keyboards, and more to support their work in class.

DonorsChoose is a platform that allows public school teachers to request materials and resources to enhance student learning — and thanks to generous donors, SPCPA musicians are already putting these new tools to great use! 

#SPCPA #ArtsEducation #DonorsChoose #MusicEducation #ThankYouDonors

Yesterday, SPCPA was honored to welcome Dominique Serrand — co-artistic director of The Moving Company and co-founder of the legendary Théâtre de la Jeune Lune — for a master class with our 11th and 12th-grade theatre and musical theatre students.

Dominique shared insights from his remarkable career and worked hands-on with students on their current material — an unforgettable experience with one of the Twin Cities’ most visionary theater artists.

You can see Dominique’s artistry in action right now in The Cherry Orchard (a co-production between The Moving Company and The Jungle Theater) in which he serves as both director and actor. The show is stunning, don't miss it – it was extended through Nov 9. Thank you, Dominique!

Get tickets for The Cherry Orchard: jungletheater.org/the-cherry-orchard
Learn more about The Moving Company: www.themovingco.org/about

#SPCPA #SPCPATheatre #TheMovingCompany #JungleTheater #TheCherryOrchard #DominiqueSerrand #ArtsEducation #TwinCitiesTheater #mocotheatre
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Yesterday, SPCPA was honored to welcome Dominique Serrand — co-artistic director of The Moving Company and co-founder of the legendary Théâtre de la Jeune Lune — for a master class with our 11th and 12th-grade theatre and musical theatre students.

Dominique shared insights from his remarkable career and worked hands-on with students on their current material — an unforgettable experience with one of the Twin Cities’ most visionary theater artists.

You can see Dominique’s artistry in action right now in The Cherry Orchard (a co-production between The Moving Company and The Jungle Theater) in which he serves as both director and actor.  The show is stunning, dont miss it - it was extended through Nov 9.  Thank you, Dominique!

Get tickets for The Cherry Orchard:  jungletheater.org/the-cherry-orchard  
Learn more about The Moving Company: https://www.themovingco.org/about

#SPCPA #SPCPATheatre #TheMovingCompany #JungleTheater #TheCherryOrchard #DominiqueSerrand #ArtsEducation #TwinCitiesTheater #mocotheatreImage attachmentImage attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Do not miss this great production!Brilliant in every way!

Guest artist Camila Leiva visited SPCPA last week! A muralist, painter, comic artist, and arpillera artist based in Minneapolis, she was born in Chile during the final years of Pinochet’s military dictatorship. Last week, Camila led an arpillera workshop with students.

Arpilleras are a form of textile art created by women as a form of resistance to Chile’s authoritarian regime. They also helped raise awareness outside Chile about los desaparecidos (“the disappeared”) — people who were kidnapped by the government and never seen again.

In the coming weeks, students will be creating their own arpillera-inspired narrative textile pieces.

#spcpacommunity #visualart #spcpa #saintpaulconservatory #arpillera
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Guest artist Camila Leiva visited SPCPA last week!  A muralist, painter, comic artist, and arpillera artist based in Minneapolis, she was born in Chile during the final years of Pinochet’s military dictatorship. Last week, Camila led an arpillera workshop with students.

Arpilleras are a form of textile art created by women as a form of resistance to Chile’s authoritarian regime. They also helped raise awareness outside Chile about los desaparecidos (“the disappeared”) — people who were kidnapped by the government and never seen again.

In the coming weeks, students will be creating their own arpillera-inspired narrative textile pieces.

#spcpacommunity #visualart #spcpa #saintpaulconservatory #arpilleraImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

SPCPA students experienced something truly special yesterday as they attended The Cherry Orchard at The Jungle Theater — a breathtaking co-production between The Moving Company and the Jungle Theater. The production has just been extended one more week, and we can’t recommend it highly enough!

Students were especially excited to see one of SPCPA’s own theatre teachers, Kenzi Allen, performing in the show (pictured). After the performance, students took part in a talkback with members of the cast and creative team, including Kenzi and the director.

We’re so grateful to our friends at the Jungle Theater and The Moving Company for welcoming our students – get your tickets here: jungletheater.org

#SPCPA #TheCherryOrchard #JungleTheater #TheMovingCompany #TheatreEducation #ArtsHighSchool
See MoreSee Less

SPCPA students experienced something truly special yesterday as they attended The Cherry Orchard at The Jungle Theater — a breathtaking co-production between The Moving Company and the Jungle Theater. The production has just been extended one more week, and we can’t recommend it highly enough!

Students were especially excited to see one of SPCPA’s own theatre teachers, Kenzi Allen, performing in the show (pictured). After the performance, students took part in a talkback with members of the cast and creative team, including Kenzi and the director.

We’re so grateful to our friends at the Jungle Theater and The Moving Company for welcoming our students - get your tickets here: jungletheater.org 

#SPCPA  #TheCherryOrchard #JungleTheater #TheMovingCompany #TheatreEducation #ArtsHighSchoolImage attachment

SPCPA arts teachers are working professionals. Check out the work of theatre instructor Isabella Dunsieth in a number of events over the next few weeks!

HYPOCRALYPSE NOW at The Brave New Workshop. Brave New Workshop brings its signature brand of insightful satire!
hennepinarts.org/events/hypocralypse-now-2025

CAMP BLUDDE at the Twin Cities Horror Festival.
An old legend, old money, new blood.
www.tchorrorfestival.com/

OFF BOOK at the Jungle
Every actor has that nightmare: it is opening night, and you never learned your part. Worse, you don’t even know what show you’re performing! But an actor’s nightmare is an improviser’s dream come true.
ci.ovationtix.com/35301/production/1251464

#spcpacommunity #spcpa #theatre #saintpaulconservatory #jungletheater #BraveNewWorkshop
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SPCPA arts teachers are working professionals.  Check out the work of theatre instructor Isabella Dunsieth in a number of events over the next few weeks!

HYPOCRALYPSE NOW at The Brave New Workshop.  Brave New Workshop brings its signature brand of insightful satire!
https://hennepinarts.org/events/hypocralypse-now-2025

CAMP BLUDDE at the Twin Cities Horror Festival.
An old legend, old money, new blood.
https://www.tchorrorfestival.com/

OFF BOOK at the Jungle 
Every actor has that nightmare: it is opening night, and you never learned your part. Worse, you don’t even know what show you’re performing! But an actor’s nightmare is an improviser’s dream come true. 
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35301/production/1251464

#spcpacommunity #spcpa #theatre #saintpaulconservatory #jungletheater #BraveNewWorkshop

We were thrilled to welcome Ten Thousand Things Theater to SPCPA’s Studio 2 on Tuesday to perform Two Gents by William Shakespeare! Our 11th and 12th graders in Theatre and Musical Theatre loved how the company made Shakespeare so engaging and accessible—thank you, TTT, for sharing your incredible work with our students!

#spcpacommunity #spcpa #saintpaulconservatory #ttt #tenthousandthings
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We were thrilled to welcome Ten Thousand Things Theater to SPCPA’s Studio 2 on Tuesday to perform Two Gents by William Shakespeare! Our 11th and 12th graders in Theatre and Musical Theatre loved how the company made Shakespeare so engaging and accessible—thank you, TTT, for sharing your incredible work with our students!

#spcpacommunity #spcpa #saintpaulconservatory #ttt #tenthousandthings

When one creative door closes, another opens — and this one opens right here in Saint Paul!

While we'll no longer be able to offer the Nature Writing Project, we’re thrilled to announce its replacement for J-Term 2026 – Emerging Voices: The Five-Minute Play Festival, created in partnership with the world-renowned The Playwrights' Center, which just opened its stunning new space in Saint Paul.

Students will dive into the art of playwriting in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Guided by a professional artist affiliated with the Playwrights’ Center, students will explore character, dialogue, and structure as they develop their own original five-minute plays.

The project will culminate in a workshop-style staged reading at the Playwrights’ Center, where students will share their new works in front of a live audience.

We’re so grateful to the Playwrights’ Center for stepping in at the last minute to make this exciting opportunity possible — and can’t wait to see what stories our emerging voices create!

#SPCPA #JTerm2026 #PlaywrightsCenter #EmergingVoices #StudentWriters #pwcenter #spcpajterm
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When one creative door closes, another opens — and this one opens right here in Saint Paul!

While well no longer be able to offer the Nature Writing Project, we’re thrilled to announce its replacement for J-Term 2026 - Emerging Voices: The Five-Minute Play Festival, created in partnership with the world-renowned The Playwrights Center, which just opened its stunning new space in Saint Paul.

Students will dive into the art of playwriting in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Guided by a professional artist affiliated with the Playwrights’ Center, students will explore character, dialogue, and structure as they develop their own original five-minute plays.

The project will culminate in a workshop-style staged reading at the Playwrights’ Center, where students will share their new works in front of a live audience.

We’re so grateful to the Playwrights’ Center for stepping in at the last minute to make this exciting opportunity possible — and can’t wait to see what stories our emerging voices create! 

#SPCPA #JTerm2026 #PlaywrightsCenter #EmergingVoices #StudentWriters  #pwcenter #spcpajtermImage attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Wowza……I want to take that J-Term! Bravo SPCPA for making it happen!!

fabulous!

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