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 to college.

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

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

A bunch of current SPCPA students are involved in the latest Youth Performance Company show, THE GUY WHO DIDN'T LIKE MUSCALS – brought to you by the YPC Young Artist's Council. Aasia Lang is directing. Actors include James Purcell, Emmett Jones-Pranis, Em Newfield, and Ray Drewes. Josie Pearson is music directing, and Niko Gruss is handling costume and prop design. Have a great run, ya'll!

More info and tickets: youthperformanceco.org/on-stage/yacpuffs/

#spcpacommunity #ypc #youthperformancecompany #musicaltheatre
See MoreSee Less

A bunch of current SPCPA students are involved in the latest Youth Performance Company show, THE GUY WHO DIDNT LIKE MUSCALS - brought to you by the YPC Young Artists Council.  Aasia Lang is directing. Actors include James Purcell, Emmett Jones-Pranis, Em Newfield, and Ray Drewes.  Josie Pearson is music directing, and Niko Gruss is handling costume and prop design.  Have a great run, yall!

More info and tickets:  https://youthperformanceco.org/on-stage/yacpuffs/

#spcpacommunity #ypc #youthperformancecompany #musicaltheatreImage attachment

You know the SPCPA arts teachers are working artists. But did you know that some of the academic teachers are as well? Long-time SPCPA science teacher DUSTIN HAUG will be performing with Mathew Janczewski's ARENA DANCES at the Walker Art Center this weekend, May 16-17. Former SPCPA dance teacher Laura Selle Virtucio served as Rehearsal Director. Go Dustin!

Tickets: secure.walkerart.org/13472
More info: walkerart.org/magazine/program-notes-for-mathew-janczewski-arena-dances-only-the-perverse-fantasy…

#spcpacommunity
See MoreSee Less

You know the SPCPA arts teachers are working artists. But did you know that some of the academic teachers are as well?  Long-time SPCPA science teacher DUSTIN HAUG will be performing with Mathew Janczewskis ARENA DANCES  at the Walker Art Center this weekend, May 16-17.  Former SPCPA dance teacher Laura Selle Virtucio served as Rehearsal Director.  Go Dustin!

Tickets:  https://secure.walkerart.org/13472
More info:  https://walkerart.org/magazine/program-notes-for-mathew-janczewski-arena-dances-only-the-perverse-fantasy-can-still-save-us

#spcpacommunityImage attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Love Dustin + love Mathew of course 🙌🏿💜

Dustin is the best. Ive been so grateful for all his help with my daughter, Phoenix over her high school years!

Go, Dusty, Go!

This past week, SPCPA's Asian Student Union shared "Gen Asian," a performance entirely designed and organized by the students, to celebrate the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month! Featuring original music, covers, dance pieces, and an intermission round of Asian country-themed trivia for the audience, the students put on an amazing show for students and families.

#spcpa #saintpaulconservatory
See MoreSee Less

This past week, SPCPAs Asian Student Union shared Gen Asian, a performance entirely designed and organized by the students, to celebrate the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month! Featuring original music, covers, dance pieces, and an intermission round of Asian country-themed trivia for the audience, the students put on an amazing show for students and families.

#spcpa #saintpaulconservatoryImage attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

Get your tickets now to see Ballet Co.Laboratory's production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. It's at the E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University, St. Paul. The piece features FOUR(!) SPCPA students, ISABELLE TRACY, THALIA BELL, KAITLIN HAMILTON, and DALILA HANSEN. It was choreographed by former SPCPA J-Term director and Ballet Co. Lab Artistic Director, Zoe Henrot.

Have a great run, Isabelle, Thalia, Kaitlin, and Dalila!

#spcpacommunity #spcpa #dance #saintpaulconservatory #spcpadance
See MoreSee Less

Get your tickets now to see Ballet Co.Laboratorys production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.  Its at the E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University, St. Paul.   The piece features FOUR(!) SPCPA students, ISABELLE TRACY, THALIA BELL, KAITLIN HAMILTON, and DALILA HANSEN. It was choreographed by former SPCPA J-Term director and Ballet Co. Lab Artistic Director, Zoe Henrot. 

Have a great run, Isabelle, Thalia, Kaitlin, and Dalila! 

#spcpacommunity #spcpa #dance #saintpaulconservatory #spcpadanceImage attachmentImage attachment

Congrats to SPCPA 11th grade Visual Art student, CYRUS CARLSON, whose work was selected to be on the cover on the most recent issue of The Thunderbird Review!

#spcpacommunity #visualart #SPCPA #saintpaulconservatory
See MoreSee Less

Congrats to SPCPA 11th grade Visual Art student, CYRUS CARLSON, whose work was selected to be on the cover on the most recent issue of The Thunderbird Review!

#spcpacommunity #visualart #spcpa #saintpaulconservatory

SPCPA senior, Teagan Schumacher, has released a four-song EP under their stage name, Tea Roisin. It's called "The Bluffs." Listeners can access it on any music streaming service.

Congrats, Teagan!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGU5yEbK8c&list=OLAK5uy_lQpQTORSug9r7-hOu7Oe_thJynIuDgTvs

#spcpa #saintpaulconservatoryforperformingartists #singersongwriter #spcpacommunity
See MoreSee Less

Video image

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Thanks for the bump, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA)! Tea's music is definitely worth sharing!

National College Decision Day was this past Thursday! A number of SPCPA students waited to either choose or announce their decision on the 1st. SPCPA senior, RHYLEE DIXON, captured the moment of choice in SPCPA's Lab Theater, narrowing it down to 3 schools. She chose the University of Missouri – Kansas City, majoring in Dance.

Congratulations, Rhylee!

#spcpacommunity
See MoreSee Less

National College Decision Day was this past Thursday!  A number of SPCPA students waited to either choose or announce their decision on the 1st.  SPCPA senior, RHYLEE DIXON, captured the moment of choice in SPCPAs Lab Theater, narrowing it down to 3 schools.  She chose the University of Missouri - Kansas City, majoring in Dance. 

Congratulations, Rhylee!

#spcpacommunity

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Go Roos!

Not graduating this year? It is still an option to attend the graduation ceremony!

If you have never been to an SPCPA graduation, you are in for a treat. It is an elegant affair that feels much like a production, fully produced and supported by union technicians, with work representing each arts department at SPCPA – song, dance, and plenty of art and artistic expression. It's a beautiful celebration of our senior class. The guest speaker is renowned actor Stephen Yoakam, also a parent of a former SPCPA graduate.

Tickets are $15. The public is welcome. The ceremony happens at The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, Tuesday, May 27, 7-8pm.

Tickets and more info: www.etix.com/ticket/p/85207435/spcpa-2025-commencement-ceremony-saint-paul-the-oshaughnessy-at-st…
See MoreSee Less

Not graduating this year?   It is still an option to attend the graduation ceremony!  

If you have never been to an SPCPA graduation, you are in for a treat.  It is an elegant affair that feels much like a production, fully produced and supported by union technicians, with work representing each arts department at SPCPA - song, dance, and plenty of art and artistic expression.  Its a beautiful celebration of our senior class. The guest speaker is renowned actor Stephen Yoakam, also a parent of a former SPCPA graduate.

Tickets are $15.  The public is welcome.  The ceremony happens at The OShaughnessy at St. Catherine University, Tuesday, May 27, 7-8pm.

Tickets and more info: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/85207435/spcpa-2025-commencement-ceremony-saint-paul-the-oshaughnessy-at-stcatherine-universityImage attachment

Happy Decision Day '25! See MoreSee Less

Happy Decision Day 25!

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Love to see that Lawrence sweatshirt!

Bard College, the birthplace of Steely Dan! Congratulations all 🥳🎉

Bard College ❤️ they can’t wait!

LOAD MORE