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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The last day of the school year and Landmark Center means one thing at SPCPA: Finale season is here!

Current students and families — don’t forget to log into Infinite Campus and purchase your Finale tickets.

And SPCPA alumni… remember Finale?
The one night each year when the entire school came together in one room — dressed up, dancing, taking pictures in Rice Park, and celebrating the end of the year together. In a school spread across studios, rehearsal rooms, classrooms, and performance spaces, Finale has always been the rare moment when the whole SPCPA community could simply be together.

We can’t wait to see this year’s students make their own memories – Finale is at the Landmark Center, Thursday, May 28.

#spcpa #saintpaulconservatory #spcpacommunity
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Not graduating this year? It is still an option to attend the commencement ceremony! Perhaps your child is performing. Perhaps you're looking for an hour of joy. 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 world renowned playwright and screenwriter Jeffrey Hatcher.

Tickets are $15. The public is welcome. The ceremony happens at The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, Tuesday, May 26, 7-8pm.

Tickets and more info: www.etix.com/ticket/p/60721820/spcpa-2026-commencement-ceremony-saint-paul-the-oshaughnessy-at-st…

#spcpacommunity
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From boom to bust 📉

In our U.S. History class, students stepped into the lives of Americans during the Great Depression. Each assigned a job, income, family, and more (all by chance). At first, things looked bright… steady work, manageable expenses, and optimism for the future. 😁

Then the market crashed.

Over the next three “months,” students tracked every dollar, making impossible choices about housing, food, and basic needs. The shift was real, and so were the reactions. 😭
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Our Spanish classes have been full of energy, laughter, and creativity as students build their skills through games, conversation, and collaboration. From practicing real-world speaking to exploring culture, it’s all about making learning come alive.

¡Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestros estudiantes y su progreso cada día!

#SPCPA
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Take a bow, Senior Dancers! Last night at Red Eye Theater you capped off your year with a stone-cold stunner of a performance in front of a standing room only crowd. Your work here is (almost) done!

#spcpaarts #spcpacommunity #spcpadance
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Take a bow, Senior D

Some of our seniors showed up in style for College Decision Day, proudly repping the schools they’ll be calling home next year!

We couldn’t be more proud of this class and all they’ve accomplished; on stage, in the classroom, and beyond. The next chapter is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes them.

#spcpa #collegedecisionday
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Vinegar might seem simple—but is it really what it claims to be?
Most bottles say they contain 5% acetic acid… but how accurate is that label?

In our latest chemistry lab, students put vinegar to the test by performing a titration using 0.10 M NaOH. Their goal: determine the actual percent of acetic acid (HC₂H₃O₂) and see how it compares to what’s on the bottle. Science wizard Dustin can be seen lending a hand.

SPCPA- where artists grow and scholars thrive!
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlight

Congratulations to SPCPA alum Maria Briggs, who just opened her 10th Broadway show in Schmigadoon! this past week!

Maria is performing the demanding role of swing—a performer who must learn and be ready to step into multiple ensemble tracks at a moment’s notice, making it one of the most challenging and essential roles on Broadway.

Her incredible career also includes Broadway productions of Cats, Hello, Dolly!, Anastasia, Frozen, Mean Girls, The Music Man (where she also served as Dance Captain), Spamalot, Elf, and Pirates! The Penzance Muscial, along with the national tour of White Christmas, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and performances at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Congratulations, Maria, and have a fantastic run!

More from the official Schmigadoon! site: schmigadoonbroadway.com/cast-creative/

#spcpaalum
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SPCPA Alumni Spotlig

Last week SPCPA welcomed Illusion Theater and Keep the Fire Alive (KTFA), a program supporting Native youth through the Indigenous Peoples Task Force. Students had the opportunity to engage more deeply with Native American culture through a rich, meaningful experience centered on learning and connection. Live music and rock painting made the day especially engaging, memorable, and impactful.

#spcpacommunity #illusiontheater
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