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

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Visual Art students from Individual Projects Semester 2 explore the Walker Art Center exhibit, This Must Be The Place, guided by Walker Educators. "The exhibition unfolds over three galleries, with spotlight sections that give emphasis to core ideas of community, the urban environment, and the natural landscape." On view until Apr 29, 2029.

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Visual Art students from Individual Projects Semester 2 explore the Walker Art Center exhibit, This Must Be The Place, guided by Walker Educators. The exhibition unfolds over three galleries, with spotlight sections that give emphasis to core ideas of community, the urban environment, and the natural landscape. On view until Apr 29, 2029.

#spcpaarts #spcpacommunity #visualartImage attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

The Junior/Senior Musical Theatre Singing class with Natalie McComas has a message of hope this morning for current SPCPA students. See MoreSee Less

We are excited to announce that this year's guest commencement speaker will be Stephen Yoakam! Stephen is a longtime member of the Twin Cities theater community and certainly one of its most celebrated actors. He is a founding member of the Mixed Blood Theatre Company, appearing in over 30 productions. At the Guthrie Theater, he has performed in over 80(!) productions including King Lear, Othello, Burial at Thebes, An Iliad, and the History Plays. Stephen was in The Children, The Nether, The Night Alive, The Seafarer, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at The Jungle Theater. He has performed at Pillsbury House Theatre, The Playwrights' Center, and at Carnegie Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra. Stephen is a recipient of the McKnight Theater Artists award. He is also the proud father of a past SPCPA graduate. Thank you, Stephen!

The SPCPA graduation ceremoney will happen at The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University on Tuesday, May 27, at 7PM. Some tickets will be made available to the public. SPCPA familes will receive more info after spring break.

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We are excited to announce that this years guest commencement speaker will be Stephen Yoakam! Stephen is a longtime member of the Twin Cities theater community and certainly one of its most celebrated actors. He is a founding member of the Mixed Blood Theatre Company, appearing in over 30 productions. At the Guthrie Theater, he has performed in over 80(!) productions including King Lear, Othello, Burial at Thebes, An Iliad, and the History Plays. Stephen was in The Children, The Nether, The Night Alive, The Seafarer, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at The Jungle Theater. He has performed at Pillsbury House Theatre, The Playwrights Center, and at Carnegie Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra. Stephen is a recipient of the McKnight Theater Artists award. He is also the proud father of a past SPCPA graduate.  Thank you, Stephen!  

The SPCPA graduation ceremoney will happen at The OShaughnessy at St. Catherine University on Tuesday, May 27, at 7PM.  Some tickets will be made available to the public. SPCPA familes will receive more info after spring break.   

#spcpacommunityImage attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Good choice!

A great choice !!🙌🙌🙌

Yay!

SPCPA alum, Aaron Davies (2011), has had quite a year! One year ago he danced with Metropolitan Ballet Minneapolis St. Paul. Since, he's danced with 4 more companies, landed principle roles, trained in NYC with Leslie Brown of American Ballet Theatre, Clifford Williams with Complexions Contemporary Ballet , Davis Robertson with The Joffrey Ballet and Roman Thielen of Dance Theatre of Harlem. Currently he is finishing up the season with New York Dance Project (NYDP), next month will be with Ajkun Ballet Theatre as Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and in June will be dancing for American Liberty Ballet. Phew. Congrats, Aaron!

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SPCPA alum, Aaron Davies (2011), has had quite a year!  One year ago he danced with Metropolitan Ballet Minneapolis St. Paul.  Since, hes danced with 4 more companies, landed principle roles, trained in NYC with Leslie Brown of American Ballet Theatre, Clifford Williams with Complexions Contemporary Ballet , Davis Robertson with The Joffrey Ballet and Roman Thielen of Dance Theatre of Harlem.  Currently he is finishing up the season with New York Dance Project (NYDP), next month will be with Ajkun Ballet Theatre as Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and in June will be dancing for American Liberty Ballet. Phew. Congrats, Aaron!  

#spcpaalumImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

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💪🏿💜

Congrats to SPCPA 9th grader Ananda Dunigan, who is one of three students chosen to be part of a panel for Read Brave, Saint Paul's citywide book club. Mayor Melvin Carter and author Nnedi Okorafor will host "Read Brave Talk Brave" on Wednesday, March 26th at the Rondo Community Library from 5:30 to 7:30pm. More details: sppl.org/read-brave/

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Congrats to SPCPA 9th grader Ananda Dunigan, who is one of three students chosen to be part of a panel for Read Brave, Saint Pauls citywide book club. Mayor Melvin Carter and author Nnedi Okorafor will host Read Brave Talk Brave on Wednesday, March 26th at the Rondo Community Library from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  More details: https://sppl.org/read-brave/
  
#spcpacommunity

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Congrats!!!!

Get your tickets to see GREASE at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres – featuring current SPCPA musical theatre teacher, ANNA HASHIZUME (playing Betty Rizzo), and SPCPA alum RUSH BENSON (playing Kenickie) and ANGELA STEELE (playing Marty)!

The show has opened and plays through October 4. Have a great run you three!

Tickets and more info: chanhassendt.com/grease/

#spcpacommunity #spcpaalum #ChanhassenDinnerTheatres
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Get your tickets to see GREASE at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres - featuring current SPCPA musical theatre teacher, ANNA HASHIZUME (playing Betty Rizzo), and SPCPA alum RUSH BENSON (playing Kenickie) and ANGELA STEELE (playing Marty)! 

The show has opened and plays through October 4.  Have a great run you three!

Tickets and more info:  https://chanhassendt.com/grease/

#spcpacommunity #spcpaalum #chanhassendinnertheatresImage attachmentImage attachment

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🌟🧡🌟🧡🌟🧡

J-Term 2025 – Dance Concert, jess pretty's piece. At Park Square Theatre. Photos by Brandon Stengel (Farm Kid Studios).

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity
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J-Term 2025 - Dance Concert, jess prettys piece. At Park Square Theatre.  Photos by Brandon Stengel (Farm Kid Studios). 

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One of the advantages of going to a downtown high school? Parades go by right outside your front door during open lunch.

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One of the advantages of going to a downtown high school? Parades go by right outside your front door during open lunch.

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