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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We love it when alum return to teach a master class! The Dance Department welcomed local artist Zhané Jackson aka TENACITY, assisted by Wass Remy, for a masterclass this week!

#spcpaalum #spcpacommunity
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We love it when alum return to teach a master class! The Dance Department welcomed local artist Zhané Jackson aka TENACITY, assisted by Wass Remy, for a masterclass this week! 

#spcpaalum #spcpacommunity

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Let’s go 😍

💜

Ten Thousand Things Theater (TTT) visited SPCPA yesterday and performed their latest production, HELEN, directed by Marcela Lorca. It was awesome. Thank you, TTT! More info: tenthousandthings.org/


#spcpacommunity #ttt #tenthousandthingstheatre #tenthousandthings #theatre
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Ten Thousand Things Theater (TTT) visited SPCPA yesterday and performed their latest production, HELEN, directed by Marcela Lorca.  It was awesome.  Thank you, TTT!  More info: https://tenthousandthings.org/
 

#spcpacommunity #ttt #tenthousandthingstheatre #tenthousandthings #theatre

Have you gotten your tickets yet to see Drawing Lessons at Children's Theatre Company featuring SPCPA senior, Mars Niemi? What are you waiting for? Get them here now: childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/drawing-lessons/

#spcpacommunity
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Have you gotten your tickets yet to see Drawing Lessons at Childrens Theatre Company featuring SPCPA senior, Mars Niemi?  What are you waiting for?  Get them here now: https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/drawing-lessons/

#spcpacommunity

J-Term Reveal #12: Sam Johnson

We are excited to welcome back former SPCPA Dance Dept. Chair, Sam Johnson, for J-Term 2025 as one of the choreographers! Sam is a performance maker and doer based in Minneapolis, working primarily with the collective SuperGroup. He’s also performed in the dance work of many other independent performance makers. Sam's piece will rehearse all three weeks at St. Paul Ballet. The Dance Concert performs at Park Square Theatre.

#spcpacommunity #spcpajterm
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J-Term Reveal #12: Sam Johnson

We are excited to welcome back former SPCPA Dance Dept. Chair, Sam Johnson, for J-Term 2025 as one of the choreographers!  Sam is a performance maker and doer based in Minneapolis, working primarily with the collective SuperGroup. He’s also performed in the dance work of many other independent performance makers. Sams piece will rehearse all three weeks at St. Paul Ballet. The Dance Concert performs at Park Square Theatre.

#spcpacommunity #spcpajterm

J-Term reveal #11:Genevieve Waterbury

We are delighted to announce that Genevieve Waterbury will choreograph one of the J-Term pieces this year – she is thrilled to bring her short story contemporary ballet, The Tortoise and the Hare, to the students of SPCPA! Genevieve comes to us via Nevada Ballet, NYC's nathantrice/RITUALS, Ballet Co. Lab, and many other companies.

Rehearsals will happen all three weeks at Ballet Co.Laboratory. The Dance Concert performs on the main stage at Park Square Theatre!

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity
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J-Term reveal #11:Genevieve Waterbury

We are delighted to announce that Genevieve Waterbury will choreograph one of the J-Term pieces this year - she is thrilled to bring her short story contemporary ballet, The Tortoise and the Hare, to the students of SPCPA!  Genevieve comes to us via Nevada Ballet, NYCs nathantrice/RITUALS, Ballet Co. Lab, and many other companies. 

Rehearsals will happen all three weeks at Ballet Co.Laboratory.  The Dance Concert performs on the main stage at Park Square Theatre!

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity

1 CommentComment on Facebook

This is awesome!! Genevieve is amazing

The classic holiday show opens this weekend at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. You can see a bunch of folks with SPCPA connections: Alum NOAH COON and RUSH BENSON, as well as former SPCPA teachers/J-Term Directors, LINDA TALCOTT-LEE and ELLY STAHLKE. Get your tickets now here: chanhassendt.com/whitechristmas/

Have a great run!

#spcpacommunity #spcpaalum #Chanhassendinnertheatres #ChanhassenDinnerTheatre
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The classic holiday show opens this weekend at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.  You can see a bunch of folks with SPCPA connections:  Alum NOAH COON and RUSH BENSON, as well as former SPCPA teachers/J-Term Directors, LINDA TALCOTT-LEE and ELLY  STAHLKE. Get your tickets now here:  https://chanhassendt.com/whitechristmas/
  
Have a great run!

#spcpacommunity #spcpaalum #Chanhassendinnertheatres #chanhassendinnertheatreImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

Yesterday, Theatre and Musical Theatre students took a field trip to Pillsbury House + Theatre to see the world premiere of A Walless Church by AriDy Nox. This beautiful show featured so many SPCPA alum and faculty: Signe V. Harriday (Director), Aimee K. Bryant (Cast), Essence Renae (Cast), and Zhané Jackson (Assistant Stage Manager).

#spcpaarts

Pillsbury House Theatre
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Yesterday, Theatre and Musical Theatre students took a field trip to Pillsbury House + Theatre to see the world premiere of A Walless Church by AriDy Nox. This beautiful show featured so many SPCPA alum and faculty:  Signe V. Harriday (Director), Aimee K. Bryant (Cast), Essence Renae (Cast), and Zhané Jackson (Assistant Stage Manager).

#spcpaarts 

@phousetheatreImage attachmentImage attachment

J-Term Reveal #10: OUR TOWN

The timeless play that reminds us of the fleeting nature of time. Week one rehearses at SPCPA. Weeks 2 and 3 move to the The Jungle Theater. Directed by Brian Goranson.

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity
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J-Term Reveal #10: OUR TOWN

The timeless play that reminds us of the fleeting nature of time.  Week one rehearses at SPCPA.  Weeks 2 and 3 move to the The Jungle Theater.  Directed by Brian Goranson. 

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity
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