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 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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Thanks to the Italian Cultural Center and Park Square Theatre, SPCPA dance students participated in a masterclass yesterday led by Artemis Danza, a contemporary dance company based in Italy under the artistic direction Monica Casadei. See MoreSee Less

SPCPA ALUM (2018) and Yale graduate (2023) Lillian Wenker (in gray in the middle surrounded by Jazz hands) taught a master class yesterday for Theatre and Musical Theatre 11th and 12th graders! Lil's show, Bangtail, played extensively in England and NYC. Tonight, it will play to a sold out house at Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater!

Thanks for giving back at SPCPA, Lil!

More info about Lil and Bangtail: www.chekhovsgum.com/bangtail

#spcpalum #spcpacommunity #spcpaarts #saintpaulconservatory #spcpa
See MoreSee Less

SPCPA ALUM (2018) and Yale graduate (2023) Lillian Wenker (in gray in the middle surrounded by Jazz hands) taught a master class yesterday for Theatre and Musical Theatre 11th and 12th graders!  Lils show, Bangtail, played extensively in England and NYC.  Tonight, it will play to a sold out house at Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater!

Thanks for giving back at SPCPA, Lil! 

More info about Lil and Bangtail:  https://www.chekhovsgum.com/bangtail

#spcpalum #spcpacommunity #spcpaarts #saintpaulconservatory #spcpaImage attachment

TONIGHT! SPCPA Seniors are hosting information tables to share their knowledge and experiences on postsecondary planning and college applications. Not sure if college is right for you? Come check out some options and chat with students about alternative pathways.

#spcpaacademics #spcpaarts
See MoreSee Less

TONIGHT!  SPCPA Seniors are hosting information tables to share their knowledge and experiences on postsecondary planning and college applications. Not sure if college is right for you? Come check out some options and chat with students about alternative pathways.

#spcpaacademics #spcpaarts

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts facilitated a phenomenal master class yesterday for SPCPA dance students with the world renowned Sampson Brothers! The Sampson Brothers "strive to promote cultural pride, unity, and hope by setting a positive example through art, education, and dance…The Sampson Brothers aim to be successful artists, but also use that success to educate others while keeping their culture alive. With perseverance in modern times and tradition in tact, they bridge two worlds to provide positive inspiration as 21st century warriors." Huge thank you to both the Ordway and the Sampson Bros.!

More info about The Sampson Brothers: sampsonbrosarts.com/home
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaZbaPQnXE0

#spcpacommunity #spcpaarts #dance #sampsonbros
See MoreSee Less

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts facilitated a phenomenal master class yesterday for SPCPA dance students with the world renowned Sampson Brothers! The Sampson Brothers strive to promote cultural pride, unity, and hope by setting a positive example through art, education, and dance...The Sampson Brothers aim to be successful artists, but also use that success to educate others while keeping their culture alive. With perseverance in modern times and tradition in tact, they bridge two worlds to provide positive inspiration as 21st century warriors.  Huge thank you to both the Ordway and the Sampson Bros.!

More info about The Sampson Brothers:  https://sampsonbrosarts.com/home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaZbaPQnXE0

#spcpacommunity #spcpaarts #dance #sampsonbrosImage attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment

It's not just the arts classes that have guest speakers and master classes. This past Friday, Ms. Lohman's Psychology classes welcomed Christina Miller – she works as a high risk prenatal genetic counselor, helping families understand their risk of inherited conditions and providing support for patients and families. She ran through a mock session with Ms Lohman to determine her cancer susceptibility. Thank you, Ch#spcpaacademicsaacademics See MoreSee Less

Its not just the arts classes that have guest speakers and master classes.  This past Friday, Ms. Lohmans Psychology classes welcomed Christina Miller - she works as a high risk prenatal genetic counselor, helping families understand their risk of inherited conditions and providing support for patients and families. She ran through a mock session with Ms Lohman to determine her cancer susceptibility.  Thank you, Christina!

#spcpaacademics

Today is the annual Short Film Festival in English 12! In addition to learning vocabulary to discuss a filmmaker's choices with more sophistication, students created their own short films. Check out a few sneak peek stills from their wo#spcpaacademicsemics See MoreSee Less

Today is the annual Short Film Festival in English 12!  In addition to learning vocabulary to discuss a filmmakers choices with more sophistication, students created their own short films. Check out a few sneak peek stills from their work!

#spcpaacademicsImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

Ten Thousand Things Theater was on campus yesterday, performing their latest, THE HATMAKER'S WIFE – and posing for this photo with students after the performance! Students called it "magical" and "heartwrenching" (there wasn't a dry eye in the room afterward). The piece was directed by former SPCPA teacher Joel Sass, who is currently the Producing Artistic Director of Open Eye Theatre. Thank you Ten Thousand Things!

Photo by Junia Morrow

#ttttheater #spcpacommunity
See MoreSee Less

Ten Thousand Things Theater  was on campus yesterday, performing their latest, THE HATMAKERS WIFE - and posing for this photo with students after the performance!  Students called it magical and heartwrenching (there wasnt a dry eye in the room afterward). The piece was directed by former SPCPA teacher Joel Sass, who is currently the Producing Artistic Director of Open Eye Theatre.  Thank you Ten Thousand Things! 

Photo by Junia Morrow

#ttttheater #spcpacommunity

The Drake University Jazz Ensemble played at SPCPA – you may recognize SPCPA alum Finn Pope on the keyboard! See MoreSee Less

Congrats to 10th grade SPCPA student, CYRUS CARLSON, whose art work "Lines" is featured in the newly opened Northern Lights Juried Exhibition at the White Bear Center for the Arts! 100 pieces are on display, selected from 750 pieces by over 500 artists. See MoreSee Less

Congrats to 10th grade SPCPA student, CYRUS CARLSON, whose art work Lines is featured in the newly opened Northern Lights Juried Exhibition at the White Bear Center for the Arts! 100 pieces are on display, selected from 750 pieces by over 500 artists.Image attachmentImage attachment
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