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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On the day before Valentine’s Day our students we’re feeling the love for live theater! ❤️

On Friday, our 9th and 10th grade students had the incredible opportunity to see Men on Boats performed by Ten Thousand Things Theater Company. What an unforgettable experience! Bold, adventurous, funny, and thought-provoking, the performance brought history to life in a powerful way.

We are so grateful for opportunities that allow our students to experience professional theater up close. There’s something special about sharing stories together, especially ones that challenge perspectives and spark conversation.

Thank you @ttttheater!

#ValentinesDay #spcpa #LiveTheater #Grateful
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On the day before Va

Did you know that one of the original purposes of the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists was to make it possible for students to pursue significant arts opportunities outside of school?

SPCPA was intentionally designed to support students whose learning happens not only in classrooms, but also in rehearsal halls, studios, theaters, and on professional stages across the Twin Cities. When our students take those opportunities, we celebrate them.

We’re proud to share that SPCPA 9th grader Ashlyn Hansen is performing in the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota production of Romeo and Juliet the Rock Ballet at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul.

Come support Ashlyn and see an incredible show!

More information and tickets:

twincitiesballet.org/ballet/romeo-juliet-the-rock-ballet/

Have a wonderful run, Ashlyn!

#twincitiesballetmn #twincitiesballet #twincitiesballetofminnesota #spcpacommunity #fitzgeraldtheater
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At SPCPA, we look at everything through a creative lens—including the Punnett Square!

Mx. Perrine's AP Biology class spent the day gathering and analyzing data to predict what the offspring of Mike Wazowski and Celia Mae, everyone's favorite Monsters Inc couple, would actually look like. Tall or short? Snake hair or bald? Green, purple, blue, or a mix? Check out their hard work.

From dominant traits to chromosomal variations, our students are proving that they are just as sharp in the lab as they are on the stage or in the studio.

High-level academics + Creative minds = Incredible results! Contact us at info@spcpa.org for more information on the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists.

#SPCPA #APBiology #FutureScientists #ArtistScholars #MikeandCelia
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To be, or not to be…at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists!

Last Friday, Ms. Sekelsky’s AP Lit class began their deep dive into Shakespeare’s Hamlet. While SPCPA's students are known for their incredible artistic talent, their academic rigor is just as impressive.

Analyzing the Bard's complex prose is not just about English credit. It is about mastering the stories that have shaped the performing arts for centuries. It's one of the many things that makes SPCPA life so rewarding for our students.

For more information about SPCPA and our amazing programs, contact us at info@spcpa.org

#SPCPA #APLit #Hamlet #ArtisticandAcademicExcellence
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To be, or not to be�

Every Thursday this semester, 30 of our 11th–12th grade Theatre students step a block and a half from campus into a professional theater for a three-hour stagecraft class at Park Square Theatre.

Yesterday’s focus: lighting—what a lighting designer does, how light shapes mood and story across different kinds of shows, and hands-on learning with professional instruments as they’re hung and focused.

Huge thanks to Park Square Theatre, and to the Minnesota State Arts Board for supporting this partnership. As a performing arts school, we don’t have the full technical infrastructure of a pro house—so having a world-class theater two blocks away in downtown St. Paul is a gift. Our students are learning the technical side of theater where it actually happens.

#spcpaarts #parksquaretheatre #mnstateartsboard
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J-Term officially wrapped last weekend, but one project needed a little more time—and for good reason.

The Hands in Clay J-Term project, led by Mudluk Pottery artists, culminated last night at Mudluk Pottery in Minneapolis with a beautiful exhibition of student work. Because ceramics takes patience (and fire), these pieces had to be glazed and fired after J-Term ended, which meant the celebration came a few days later—and it was worth the wait.

Students and families gathered at the Mudluk gallery to see the finished work on display, each piece the result of hands-on experimentation, risk-taking, and care. What started as raw clay became something lasting, expressive, and deeply personal.

So grateful to Mudluk Pottery for hosting and guiding this work, and to our students for their focus, curiosity, and craft. J-Term may be over, but the learning—and the art—keeps unfolding

#spcpajterm #mudlukpottery
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The company of These Shining Lives last night at the Jungle Theater, five minutes before the house opens, getting final words of inspiration from director Jane Froiland before performing for almost sold-out house. Tonight's J-Term performance has about four tickets remaining! See MoreSee Less

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J-Term Performance Weekend is officially underway!

Last night, J-Term kicked off with two performances of our Emerging Voices: Five-Minute Play Festival at The Playwrights' Center in St. Paul. Student playwrights saw their original work come to life – we are deeply grateful to the Playwrights' Center and to Marge Buckley and Gemma Irish for leading the project.

#spcpajterm #playwrightscenter
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J-Term Performance W

Take a 30-second sneak peek at this weekend’s nearly sold out J-Term Dance Concerts at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance!

This preview from a rehearsal at Ananya Dance Theatre features an excerpt from Davente Gilreath’s piece, alongside works by Helen Hatch, Alex Eady, and Herb Johnson & Mia Johnson.

#barbarabarkercenterfordance #spcpajterm
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