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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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

Head over to Children's Theatre Company to see current SPCPA students, MARS NIEMI (12th), AMIR BYRD (11th), and CHARLIE GOLD (10th) in DRAWING LESSONS! "Experience the energy of a graphic novelist's imagination at work!" Have a great run, Mars, Amir, and Charlie!

More info an tickets: childrenstheatre.org/drawing

#spcpacommunity #theatre #saintpaulconservatory #spcpa
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Head over to Childrens Theatre Company to see current SPCPA students, MARS NIEMI (12th), AMIR BYRD (11th), and CHARLIE GOLD (10th) in DRAWING LESSONS!  Experience the energy of a graphic novelists imagination at work! Have a great run, Mars, Amir, and Charlie!

More info an tickets:  childrenstheatre.org/drawing

#spcpacommunity #theatre #saintpaulconservatory #spcpa

J-Term Reveal #9: Comic-Con

SPCPA's Brandon John will spearhead the school's first J-Term Comic-Con! From concept to final illustration – students will turn passion for storytelling and art into a true comic-con experience at Odd Mart in Minneapolis (pictured here)!

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity #visualart
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J-Term Reveal #9: Comic-Con

SPCPAs Brandon John will spearhead the schools first J-Term Comic-Con! From concept to final illustration - students will turn passion for storytelling and art into a true comic-con experience at Odd Mart in Minneapolis (pictured here)! 

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity #visualart

We love it when Alum return to SPCPA! Essence Renae (SPCPA and Carnegie Mellon grad) taught a Master Class yesterday followed by a conversation with 11th and 12th grade theatre and musical theatre students. All SPCPA Theatre and MT students grades 9-12 have a field trip tomorrow to see Essence in A WALLESS CHURCH at Pillsbury House Theatre – Thank you, Essence!

#spcpacommunity #spcpaalum #spcpaarts
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We love it when Alum return to SPCPA!  Essence Renae (SPCPA and Carnegie Mellon grad) taught a Master Class yesterday followed by a conversation with 11th and 12th grade theatre and musical theatre students. All SPCPA Theatre and MT students grades 9-12 have a field trip tomorrow to see Essence in A WALLESS CHURCH at Pillsbury House Theatre - Thank you, Essence!

#spcpacommunity #spcpaalum #spcpaartsImage attachment

J-Term Reveal #8: THE WHO'S TOMMY

"I'm free, I'm free, and freedom tastes of reality!" Serving instrumentalists, vocalists, and musical theatre students, Tommy will rehearse at SPCPA weeks 1 & 2 and move to Park Square Theatre across the street(!) for most of week three, including performances. The Hive Collaborative's (@thehivecollaborativemn) Eric Morris will direct, and founding SPCPA Music and Musical Theatre chair, Raymond Berg returns to Music Direct!

Music and lyrics by Pete Townshend and a book by Townshend and Des McAnuff

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity #thehivecollaborativemn
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J-Term Reveal #8:  THE WHOS TOMMY

Im free, Im free, and freedom tastes of reality!  Serving  instrumentalists, vocalists, and musical theatre students, Tommy will rehearse at SPCPA weeks 1 & 2 and move to Park Square Theatre across the street(!) for most of week three, including performances. The Hive Collaboratives (@thehivecollaborativemn) Eric Morris will direct, and founding SPCPA Music and Musical Theatre chair, Raymond Berg returns to Music Direct! 

Music and lyrics by Pete Townshend and a book by Townshend and Des McAnuff

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity #thehivecollaborativemn

And that's a wrap!

The inaugural SPCPA Homecoming week culminated in our Night in an Enchanted Forest Dance. Thank you–THANK YOU–so much to all the students and faculty who decorated the space and created such a fun night for their community.

Just a few photos here that Ms. Johnson snapped, but please DM any photos you took to @spcpayearbook on Instagram, and we'll get you into the yearbook. 🙂

#spcpahomecoming

#spcpa20years
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And thats a wrap! 

The inaugural SPCPA Homecoming week culminated in our Night in an Enchanted Forest Dance. Thank you--THANK YOU--so much to all the students and faculty who decorated the space and created such a fun night for their community. 

Just a few photos here that Ms. Johnson snapped, but please DM any photos you took to @spcpayearbook on Instagram, and well get you into the yearbook. :)

#spcpahomecoming

#spcpa20yearsImage attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment

J-Term Reveal #9: jess pretty

We are thrilled to announce that jess pretty will be choreographing one of the J-Term dance pieces this year! She is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and received her MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. More info about jess pretty: www.jesspretty.com/

photo credit Rachel Keane

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity
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J-Term Reveal #9:  jess pretty

We are thrilled to announce that jess pretty will be choreographing one of the J-Term dance pieces this year!   She is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and received her MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.  More info about jess pretty:  https://www.jesspretty.com/

photo credit Rachel Keane

#spcpajterm #spcpacommunity
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