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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Ghosts in the Dark was a J-Term project this year that served a number of Creative Writing students. Students wrote ghost and horror stories under the tutelage of Alice Paige, culminating in a reading at Open Book/Loft Literary center.

Read the works here! drive.google.com/open?id=1O2GAUZolEaZVBOqZfunW0B-bIk2nHHfC&usp=drive_fs
See MoreSee Less

Ghosts in the Dark was a J-Term project this year that served a number of Creative Writing students.  Students wrote ghost and horror stories under the tutelage of Alice Paige, culminating in a reading at Open Book/Loft Literary center.  

Read the works here!  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1O2GAUZolEaZVBOqZfunW0B-bIk2nHHfC&usp=drive_fsImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

11th grade SPCPA Visual Art Student, CYRUS CARLSON, has an exhibit at Robbin Gallery, running for most of February – check it out! More info: robbingallery.org/

#spcpacommunity #visualart
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11th grade SPCPA Visual Art Student, CYRUS CARLSON, has an exhibit at Robbin Gallery, running for most of February - check it out!  More info:  https://robbingallery.org/

#spcpacommunity #visualartImage attachmentImage attachment

J-term 2025 – Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano, an Interdisciplinary project in collaboration with Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts and their artists. Photos by Dan Norman. See MoreSee Less

J-term 2025 - Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano, an Interdisciplinary project in collaboration with Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts and their artists. Photos by Dan Norman.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Everyone did a wonderful job. It was a beautiful impactful show. 

Such a powerful play! Thank you

Photos by Dan Norman?

SPCPA's J-Term production of the Musical, CHICAGO, opens in just a few hours at Luminary Arts Center, for a 3-show run this weekend.

Get your tickets to ALL J-Term projects here:
sites.google.com/spcpa.org/spcpa-j-term-2025/ticket-information?authuser=0

#spcpajterm #luminaryartscenter #music #muscialtheatre
See MoreSee Less

SPCPAs J-Term production of the Musical, CHICAGO, opens in just a few hours at Luminary Arts Center, for a 3-show run this weekend. 

Get your tickets to ALL J-Term projects here:
https://sites.google.com/spcpa.org/spcpa-j-term-2025/ticket-information?authuser=0

#spcpajterm #luminaryartscenter #music #muscialtheatre

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

First show was AMAZING. What a talented bunch of students.

Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈

Looking for tickets!

Happy JTerm Weekend, SPCPA! In honor of our 20th Anniversary, grab your besties, your families, your second families, and play JTerm Bingo with us!

There will be cards available at each venue, and the staff there can stamp your squares when appropriate. Some squares ask you to take photos/post to Instagram, so you can use those photos/posts as proof when claiming your stamps.

If you get a Bingo, please bring your cards into school on Tuesday and drop them off in the box in the lobby. (If you're not a current student, you can email Ms. Johnson a photo of your winning card.) We'll take cards through Thursday afternoon.

On Friday next week, we will draw for three prizes:
a. Cover-All = $20 gift certificate to our School Store or toward a Yearbook
b. Bingo without using the Free Space = $15 gift certificate to our School Store or toward a Yearbook
c. Bingo using the Free Space = $10 gift certificate to our School Store or toward a Yearbook
See MoreSee Less

Happy JTerm Weekend, SPCPA! In honor of our 20th Anniversary, grab your besties, your families, your second families, and play JTerm Bingo with us!

There will be cards available at each venue, and the staff there can stamp your squares when appropriate. Some squares ask you to take photos/post to Instagram, so you can use those photos/posts as proof when claiming your stamps.

If you get a Bingo, please bring your cards into school on Tuesday and drop them off in the box in the lobby. (If youre not a current student, you can email Ms. Johnson a photo of your winning card.) Well take cards through Thursday afternoon.

On Friday next week, we will draw for three prizes:
a. Cover-All = $20 gift certificate to our School Store or toward a Yearbook
b. Bingo without using the Free Space = $15 gift certificate to our School Store or toward a Yearbook
c. Bingo using the Free Space = $10 gift certificate to our School Store or toward a Yearbook

J-Term performances, readings, and exhibitions begin tomorrow! Check out the striking image from the project, TO WHAT END, an original theatrical work inspired by the avant-garde surrealist films of Luis Buñuel, playing at Red Eye Theater.

get your tickets for all J-term projects here: sites.google.com/spcpa.org/spcpa-j-term-2025/ticket-information?authuser=0

#SPCPA #spcpajterm #theatre
See MoreSee Less

J-Term performances, readings, and exhibitions begin tomorrow!  Check out the striking image from the project, TO WHAT END, an original theatrical work inspired by the avant-garde surrealist films of Luis Buñuel, playing at Red Eye Theater.  

get your tickets for all J-term projects here:  https://sites.google.com/spcpa.org/spcpa-j-term-2025/ticket-information?authuser=0

#spcpa #spcpajterm #theatre

J-Term performances and exhibitions are almost upon us! Be sure to check out the project, FORM THE BAND, WRITE THE SONGS, DO THE GIG, guided by local professional, Jenny Case!

You can get tickets to ALL J-Term projects here: sites.google.com/spcpa.org/spcpa-j-term-2025/ticket-information?authuser=0&fbclid=IwY2xjawH70K1le…

#metronome #music #instrumetnalmusic #vocalmusic #spcpajterm #spcpa
See MoreSee Less

J-Term performances and exhibitions are almost upon us!  Be sure to check out the project, FORM THE BAND, WRITE THE SONGS, DO THE GIG, guided by local professional, Jenny Case!  

You can get tickets to ALL J-Term projects here: https://sites.google.com/spcpa.org/spcpa-j-term-2025/ticket-information?authuser=0&fbclid=IwY2xjawH70K1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdlE6JPwN_w7m6myheuSWYA04E2PkvHkcR3O7Sn4d4qXWeiSjvxEkaRhUA_aem_aoLOMqSttj1-iyUue7e2AQ

#metronome #music #instrumetnalmusic #vocalmusic #spcpajterm #spcpa

School is cancelled tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21, due to extreme cold. J-Term will resume on Wednesday. See MoreSee Less

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