Frequently asked questions
The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA) is a world-class high school located in downtown Saint Paul, MN. SPCPA is located in the Lowry Building and partners with the Saint Paul RiverCentre to provide excellent facilities and learning opportunities for young performing artists.
The mission of Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists is to provide the highest caliber of academic and artistic education for aspiring pre-professional performing artists in the areas of instrumental and vocal music, theatre and dance, visual arts and creative writing, and to fully prepare students for college and conservatory.
A charter school is a tuition-free public school that is part of Minnesota’s public education system. Charter schools operate under Minnesota Statute §124E.
The statute permits teachers, parents, and other community members to form and operate independent school districts.
SPCPA serves grades 9-12 through the Minnesota Department of Education.
Charter schools are site-based managed, meaning that parents, teachers, and local community members choose the people who govern the operation of the school. Charter schools elect their own school boards to oversee all aspects of the school’s mission, goals, and operations.
Note: SPCPA is not part of Saint Paul Public Schools District 625. We are our own district.
Students who reside in Minnesota do not pay tuition. Students residing in another state are welcome to attend SPCPA, but would be required to pay annual tuition. For more information, follow this link to our Out-of-State Residency and Tuition page.
SPCPA is authorized by the University of St. Thomas.
Demographics for the current school year reflect a student body that includes 33% students of color, with members of the African American, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian populations represented.
Geographically, students come from nearly 80 different cities around the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin with the largest percentage from St. Paul (29%), Minneapolis (13%), Woodbury (7%), and Cottage Grove (5%). Other cities representing at least 2% of the student population include Eagan, Roseville, and Edina.
SPCPA’s student body is approximately 70% female and 30% male.
The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. SPCPA is on a block schedule consisting on five, eighty-minute periods per day.
The school year consists of two semesters and J-Term.
There is a designated space in each building for students to each lunch. Some students will follow the early lunch schedule and eat lunch from 10:45-11:15 a.m. and some students will follow the late lunch schedule and eat lunch from 12:10-12:40 p.m. SPCPA has an open campus, meaning students are allowed to leave our buildings for lunch if they chose. We do not have a free or reduced lunch program.
SPCPA does not have a lunch program at this time. Indoor lunchroom space in both buildings is available – students have access to multiple microwaves – forks, spoons, bowls, and plates are provided. Students are allotted 30 minutes for lunch and will either bring their own packed lunch from home or purchase lunch at one of the many food spots nearby the school.
It is SPCPA’s policy to provide equal educational opportunity for all students. The school does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation or age. The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled students.
You may reach SPCPA’s offices by calling 651-290-2225 (#0 to reach the main desk) or by emailing info@spcpa.org. SPCPA’s administrative offices are located in the Lowry building.
Approximately 400 students will attend SPCPA throughout the current school year.
Average class size: 24
SPCPA is guided by national and state academic standards. Students’ average performance on nationally normed standardized tests is regularly, and significantly above the national average.
SPCPA offers advanced classes in all grade levels and offers students the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and participate in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO).
Yes. All academic instructors employed by SPCPA are licensed by the Minnesota Professional Educators Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).
For more about our academic staff, please see our Academic Faculty Bios page.
The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists provides opportunities for dance, theatre, music , visual arts and creative writing students not available in traditional high schools, utilizing the conservatory model. To accomplish this, three hours each day are devoted to conservatory style training, arts teachers are professional artists, and professional training and performance spaces are used to the extent possible.
SPCPA expects students to possess a keen interest, experience, and/or potential in one or more of the arts programs . Though auditions are not required for admission, students will go through a placement process wherein current arts faculty observe students and place them in their arts courses accordingly.
Students at SPCPA are required to select one of the following programs: Dance, Theatre, Musical Theatre, Music, Visual Arts or Creative Writing. Each program has a set curriculum that focuses on building skills specific to that performance type. Curriculum for each program can be found on the Arts Department pages.
Though auditions are not required for enrollment, a placement session is required for placement into our arts programs.
Every student is required to take 2 arts classes per day on a Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday schedule. Fridays, in the arts, are devoted to additional arts classes that meet just once per week. Students in 11th and 12th grade will have the opportunity to choose a period 4 Friday elective class outside their arts program. All arts courses are required for graduation.
J-Term is a 13-day block in January devoted solely to rehearsing and performing a substantial piece of work. Students are in school during J-Term anywhere from 4-8 hours per day, immersed in a rehearsal schedule similar to that used by professional companies, and under the guidance of SPCPA instructors and guest professional artists. J-Term is graded on a Pass/No Credit scale; successful completion of J-Term each year is required to receive a diploma from SPCPA.
It is an important part of our mission to work with students who must miss extended time for performances. Students complete a Predicted Extended Arts Absence (PEAA) Contract and work with academic instructors to determine what requirements must be met during and after an absence due to an outside arts experience. Students may earn credit in arts classes for their time spent working at approved arts organizations.
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SAINT PAUL CONSERVATORY FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS
p 651.290.2225 – f 651.290.9000
info@spcpa.org
SPCPA is authorized by the University of St. Thomas