School of the Arts
“Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.”
Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
Program Overview
The School of the Arts at Seventy-First High School offers a challenging, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends a strong academic foundation with intensive artistic training. Students grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and creatively through a program that integrates core subjects with the arts.
Disciplines Offered :
Band
Chorus
Dance
Orchestra
Theatre Arts
Visual Arts
Students select one of the above as their focus and complete a minimum of four courses in that discipline.
Program Highlights:
Academic instruction integrated with the arts to enhance communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Emphasis on reading, writing, math, and technology through arts-based learning.
Exposure to diverse world cultures, historical periods, and modern artistic trends.
Opportunities to collaborate with guest artists and engage in small-group mentoring.
Curriculum designed to support various learning styles and foster artistic literacy.
Real-world connections through partnerships with colleges, universities, and arts institutions.
A focus on critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning through artistic exploration.
Admission Requirements:
Students interested in joining the School of the Arts must meet the following:
A minimum GPA of 2.7 overall on a 4.0 scale
At least a 3.0 GPA in the arts discipline of interest
Audition or portfolio review (based on discipline)
Faculty recommendation from a teacher familiar with the student’s talent.
A student essay explaining their passion for the arts and goals in the program.
A copy of the student’s most recent report card.
Open to rising 9th–11th grade students enrolled in Cumberland County Schools.
What Makes Us Unique:
Deep, personal, and artistic challenges that encourage growth.
Access to professional guest artists and industry professionals.
Access to teachers for meaningful artist-teacher-student interaction.
A curriculum that nurtures artistic excellence and innovation.
Connections to local arts institutions, colleges, and businesses.
Ready to Join?
The School of the Arts is more than a program—it's a creative community where your passion for dance, music, theatre, or visual arts can flourish.
Discover your voice. Develop your talent. Define your future.
All About The Arts!
