Parent faq
parent faq
What arts disciplines does NMSA teach?
NMSA currently offers pre-professional instruction in the fields of:
What is NMSA’s academic record?
What are the school’s entrance requirements?
Students qualify for entrance to NMSA through a blind, competitive audition and portfolio admissions process held every February for admission the following school year. Students can audition in up to two of the five major departments, Visual Arts, Theatre, Creative Writing & Literature, Dance or Music (Voice, Jazz or Instrumental). After applying, students then audition and interview with instructors from their field of interest. Admission is based solely on the results of this process, and students are evaluated on the basis of passion, promise and aptitude.
What if I haven’t had any arts training before?
Is there a cost to attend?
As a public, charter high school, NMSA’s academic programming is funded by the State, and attendance is free. The Arts, Outreach, and Residential programs are funded via private donations and foundation support. To help close the funding gap NMSA asks student families to pay a $1,000 annual arts fee (if every family payed this fee, it would only cover roughly 10% of annual program costs).
No student is denied access if the fee cannot be paid and NMSA does not verify or qualify students for a waiver. The fee is 100% volunteer.
What is the school day like?
The school day begins at 9:20 a.m. and students focus on academics until 2:00 p.m. Daily arts block begins at 2:00 p.m. and runs through 4:45 p.m., with rehearsals and evening activities occasionally taking place. All academic teachers hold office hours to provide extra support from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Who are the teachers that will be instructing my student?
NMSA’s instructors are master teachers and professional artists. The school regularly features guest speakers from a wide range of academic disciplines, while its Artist-in-Residence and Guest Critics programs augment art studio instruction.