Residential Program

Committed to making the school’s arts and academics programming accessible to all qualified young artists across the state, NMSA offers students who live too far away for a daily commute the option to board at the school dormitories Sunday evening through Friday.

Students can apply to the Residential Program once they are accepted to the school. Residential fees are based on a sliding scale, and financial assistance is available based on proven economic need and availability of funds. Students must reapply annually.

The dormitories are a mile-and-a-half from the NMSA campus. Students use public transportation to travel from the dormitory to the school and back. Students are supervised by a full-time, professional adult Residential Director and part-time Residential Assistant, who live on-site. 

To apply for residence or to get more information, including forms to apply for financial assistance, please contact Residential Director, Isabella Aldana at residential@nmschoolforthearts.org.

NMSA’s new 19,500 sq foot Residential Program building located in the Railyard District opened for operation in April, 2024. Our residential program offers housing to 60 students from across the state of New Mexico.

The NMSA’s Residential Program creates access to life-changing educational opportunities for students from across New Mexico. The new on-campus building offers housing to 60 students, doubling the number currently served, and has launched a Seven Day Option for students who commute farther than 125+ miles. Students who commute farther than 65+ miles are welcome to apply for the Five Day Option.