Admissions Overview

Professional training in the arts prior to entering NMSA is NOT required. Students are admitted based on their Passion, Promise and Aptitude in the Arts. Furthermore, NMSA does not factor a student’s academic background in the application process. Students attending NMSA should come prepared to participate in extended-day education requirements that may include

rehearsals, performances, and/or other physically demanding commitments. It is important that students are able to be present physically in class throughout the entire school day.

Home-schooled students are welcome to apply. They will need to provide appropriate documentation of their completed grade level and comply with state or national testing necessary to assist with placement.

All prospective students must be residents of the state of New Mexico and be able to prove residency through utility bills or other documentation prior to their application. NMSA actively seeks statewide representation in its student body – and to assist with this, we offer on campus dormitories through our residential program that is offered to students at least 65+ miles from NMSA campus. Inquire at residential@nmschoolforthearts to learn more!

NMSA accepts applications for incoming students from across the state through an annual admissions process in one of the school’s five core arts disciplines: Creative Writing and Literature, Dance, Music (Vocal and Instrumental), Theatre, and Visual Arts.

How to Apply
Applying to New Mexico School for the Arts is completed in just 4 steps! We break this process into two main parts – the online portion and the placement workshop portion.

Part 1 – Online

Step 1: Apply
Apply online by completing the application form available on our website, under “admissions”. You will soon receive an email giving you a date and time to attend your in-person placement workshop, which is a mandatory second half of your application.

Step 2: Confirm
Confirm your workshop date. You must respond to claim your spot in the workshop.If the date you receive does not work for you, respond to our email so we can find one that does.

Part 2 – Workshop

Step 3: Attend your in-person placement workshop
Attend your in-person placement workshop. More information about these workshops is shared with you during this process..

Step 4: Respond to NMSA email
On March 17, 2025 all applicants will receive an email notifying them of their admission status. There are three statuses: Invited, Waitlisted, and Not Invited.
We have limited space in our departments, so not all students can be invited.
Follow the instructions in your notification email.

NMSA’s annual application period for the 2025-2026 school year will begin on September 3rd, 2024, and close on February 1st, 2025.

Contact admissions@nmsa-ai.org with any questions.

Currently, New Mexico School for the Arts can have no more than 88 students at each grade level. We encourage students to apply for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, but there may not always be spaces available beyond 9th grade.

Rolling Admissions are opened to students as-needed throughout the school year. Inquire to learn more.