The Pilot Program for ICA's K–12 day school is launching Fall 2026
At Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, our students will engage in a practicum of pre-professional arts training balanced with rigorous academics.
Applications will open Early Spring 2026 for a limited number of spots. Selected applicants will audition for ICA with placement for those accepted in Late Spring 2026.
ARTS AREAS
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Performing
Arts- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
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Visual
Arts- Drawing
- Painting
- Ceramics & Sculpture
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Media
Arts- Animation
- Photo & Video
- Graphic Design
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Arts
Business- Finance
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
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Academic
Areas- Math
- Science
- Reading
- Social Studies
- Language Arts
Artistic Mentorship
Adjunct instructors from the collegiate and professional artistic industries provide our students with a direct link to the current state of the arts world.
Arts Business
All students take business courses to prepare them to be artistic entrepreneurs.
Dual Credit/AP Courses
In partnership with College of DuPage, ICA high school students are able to receive college credit for coursework in the arts and business.
Capstone Projects
Students conduct capstone projects in their major art area of concentration. A culminating project where students will be encouraged to think critically and creatively. Artists develop skills in research, communication, media literacy, self-sufficiency, and professionalism.
Masterclasses
Guest teaching artists are essential to our curriculum. All arts areas feature a rotation of professional teaching artists throughout the year to provide a wide scope of skills and perspectives.
Hands-on Learning
Students have access to professional experiences to prepare them for the real artistic world.
Modern Technology
As a pre-professional arts program, students have access to modern technology that prepares them for arts experiences in the real world.
Specialized Coursework
As students grow in the program, they take specialized courses to prepare them in their areas of interest beyond general arts classes. For example, a music student will take courses in conducting, arranging, and private lessons on their instruments as part of their school day.
Student Internships
With professional partnerships at the core of our philosophy, students are given the opportunity to partner with professional artists and arts organizations to further their education through internships.
ICA...
K–12 DAY SCHOOL LAUNCHING FALL 2026
Nondiscriminatory Policy
Illinois Conservatory for the Arts employs staff and admits students of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesn't discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.