How do I submit an application to ASA?

• Online application (electronic form ONLY) will be available beginning October 2, 2023.
• If you need any assistance with the online application process, please contact us by email admissions@goasa.org or by phone 602-257-1444 x1122.
• Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 pm on January 18th, before the January 22nd Board of Directors meeting, at which time the lottery is conducted. 
• All applications and required paperwork must be 100% complete to be included in the lottery,

Which applicants do not need a new lottery number?

• Children of faculty, staff, and board members
• Siblings of current ASA students OR siblings of ASA graduated alumni
• Applicants on the waitlist for the current year will automatically retain their position on the waitlist and will be placed before new lottery applicants for the upcoming school year.

Which applicants need a lottery number?

• Students who have never applied to ASA.
• Students who applied to ASA and declined or did not respond to an offer of enrollment.
• Students who applied after the January lottery did not receive a lottery number.  Even though they are on the current waitlist, they are not considered rollover students and must re-apply. 
• Students who withdrew from ASA previously and now wish to reapply.

I have several students applying to ASA this year. Do they all receive a separate lottery number? At what point, if any, do they receive sibling status?

• One lottery number is issued for each applicant in a family.
• Once one sibling of the family is enrolled, the remaining siblings receive sibling enrollment preference and will be placed above rollover and new lottery applicants.

 My rollover student has a sibling, do they get a lottery number?

• Yes. All new applicants will get a lottery number. This means that a sibling of a current rollover student will get a lottery number. As soon as one of the siblings is accepted, the other sibling will receive sibling status and will be placed above rollover and new lottery applicants. However, we issue the new sibling his/her own lottery number so that this student has an equal opportunity for admission. 

 How and when do I find out my lottery number?

• Lottery numbers for eligible applicants will be drawn at the Board of Directors meeting in January. Although this meeting is open to the public, no lottery information is shared at this meeting.
• Waitlist positions are automatically generated from the lottery and will be available in your application portal account beginning Monday, January 29th.  You will receive an email with either an offer or to let you know your student is on the waitlist. New offers will be sent weekly thereafter as spaces become available.

Since there are both lottery and non-lottery applicants, in what order are students enrolled?

1. Siblings of current ASA students, siblings of ASA graduates, and children of ASA Board members and ASA faculty and staff receive enrollment preference.
2. Rollover waitlist applicants who meet the established criteria will be processed before new lottery applications. 
3. New applicants that were in the lottery.
4. New applicants who submitted an application after the lottery.

When will I know if there is an opening for my student at ASA? How will I be notified?

• Beginning on January 29th, offers will be sent to all grade level applicants if space is available.  Thereafter, offers will be sent. weekly as spaces become available. If there is no space available, your student will be placed on the waitlist.  We continue to send offers weekly through the summer until all spaces are filled.
• Once an offer of enrollment is received, parents must accept or decline by the deadline indicated in the offer and submit additional records before enrollment and placement is finalized.
• It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor the application portal to see changes in waitlist status. Please be aware that there is minimal change during July. Most changes occur in May and August.

 How are openings filled?

• Openings in each grade level are offered to applicants who meet the program criteria/ program availability.
• Click here for more details about the Application Process.

Is it possible for someone with a higher lottery number to receive an offer for enrollment ahead of me? What impacts the placement of new students?

• Yes, it is possible for someone with a higher lottery number to receive an offer for enrollment ahead of you if a space in a program for which your student is not eligible opens up. Students will be placed in the appropriate programs and grade levels for which they have demonstrated eligibility as determined by previous standardized testing, previous school evaluations, and ASA placement tests/arts evaluation.
• “Program” for academic placement means in which class the child will be placed so as to best meet his/her needs to access the school curriculum. Students must successfully complete the prior grade level with a C- or better in all academic classes in order to be placed in the next grade level.  If a student has not passed the prior grade level, they may be offered a space in the grade level not yet passed.
• “Program” for arts enrollment refers to music, dance, and theatre arts.
• If the student’s first choice for arts is full, the student will be placed in an alternate class.
• The ASA administration has the sole authority to place the student in the appropriate program and grade level for both arts and academic classes according to openings available.
• ASA enrolls students in accordance with ARS 15-184.

Are placement tests required and how are they used?

• No – placement tests are not required to complete the application process.
• If needed to make educational decisions, a student may be required to take a placement test provided by the school.
• Placement test results may also be used to provide recommendations to parents to remediate skills if needed before beginning at ASA.
• Students will be placed in the appropriate classes and grade levels for which they have demonstrated eligibility as determined by previous standardized testing, previous school evaluations, and ASA placement tests/ auditions.
• The ASA administration has the sole authority to place the student at the appropriate program and grade level for both arts and academics according to openings available.

 How many openings are available in a typical school year?

• For 5th grade ASA enrolls 112 new students.
• Openings for 6th-12th grades vary and are determined by the number of current ASA students who choose to re-enroll.

What are the minimum academic requirements?

• Students must have successfully completed their prior academic coursework to enroll in the next grade level at ASA.
• Middle School Students:
  • Earn C- or higher in all classes (semester/year-end grades)
  • No developing or approaching core skill sets (reading, writing, social studies, science, math)
  • No Ds (or equivalent)
  • No Fs (or equivalent)
• High School Students:
  • Need to have completed 1 full year of English, math, science, social studies, and either Spanish or French for each year of high school completed.
  • Earn C- or higher in all classes (semester/ year-end grades).
    • D’s and F’s are not accepted as passing grades at ASA.
    • Students may replace a maximum of 2 D’s or F’s by earning a C- or higher in an approved summer class. ASA allows students to make up 2 credits during summer school. Students who do not complete the required academic coursework with a letter grade of C- or higher may be offered a placement in their current grade level if a space is available.

Do I need to submit a portfolio or resume for my child?

• No, ASA does not consider portfolios or resumes for enrollment.

Does ASA charge tuition?

• ASA is a nonprofit, public charter school that is tuition-free and donation-dependent. We rely on financial support from our families and community members to maintain our extensive arts programming, retain the highest quality academic teachers, and professional teaching artists our children deserve. Arizona School for the Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions. 

 How is ASA funded?

• ASA receives public school funding from the State, however, it is not sufficient to cover the costs of both the academic and art programs and faculty. 
• The school raises funds to bridge the $1 million gap between state funding and the cost of an ASA education.  Primarily, ASA relies on the generosity of individual donors, the business community, and foundations to fully fund the robust integration of arts and academics.  Families are asked to contribute $2,000 (per student) annually to our Annual Fund. We are grateful for all donations and encourage families who are able to give more to do so, which allows all students to receive the benefits of being educated at this unique, innovative school.
• ASA also receives funds through The Arizona Public School Tax Credit. This is a state program that allows Arizona taxpayers to contribute to our extracurricular programs and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. Married couples can donate up to $400 and single filers can donate up to $200. Consult your tax professional for more information. NOTE: Tax Credit dollars at ASA support extracurricular clubs and activities, field trips, academic competitions, etc. Tax credit funds do NOT support the arts.
• Volunteering and in-kind donations also help us keep operating costs in line.

How should I assess whether my student is ready for the rigor and quick pace of ASA?

• Students with demonstrated grade-level skill proficiency and an openness to being challenged transition well into ASA.
• Students who engage in learning through dialogue, discussion, self-advocacy, and discipline also adapt easily to the learning environment at ASA.
• Students who
  • think deeply
  • ask questions
  • enjoy school and crave learning,
  • strive for excellence and are willing to persevere through difficult problems

Does ASA offer AP courses?

• Yes, students enrolled in AP classes receive an additional 1.0 to their class grade. For example, a student earning an A in an AP course would earn a 5.0 instead of a 4.0 in the particular class. ASA currently offers:
  • AP World History
  • AP Precalculus
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Calculus AB (juniors and seniors)
  • AP Post Calculus II (BC)
  • AP English Language
  • AP World History – Modern
  • AP United States History
  • AP United States Government & Politics

Does ASA offer dual-enrollment courses?

• Yes, high school students can earn both high school and college credit during regular school hours when passing (C- or higher) a dual enrollment course. ASA courses available for dual enrollment are shared with students enrolled in applicable courses. Students who take these courses must request their college transcript from the respective school as the ASA transcript does not specify dual enrollment courses. All questions, fees, and paperwork regarding dual enrollment are handled by Phoenix College.

 What are ASA’s school hours?

• School hours are 7:45 am-3:20 pm except for those taking a 9th-period class. These students are dismissed at 4:20 pm.
• Students are not allowed on campus before 7:20 am.
• Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of their dismissal time.
• Early dismissal days for all students is 11:25 am.

Why would my student take a 9th-period class?

• Some arts classes are only offered during 9th period.
• ASA has many classes that run from 3:25-4:20 pm daily, except on early release days. There is a monthly fee for some of these classes.
• Some students choose to take a 3rd arts class by request.

 Does ASA have before and after school care?

• ASA does not offer any before school care.
• Yes, we have after school programs every day except on early release days. Monthly fee applies.
• After school programming includes
  • Homework hour

What expenses can parents expect to pay?

• The School often recommends school supplies for students in both academic and arts classes, which may include students’ dance/choral/theatre attire, musical instruments, and supporting equipment. Performance attire must meet the criteria set by the specific department in order to perform. Students may be assessed a periodic costume fee for various performances. Some supplemental costs may be assessed for special items (t-shirts, gear, etc.) or opportunities (i.e. travel) not in the budget. Families who need financial assistance to cover these materials should email payments@goasa.org.

• We ask parents to submit the Annual Activity fee with enrollment paperwork. The Annual Activity fee for each student is $200 ($400 max per family) and is not tax credit eligible. The Annual Activity fee covers the following:
  • Performances (some exclusions apply)
  • Supplemental in-school presentations/concerts/assemblies
  • Extracurricular social and school-wide events and activities
  • School ID (2)
  • Daily Planner
• Families may request a fee waiver for the Annual Activity Fee by emailing payments@goasa.org.
• The Board recognizes the need for student fees to fund certain school activities that are not fully funded by public funds. It also recognizes that some students may not be able to pay these fees. No student will be denied an education as a result of non-payment of these supplemental charges. To obtain a fee waiver based on need, families should email payments@goasa.org.

Does ASA provide transportation?

• No, parents are responsible for getting their students to and from school.
• ASA can provide a carpool list to set up a carpool.
• Many students at ASA use the light rail and city bus system to get to school. The light rail stop is located 2 blocks from campus.

What lunch options are available at ASA?

• Students can purchase food on campus through approved food vendors.
• ASA does not have a cafeteria.
• ASA is a closed campus for 5th-11th graders.
• ASA seniors are allowed to walk off campus for lunch.

Does ASA provide lockers?

• We do have a limited number of lockers available.  Currently, students in 7th, 8th, and 12th grades who take dance, and certain band instruments receive a locker. This is subject to change based upon student needs.
• Students eligible for a locker will be notified.

What athletic opportunities does ASA offer?

• ASA offers Cross Country for all students in Grades 5-12.
• Aside from providing sports equipment during lunch, ASA students may be eligible to play for a Canyon Athletic Association member district with a letter from ASA. For students interested in club sports, there are currently 269 Amateur Athletic Union clubs within 25 miles of ASA. For students interested in city leagues, “Phoenix Plays” youth sports programs include basketball, soccer, baseball, football, hockey, and volleyball. Other cities offer similar programs.

How do I find out more information about ASA? (dress code/ grading policy/ daily rules/ graduation requirements/etc.)

• Please visit ASA’s School Policies webpage.

 

How are students placed in arts classes?

• Students request their arts classes when they complete their application and registration information. We cannot guarantee a student will receive their first choice.
• Students are placed in arts classes according to skill level, rather than grade level.
• New students interested in a higher placement than beginning take a placement evaluation (see arts evaluation and information pdf page).
• PLEASE NOTE: All students interested in dance must submit a placement evaluation no matter the level.
• All placements are made by the content area teacher.

Does my student need a placement evaluation?

• All dance students must submit a placement evaluation to determine readiness for the arts discipline.
• Students (5th – 12th) who want to be placed above the beginning level in instruments (band, strings, guitar, and piano) must be evaluated.
• Students (10th-12th) who want to enroll in the theatre program must provide submit a placement evaluation.
• Students (10th-12th) with no arts experience or previous coursework can be placed in programs in music.
• All applicants can submit a video placement evaluation, please review the Arts Placement and Evaluation page. An in-person evaluation can be arranged on a case-by-case basis with the department director at the bottom of the Evaluation form.

Can students be a beginner in the arts?

• All students can be beginners in music or 5th – 9th grade Theatre. No auditions are required for these beginning students.
• Students entering 5th-8th grade can be beginners in dance, however, they must be evaluated for program readiness in ballet.
• ASA does not offer a beginning dance program for students in 9th-12th grades.
• Students are placed in arts classes by skill level, not by grade.

What instruments are offered at ASA?

• Band: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion
• Strings: violin, viola, cello & string bass
• Guitar: classical (nylon string) guitar

Does ASA provide instruments?

• Instruments are rented by individual students through suggested vendors.
• ASA only provides the following music instruments for use at school: string bass, certain oversized percussion instruments, baritone saxophone, and tuba.
• Students bring their instruments to school daily and take them home for nightly practice.
• Rooms in which instruments are stored are locked or supervised during academic periods.

What type of dance program does ASA offer?

• Students enrolled in the ASA dance program have Ballet three days a week, Horton modern technique one day, and Flamenco.
• Students in high school can be evaluated for placement in the Classical Core or Contemporary Core program. Details for these programs can be found on the ASA website.
• ASA offers classical ballet study employing the Vaganova method. ASA does not offer recreational ballet.

Can students change their arts classes during the semester?

• All classes are year-long at ASA.
• Arts change requests can be submitted in April for the following year.

Why would my student take a 9th period class?

• • Some arts classes are only offered 9th period: Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Singers, and 9th-11th theatre classes. These classes release at 4:20  pm.
  • Students interested in taking 3 periods of arts classes will have a 9th period.
  • 9th period classes release at 4:20 pm.
  • Students with 3 arts classes have a fee of $100/month or $800/year.

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Preguntas frecuentes sobre las clases de arte

¿Cómo se ubica a los/las estudiantes en las clases de artes?

• Los/las estudiantes solicitan sus clases de artes cuando completan su solicitud y la información de registro. No podemos garantizar que un estudiante reciba su primera opción.
• Los/las estudiantes se colocan en clases de artes de acuerdo con su nivel de habilidad, en lugar de su nivel de grado.
• Los/las estudiantes nuevos interesados en una colocación superior a la inicial toman una evaluación de colocación (consulte la página de información y evaluación de artes en formato pdf).
• TENGA EN CUENTA: Todos los/las estudiantes interesados en baile deben presentar una evaluación de ubicación sin importar el nivel.
• Todas las ubicaciones las realiza el/la maestro/a del área de contenido.

¿Mi estudiante necesita una evaluación de ubicación?

• Todos los/las estudiantes de baile deben presentar una evaluación de ubicación para determinar la preparación para la disciplina artística.
• Los/las estudiantes (5º – 12º) que quieran estar por encima del nivel inicial en instrumentos (banda, cuerdas, guitarra y piano) deben ser evaluados.
• Los/las estudiantes (10º-12º) que quieran inscribirse en el programa de teatro deben presentar una evaluación de ubicación.
• Los/las estudiantes (10º-12º) sin experiencia en artes o cursos previos pueden ser colocados en programas de música.
• Todos los/las solicitantes pueden enviar una evaluación de ubicación en video; revise la página Evaluación y ubicación de artes.
• Se puede organizar una evaluación en persona caso por caso con el director del departamento en la parte inferior del formulario de evaluación.

¿Pueden los/las estudiantes ser principiantes en las artes?

• Todos los/las estudiantes pueden ser principiantes en música o 5º – 9º grado teatro. No se requieren audiciones para estos estudiantes principiantes.
• Los/las estudiantes que ingresan al 5º – 8º grado pueden ser principiantes en baile, sin embargo, deben ser evaluados para determinar su preparación para el programa de ballet.
• ASA no ofrece un programa de baile para principiantes para estudiantes de 9º a 12º grado.
• Los/las estudiantes se colocan en clases de artes por nivel de habilidad, no por grado.

¿Qué instrumentos se ofrecen en ASA?

• Banda: flauta, oboe, clarinete, fagot, saxofón alto, saxofón tenor, saxofón barítono, trompeta, corno francés, trombón, bombardino, tuba, percusión
• Cuerdas: violín, viola, violonchelo y contrabajo
• Guitarra: clásica (cuerda de nailon)

¿ASA proporciona instrumentos?

• Los instrumentos son alquilados por estudiantes individuales a través de proveedores sugeridos.
• ASA solo proporciona los siguientes instrumentos musicales para usar en la escuela: contrabajo, ciertos instrumentos de percusión de gran tamaño, saxofón barítono y tuba.
• Los/las estudiantes traen sus instrumentos a la escuela todos los días y se los llevan a casa para practicar por la noche.
• Los salones en los que se guardan los instrumentos están cerrados o supervisados durante los períodos académicos.

¿Qué tipo de programa de baile ofrece ASA?

• Los/las estudiantes inscritos en el programa de baile en ASA tienen Ballet tres días a la semana, técnica moderna Horton un día y Flamenco.
• Los/las estudiantes de la escuela secundaria pueden ser evaluados para su ubicación en el programa Classical Core o Contemporary Core. Los detalles de estos programas se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de ASA.
• ASA ofrece estudios de ballet clásico empleando el método Vaganova. ASA no ofrece ballet recreativo.

¿Pueden los estudiantes cambiar sus clases de artes durante el semestre?

• Todas las clases son de un año en ASA.
• Las solicitudes de cambio de arte se pueden entregar en abril para el año siguiente

¿Por qué mi estudiante tomaría una clase de noveno período?

• Algunas clases de artes solo se ofrecen en el 9º período: conjunto de percusión, cantantes de cámara y clases de teatro del 9º al 11º. Estas clases termina a las 4:20 pm
• Los estudiantes interesados en tomar 3 períodos de clases de artes tendrán un 9º período
• 9º período de clases termina a las 4:20 pm
• Los estudiantes con tres clases de artes tienen una tarifa de $100 al mes o $800 al año.