• Visual and Performing Arts Academy

    The application for the 2025–2026 school year will open during our open house on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

    Our open house runs from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Come discover why Collegiate Academy is the best choice for your student!

    As you begin preparing for the application process, we recommend that you review the application process and our acceptance criteria, as well as the graduation requirements.

    Thank you for your interest in the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School at Collegiate Academy.

    The Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPA) is an urban magnet school providing many opportunities for students who have an aptitude for the visual and performing arts. Students who demonstrate experience in the visual and performing arts and/or students who are able to demonstrate initiative to pursue this track throughout their high school education are encouraged to apply.

    Admission requirements

    • Student participation and involvement within the realm of performing and visual arts both in and out of school.
    • Grades from seventh grade and eighth grade Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies courses
    • Standardized Test Scores in Math and Reading
    • Student Activities, Service, and Awards within the visual and performing arts
    • Teacher Recommendation

    The VPA Academy and Collegiate Academy serve students in grades nine through twelve, and each year many applicants vie for approximately 225 openings. The majority of the 55-member teaching staff hold master's degrees, and all are committed to student-centered learning. The fine arts department consists of four full-time music teachers, three full-time visual art teacers, a full-time dance teacher, and a full-time theatre teacher.

    Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy (housing the VPA Academy) is one of Pennsylvania's top-ranked high schools in terms of state assessment scores, SAT results, Advanced Placement offerings and 100% four-year college acceptance. Collegiate Academy graduates have consistently scored above the SAT national average in critical reading, math, and writing. The class of 2016 received more than $17 million in college scholarship offers.

    Use the links to the left to learn more about the application process.