Cleveland School of the Arts High School

Cleveland School of the Arts offers rigorous academics intertwined with pre-professional training in visual and performing arts, empowering students to excel in college and careers in the creative industry. Our students learn from professional artists and educators in an environment that values creative excellence, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility.

Students take core courses, choose Chinese or French as their international language, and can earn college credit through Advanced Placement classes and College Credit Plus.

Majors include creative writing, dance, integrated art, vocal and instrumental music, theater and visual arts. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, CSA scholars enjoy opportunity and inspiration tell their stories, to shape our culture, and transform the world through art.

Students can participate in Senate League athletics as John Hay Hornets.

CSA is an audition-based school. Admission is earned through the demonstration of skill, talent, and potential within a selected arts discipline. There are four suggested steps.

1. Pre-Audition Shadow Day  Prospective students are invited to experience a day in the life of a CSA scholar artist. During shadow days, students visit classes, meet teachers, and explore their arts discipline of interest. This step is optional, but it provides valuable insight into the school’s culture and expectations.
2. Audition  Students must complete an audition to be considered. Families can review specific audition requirements for each discipline to prepare effectively.
3. Register with CMSD  After a student successfully passes their audition, families complete the Cleveland Metropolitan School District application at ChooseCMSD.org or call 216-838-3675.
4. Family Orientation  Once the audition and application steps are complete, families will be invited to attend orientation sessions. These sessions provide essential information about CSA’s academic expectations, arts programming, school culture, supports, and the overall experience of being a CSA scholar-artist.

Audition Requirements by Discipline

CMSD is an open enrollment district. Students from around Northeast Ohio are welcome to enroll where space is available.