Parents’ Guide: What to Expect When Your Child Attends An Arts School
Students on stage during 2025’s SHOWCASE event
Choosing an arts school for your child can feel both exciting and a little daunting. Families often ask the same thoughtful questions: Will my child still get strong academics? Is this a realistic path? What does day-to-day life actually look like?
At The Chicago Academy for the Arts, we partner closely with families to ensure students thrive both artistically and academically. This guide walks through what parents can realistically expect when their child attends an arts-focused high school, and why so many families find it to be a transformative experience.
First Things First: Academics Still Matter
One of the most common misconceptions about arts schools is that academics take a back seat. In reality, they are foundational.
Arts schools like The Academy are college-preparatory institutions. Students complete rigorous coursework in English, math, science, history, and world languages. They learn to think critically, write persuasively, and engage deeply with complex ideas.
The difference? Students don’t have to choose between intellectual growth and creative passion. They do both — every day.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Parents are often surprised (and reassured) by how structured an arts school schedule is. Most days include:
Morning academic classes in a discussion-based, college-style format
Afternoon arts immersion, with multiple hours dedicated to a student’s chosen discipline
Time for collaboration, reflection, rehearsal, and revision
This co-curricular model mirrors how professional artists and creative thinkers actually work by balancing research, practice, and performance.
Will My Child Be Overwhelmed?
Arts schools are demanding, but intentionally so. Students learn time management, discipline, and resilience early on. Faculty and advisors actively support students in balancing workloads, setting priorities, and building healthy habits.
Just as importantly, students are surrounded by peers who want to be there. Being in a community of motivated, like-minded young artists often reduces stress rather than increases it because students feel understood, challenged, and supported.
Is an Arts School Only for Future Performers?
Not at all.
While many graduates pursue conservatories or arts-focused college programs, others go on to study fields like education, psychology, law, medicine, business, or technology. What they share is a strong foundation in creativity, communication, and critical thinking.
Arts training builds transferable skills:
Confidence in presenting ideas
Comfort with feedback and revision
Collaboration and leadership
Creative problem-solving
These skills matter in every profession.
What About College Admissions?
Families are often relieved to learn that arts school graduates are highly competitive college applicants. Students leave with:
Strong academic transcripts
Compelling portfolios, auditions, or creative supplements
A clear sense of identity and purpose
Colleges value students who are self-directed, intellectually curious, and passionate. These are qualities arts school students develop naturally through their education.
How Parents Fit Into the Experience
Arts schools value partnership with families. Parents can expect:
Clear communication from faculty and advisors
Opportunities to attend performances, exhibitions, and showcases
Support during key moments like auditions, portfolio prep, and college planning
Families become part of a vibrant, creative community — celebrating not just outcomes, but growth along the way.
What Changes Most for Students?
Ask parents of arts school students what surprised them most, and many will say the same thing: confidence. Students learn to advocate for themselves, articulate their ideas, and take creative risks. They become comfortable being seen and being heard.
They don’t just graduate as stronger artists. They graduate as thoughtful, engaged young adults ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Final Thoughts for Families Considering an Arts School
Choosing an arts school is a vote of confidence in your child’s passion and in their potential. At The Chicago Academy for the Arts, students are challenged academically, supported personally, and inspired creatively. For families seeking an education that honors the whole student — mind, voice, and vision — an arts school can be an extraordinary fit.
Ready to join The Chicago Academy for the Arts community? Apply today: https://www.chicagoacademyforthearts.org/admissions
