Now entering its third year, the Institute for the Creative Arts High School is celebrating a milestone season and opening its doors to the next class of students. This past year, ICA graduated its very first class, grew to more than 100 students, and was named Best Charter School in the Best of the River Valley awards. The Institute for the Creative Arts is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2026–2027 school year! ICA is a tuition-free public charter high school and open to all students. At the Institute for the Creative Arts, we unite a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with exceptional pre-professional arts training. Our programs span dance, film, music, photography, theatre, and visual art, offering students the opportunity to explore their passions while preparing for future success. New this year, ICA is expanding its offerings with additional programs, including film and photography, giving students even more ways to discover and develop their talents.
Students spend half of their school day immersed in specialized arts instruction and the other half in challenging academic courses. Guided by professional artist-teachers, they receive personalized training, coaching, and mentorship designed to help them excel at the next level – whether in higher education or the professional arts industry. Beyond artistic excellence, the Institute for the Creative Arts students develop essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, communication, and time management, all within a supportive, creative, and safe environment.
ICA is free and open to all students with an Arkansas residence. With a proven track record and a growing community of student artists, there has never been a better time to join. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.
Getting to the Institute for the Creative Arts is easier than ever. To make sure transportation is never a barrier, ICA now provides transportation for students who need a ride to school. Our new van runs routes to Greenwood, Van Buren, and Barling, bringing more students into our creative community.
Registration for ICA High School is ongoing at icafortsmith.org or by calling 479-434-2114.
