Florida School of the Arts

Purpose

Florida School of the Arts is dedicated to the premise that both intense, individualized instruction and practical “hands-on” experience are essential to the full development of a student’s creative abilities. As part of public education in the state, Florida School of the Arts provides comprehensive artistic training appropriate to each student’s talent, enabling each student to acquire the knowledge, skills, and appreciation of the chosen arts discipline required for employment in the arts profession. Students receive professional art instruction and rigorous training from the beginning of enrollment. As a professional arts school, Florida School of the Arts provides a learning environment in which students are expected to adhere to standards of professionalism and academic excellence.

The School

Florida School of the Arts, established in 1974 by the Florida State Board of Education, specializes in preparing students for successful careers in visual and performing arts.

Florida School of the Arts is located on the Palatka campus and is part of the academic and administrative structure of St. Johns River State College. It is administered by a dean under the general supervision of the St. Johns River State College District Board of Trustees and the College president. The school, however, is statewide in scope, and has its own arts facilities, faculty, administrative staff, mission statement, and curricula specific to each degree program. This information can also be obtained on the school website at SJRstate.edu/floarts.

The academic year at Florida School of the Arts consists of a fall term, spring term, and summer session A. Enrollment is recommended during each of the three terms.

Admission

Admission to Florida School of the Arts is by audition or portfolio review only. Separate application paperwork and procedures are also required by St. Johns River State College because all Florida School of the Arts students must also be admitted to St. Johns River State College and are responsible for compliance with all college policies and procedures.

The application for Florida School of the Arts is available for submission from the website at SJRstate.edu/floarts. The application fee of $30 is deferred until an applicant is accepted into a Florida School of the Arts program and registers for classes. As part of completing the application, a potential student will select an audition or portfolio review date. The following additional paperwork for Florida School of the Arts will then be due before the selected date: an arts resume, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation and high school and/or college transcripts current at the time of the scheduled audition or portfolio review. We will accept paperwork by mail to Florida School of the Arts, Attention: Admissions Coordinator, 5001 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka FL 32177 or email to FloArtsAdmissions@SJRstate.edu.

Specific audition and portfolio requirements differ by discipline. They are available online at SJRstate.edu/floarts, or by mail or email by request. For the performing arts programs (Acting, Musical Theater, and Dance), applicants are required to schedule an audition on one of the designated dates. For the production design programs (Costume Design, Scenic/Lighting Design and Stage Management), applicants are required to schedule a portfolio review on one of the designated dates or call (386) 312-4300 or (386) 312-4304 to make other arrangements. For the visual arts programs (Studio Art, Graphic Design/New Media, Photography and Animation), applicants may choose to review in person on one of the designated dates or they may submit a portfolio digitally.

Admission requirements and procedures for St. Johns River State College may be found at SJRstate.edu.

Financial Aid

College students admitted into Florida School of the Arts programs are eligible for all college financial aid programs. Among these are FloArts Talent Scholarships, college student worker programs, loan programs, government grants, and special scholarships from the state and private funds. Consult the financial aid section of this catalog for detailed information.

Housing

Students are responsible for securing their own housing. The office maintains a contact list to assist those students seeking roommates for each fall term.

Required College Coursework

All students must complete a minimum 25% of all credit hours required for graduation through the Florida School of the Arts and/ or St. Johns River State College.