Academic Studies
High School Program
Academic Studies
The primary mission of the high school program at UNCSA is to train young artists for professional careers in the arts. However, from its beginning, the school has had a strong commitment to providing a sound, supporting curriculum of academic studies to ensure the broader education of the artist.
The High School Academic Program provides young artists in grades 9-12 with a broad, challenging, and engaging curriculum, including access to a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The program offers rigorous instruction in the core disciplines of:
- English
- Mathematics
- Foreign Language
- Science
- Social Studies
- Wellness
Faculty and administration value a spirit of free inquiry and mutual respect in the classroom and promote a community that provides equal access and support for all students. The High School Academic program is devoted to developing thoughtful, ethical, compassionate, creative, responsible life-long learners.
Diploma Requirements
Students who successfully complete the high school program are awarded the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Diploma. Academic requirements are similar to the diploma requirements at traditional public and private high schools.
High school students are enrolled full-time in an arts program at UNCSA, with academic courses balancing the focus on their artistic studies. All 12th graders must be enrolled in at least two academic courses, all 11th-graders in at least three, and all 9th and 10th graders in at least four academic courses throughout the school year.
Total Credits Required For Graduation
To be accumulated in grades 9-12.
| English | 4 units |
| Mathematics (including Alegbra I) | 3 units |
| Science (one Physical Science, one Biology, one additional Science) | 3 units |
| Social Studies (one U.S. History, one Civics/Economics, one World History) | 3 units |
| Wellness/Health & Physical Education | 1 unit |
| Electives (including Arts) | 6 units |
| TOTAL UNITS | 20 units |