Five reasons I chose UNCSA for high school

What's it like to go to high school at an arts conservatory? In the UNCSA High School Program, young artists balance immersive training in dance, drama, music and visual arts with a strong academic program, all in a community that feels like family.

We asked five students why they chose UNCSA, and what’s made their high school experiences so unforgettable. Here’s what they said: 

1. “I knew I’d be challenged in both academics and my art form.”  

Dance junior Landon Shields says he chose UNCSA for high school because he wanted to be surrounded by others who share his focus and determination. He loves that his academic classes have a low teacher to student ratio, so he and his classmates get more individual attention and tutoring support.

“When I think back to where I was in ninth grade to now, I’ve learned so much from my teachers,” Shields says. “They’re here because they love to teach — it’s such a positive environment.”

2. “The unique experience of conservatory training.”

For Sarah Jafroodi, a senior and double bassist, the conservatory-style training made UNCSA an easy choice. High school musicians can study and perform alongside college students through shared studios and ensembles — a rare opportunity at this age.

“UNCSA offers an experience that prepares you for a professional career in your art that most high schoolers don’t get,” she says. “Even if you choose not to pursue your art professionally, you’ve already experienced a taste of college life, giving you a head start wherever you end up.” Sarah also values the smaller class sizes and supportive community — she’s found it easy to form connections and get assistance, from tutoring in math or English to guidance from counselors. 

3. “The wonderful things I heard about its Drama program.”

Melinda Cassell, a senior in the Drama high school program, first heard about UNCSA from friends who had been in the program and encouraged her to audition. Once at UNCSA, she found a welcoming and supportive community and a rich high school life.

“There are constantly fun things to do that you wouldn’t be able to experience at a traditional high school,” she shares. “I love the karaoke and movie nights here.” And then there’s the sheer volume of creativity and artistry — whether it’s someone randomly playing an instrument, dancing, or working on an art piece, being surrounded by such imaginative people is a constant inspiration for Cassie.

4. “To train with the extraordinary dancers I saw in productions growing up.”

When Lila Bell was accepted into the High School Dance program as a freshman, she was “over the moon” — she’d grown up going to UNCSA productions and admiring the dancers she saw on stage. “Students here never stop striving for greatness,” Lila says. “We continue to hone our talents in our dorms, practice rooms or throughout the halls.”

This year, Bell is also the Student Body President of the High School Student Government, a role that’s made her fall in love with UNCSA even more. She says seeing the inner workings of how UNCSA functions has been eye-opening and given her an even greater appreciation for every staff and faculty member who makes it all possible.  

5. “The opportunity to grow alongside so many wonderful people.”

Music student Ivan Potts discovered UNCSA by “pure, dumb luck.” A friend and fellow musician had heard about UNCSA, and they thought it’d be fun to audition together. “We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” Ivan remembers.

Since starting at UNCSA, he’s discovered more opportunities than he could have imagined, like being able to apply for grants. “I definitely could not have gotten the opportunities to travel and learn in so many places if I hadn’t come to UNCSA for high school,” he says. And while the rigor of his academic and music classes can sometimes be challenging, he says the people at UNCSA make it all worth it. 

While the reasons students choose the UNCSA High School Program may vary, what they find here is consistent: extraordinary conservatory training, a challenging and inspiring academic experience, and a community that feels like home. Learn more about the program at uncsa.edu/high-school. 

by Sasha Hartzell

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