The MSArts regular decision application deadline may have passed (it was Jan. 15), but MSArts is always open to connecting with talented artists. Applications remain open after the deadline as space permits. Artistic portfolios and auditions for scholarships are accepted year-round.
Please contact the Office of Admission & Financial Aid with any questions.
Admissions
We are looking for students like you who are willing to take on challenges and work hard to achieve excellence. Schedule a visit to our beautiful state-of-the-art campus, meet our teachers and students.
See why the San Francisco Middle School of the Arts is the right place for you!
Middle school is a very important and exciting time in your life, and we are delighted that you are considering San Francisco Middle School of the Arts.
Our engaging and rigorous academic curriculum and comprehensive arts programs provide stepping stones that lead our students to pursue their dreams.
Admissions Calendar
January 5 Campus Tour for families - 1:15pm, 2pm, or 4:15pm
January 15 Application for Admissions final deadline 11:59pm
January 21 SSS Application for Financial Assistance deadline 11:59pm
January 28 Art Portfolio, Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts deadline
February 15 MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
March 16 Decisions notices sent electronically to Middle School applicants after 12:00pm
March 23 Registration deadline 11:59pm
March 24 Open Applications for Rolling Admissions
May 18 Placement Tests and Welcome Dinner 5pm
September 8, 16, 22, 30 Campus Private Tour for families – 1:15pm, 2pm, or 4:15pm
September 29 OPEN HOUSE - 6:30-7:30pm
October 12, 14, 19, 21 Campus Private Tour for families – 1:15pm, 2pm, or 4:15pm
October 22 OPEN HOUSE - 3:00-5:00pm
November 3, 9, 11, 17 Campus Private Tour for families – 1:15pm, 2pm, or 4:15pm
November 16 OPEN HOUSE - 6:30-7:30pm
November 30 VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE - 6:00-7:00pm
December 8 Campus Private Tour for families - 1:15pm, 2pm, or 4:15pm
December 15 Application for Admissions: Priority Deadline 11:59pm
*All 2021-2022 campus activities are subject to change due to Covid 19 guidelines.
Artistic Portfolio
All Music conservatory applicants must submit a video fulfilling the following audition requirements:
► Scales, up to 3 sharps and flats, 2 octaves minimum, 100-110 speed
► Chromatic scale, 2 octaves minimum, 100-110 speed
► For instruments, an etude, sonata, or showpiece that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment. (Piano accompaniment is not required.)
► For piano, two pieces, one from baroque period, one from classical period
Optional Advanced Requirements
► Scales, up to 4 sharps and flats, 3 octaves minimum plus arpeggios, 100-110 speed
► Chromatic scale, 2 octaves minimum, 100-110 speed
► Three pieces, one baroque period piece, one sonata from classical period, one etude, for example Czerny Opus 849 or one of similar or more advanced level
Applicants must submit a minimum of two recordings from the following options*:
1. A classical song or aria from the 17th, 18th, or 19th-century European tradition, in English or Italian
2. An American folk song from the 19th or 20th century
3. A song from American Musical Theatre (Broadway), the 1930s through 2000s
Your recordings may be sung a capella or with a backing track. Songs need to be clearly labeled and submitted with:
► title
► name of the show (if applicable)
► year
► composer
► lyricist.
* You may submit a jazz standard from the Great American Songbook or cover of a current jazz artist in place of option 3, or as a third addition.
Submitting pop or current rock music recordings is not recommended.
Visual Arts applicants should submit a portfolio consisting of three to five of the applicant's original artworks in a range of art media.
All Dance and Theatre program applicants must submit a video recording of a public performance. (If a video recording is not available, performance photographs may be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee.)
Transfer Students
We accept transfer students entering grades 6 to 11. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Learning Support Services
HSArts recognizes that students learn differently. Our small class sizes allow dedicated instructors to give students the individualized attention they deserve.
- International Students
We welcome students from around the world to be part of our school and community.
The San Francisco Middle School of the Arts admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religious background, gender or sexual identity to all programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of identity in its administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Admissions Process
