A Day in the Center for Performing and Fine Arts
At the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, each school day is a vibrant tapestry of creativity and artistic exploration. From the moment class begins, students are immersed in a dynamic environment where music, dance, theatre, and fine arts come alive.
Mornings often begin with specialized classes tailored to each student’s chosen track, whether it’s refining techniques in dance studios, rehearsing musical scores, or delving into the world of visual arts. Throughout the day, students engage in a variety of hands-on projects, workshops, and collaborative sessions led by experienced instructors and visiting artists.
These experiences are complemented by regular performances, exhibitions, and showcases where students have the opportunity to share their talents with the community. In the nurturing and supportive atmosphere of the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, every school day is an opportunity for students to grow as artists, express themselves authentically, and pursue their passion for the arts.
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Programs & Schedule
There are three different programs offered through the Center for Performing and Fine Arts:
- CPFA Online! Part-Time: 1-2 online classes
- CPFA Online! Full-Time: 3+ online classes
- CPFA On-Site: Two full days per week (four classes) in West Chester, PA
The On-Site Program
The Center for Performing and Fine Arts is located in West Chester, PA near the West Chester University Campus. Middle school students in grades 6–8 enrolled in the on-site program attend on Mondays and Wednesdays, while high school students in grades 9–12 attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week.
Classes are generally offered from 8:15 am to 2:45 pm, with occasional evening or weekend hours for performances, multimedia presentations, and interactive sessions.
Individual classes generally range 60 to 90 minutes, allowing students to take at least four classes a day. All courses are graded, typically last for a full school year, and become part of the student’s transcript.
The Center for Performing and Fine Arts produces four main stage theatre productions, three main art exhibits, six music concerts, a dance showcase, and an annual dance concert. In addition, the Center for Performing and Fine Arts hosts several smaller acting showcases and mini performances and participates in PMEA district, regional, and state festivals.
The Online! Program
PALCS students who are unable to attend in-person are welcome to apply for CPFA Online!, with classes offered in multiple disciplines!
While it depends on the discipline, most online classes meet for virtual lessons about once a week with weekly and monthly practice requirements and assignments to complete online. In addition, CPFA Online! students are able to schedule occasional in-residency days on-site at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts for rehearsals or occasional in-person training. CPFA Online! students are also welcome to participate in all after-school activities, concerts, and performances.
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Disciplines Taught
Music
The Music Department fosters musical development and rigorous training in vocal, instrumental, and small ensemble instruction.
Theatre
The unique and multi-layered Theatre curriculum has been designed to offer a graduated, comprehensive training program for actors, writers, theatre technicians, producers, filmmakers, and directors.
Dance
The Dance program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in dance and artistry, allowing them to move confidently and creatively in their chosen fields and everyday lives.
Fine Arts
Visual Arts classes introduce students to a wide variety of media, styles, and techniques, as well as the fundamental principles of design and composition, all culminating in a professionally curated exhibition of student work. Classes range from 2-D to Digital Media Arts.
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Class Size
We typically look for an overall balance of 25-30 students per grade. That said, all classes are mixed grade levels based on student experience and technique mastery.
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Studios & Classrooms
There are several classrooms and student spaces at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, including the Allen Theatre, a student lounge and kitchen, two dance studios, an instrumental room, a piano lab, a dark room, and much more!
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Academic Requirements
Academic excellence is a crucial component of a pre-professional program. All students in the Center for Performing and Fine Arts must maintain a C-average or above in all academic classes to participate in the program.
Students who drop below a C average in any subject area may be placed on probationary status. The Center for Performing and Fine Arts School Counselor works closely with students to provide resources for academic success. If students cannot improve their academic performance in a reasonable amount of time, they may be asked to leave the program.
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Faculty
A Head Administrator leads the Center for Performing and Fine Arts with the support of an Administrative Assistant, School Counselor, School Nurse, and 14 instructors, four of whom serve as Department Chairs and program advisors
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Attendance Policy
Students must log into PALCSchool each school day for PALCS attendance, including days that the student is in-person at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts. Students who do not log onto PALCSchool will be marked absent from PALCS.
Attendance for the on-site program is marked by each student’s physical presence. Because the majority of class content at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts is sequential and involves in-class participation, attendance is mandatory. We have found that students who miss a certain number of classes over time fall significantly behind, making it challenging to catch up.
