We Are ChiArts Mural, Fall 2022. Created by the Junior Mural Class under the guidance of Teaching Artist Rebecca Baruc (Visual Arts Conservatory). Photo by Oscar Muñoz, ChiArts Faculty.

During the 13th Annual Visual Arts Portfolio Day on October 6, 2025, seniors presented their work to 25 visiting college representatives from across the nation. Photo by Oscar Muñoz, ChiArts Faculty.

ChiArts is Chicago’s only public arts high school that pairs a college-prep academic curriculum with intensive, tuition-free, pre-professional arts training. We’re also the only school in the nation recruiting novices, making our model as equitable as possible.

What is pre-professional arts training?

It’s more than arts integration or enrichment, it’s professional preparation. ChiArts students train like working artists, developing the discipline, creativity, and technical skills they need to succeed in college, careers, and life.

What makes pre-professional training unique?

Taught by working artists: Students learn from Chicago’s professional artists and performers.


Specialized curriculum: 3 hours daily in creative writing, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, on top of rigorous academics.


Proven results. In the past five years:

• 97% of scholar-artists graduated on time
• 90% went on to a 2 or 4 year college/university
• 40%+ are first-generation college students
  

Powerful partnerships: Leading arts organizations, universities, and industry professionals actively seek out to partner, hire, and collaborate with scholar-artists.

ChiArts is a home for hundreds of students, staff, faculty, and thousands of alumni. Our unique pre-professional model prepares every scholar-artist to thrive, and it deserves to be preserved for generations to come.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

#1. SHARE YOUR CHIARTS STORY

ChiArts' Class of 2025. With 90% enrolled in college, 133 graduates are now attending institutions across 21 states, with 65% choosing in-state universities, reinforcing their commitment to local community.

ChiArts has transformed thousands of lives, now it’s your turn to inspire action! Friends of ChiArts, parents, alumni, faculty, arts partners, and donors: tell us why ChiArts matters to you. Submit your testimonial via video or text today to help strengthen our advocacy and fundraising efforts.

Learn how ChiArts families are advocating and share your voice. ChiArts Parent Support Organization (PSO) has developed this toolkit in English and Spanish.

#2. SUPPORT & PROTECT OUR ARTS FUNDING

Cast of ChiArts Theatre’s In the Red and Brown Water, April 2025. The ensemble earned 3rd place in Group Interpretation at the IHSA State Drama Competition Sectionals.

Your support powers ChiArts' five arts conservatories. It ensures every scholar-artist can access tuition-free, pre-professional arts training and strengthens the future of ChiArts through important transitions.

#3. STAY CONNECTED. STAND UNITED.

Latin Culture Showcase, 2024. Each year, scholar-artists self-produce cultural showcases celebrating heritage, unity, and self-expression. Join us for Latin Heritage Night 2025 on October 23 at 6:30 PM in the Jim and Kay Mabie Auditorium.

Our greatest strength is each other. Stay connected to official updates and share your pride in the ChiArts community. Every post, video, email, and conversation helps protect our school’s future.

Together, we can preserve the heart of ChiArts: our community, our creativity, and our arts conservatories.