Institute Building

Welcome to the Institute for the Creative Arts

ICA is a tuition-free public charter high school and open to all students.

Welcome to the first Performing & Visual Arts High School in Arkansas! We combine a rigorous college prep program with pre-professional training in the arts. ICA offers programs in dance, film, music, theatre, creative writing, culinary, and visual art.

Our students spend half of their school day in art classes and half of their day in academics.  Professional artist-teachers work daily with the students to train, coach, and prepare each student for the next level and beyond. Not only are students becoming excellent artists, they are also building life skills such as discipline, teamwork, communication, and time management, all within a nurturing, creative, and safe environment. 

What is the result of all of this?

This kind of school produces students who love to be there, do well in their grades, and virtually all of them graduate from high school. Many students go on to Broadway, television, film, dance, art, and other major arts fields, while some become doctors, lawyers, or corporate leaders.

This is a special place indeed! So, come on!  Join us for the most wonderful high school experience you could ever imagine!

Location of ICA

The Institute, sponsored by Community School of the Arts, will be housed in the new Center for the Creative Arts facility on a beautiful 10-acre campus located at 1101 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith. The state-of-the-art Center includes music rehearsal halls, recording studio, digital media labs, film room, culinary space, dance studios, classroom spaces, a Blackbox theatre, and a 350-seat performance theatre. 

Who the institute is for and how it works

ICA is designed for any student entering grades 9-12.  The high school will open in August 2024 with students entering grades 9-11. Grade 12 will be added in the fall of 2025. The school day will run from 8am-4pm.

People performing on stage

People performing on stage

Mission of ICA

Empowering students through an intensive arts and academic curriculum that prepares them for higher education, creative careers, and to become future leaders in the performing and visual arts industries.

Violin Player

Meet our Founder/ Artistic Director

DR. ROSILEE RUSSELL

Welcome to ICA!  We are so glad that you are interested in becoming a part of this very special school.  At ICA, every student is welcome.  Upon entering the school, we will connect you to your artistic talents in ways you may never have imagined!  Professional teachers will work with each student in a mentoring role preparing them for their future and for life.  Students will build important skills such as team-work, communication, discipline, problem-solving and an overall sense of self-confidence as they explore their passions and dreams. 

In addition to the immersive arts experience, students will be exposed to rigorous academics as well taught by highly qualified instructors. They will spend time tutoring students as needed and encouraging students to advance to their highest abilities.

At ICA students become part of a team.  Friendships are built and connections made that last a lifetime.  It’s a high school like no other!  We are proud to be the first Performing & Visual Arts High School in Arkansas.  I personally invite you to contact us and get connected today!  You can pre-register at this site and ensure your spot.

Button for About our Founder

Founder Rosilee