Thank you for your interest in applying to the Cleveland School of the Arts High School!  Students seeking a chance to be a part of our nationally recognized program should review the general information on this page regarding our audition process. For more detailed information about the admission requirements, please review the audition requirements page. 

What are the steps to admission?

STEP 1: Pre-Audition Shadow Day (optional)

Prospective students are invited to experience a day in the life of a CSA scholar artist. During shadow days, students visit classes, meet teachers, and explore their arts discipline of interest. This step is optional, but it provides valuable insight into the school’s culture and expectations.

STEP 2: Auditions

CSA is an audition-based school. Admission is earned through the demonstration of skill, talent, and potential within a selected arts discipline. Students must complete an audition to be considered. Families can review specific audition requirements for each discipline to prepare effectively.

• Audition Requirements by Discipline
• Audition Registration

STEP 3: District Application

After a student successfully passes their audition, families must complete the Cleveland Metropolitan School District application through the School Choice Portal.

• CMSD residents: Complete the standard school choice application.

• Non-CMSD residents: Must complete the school choice application plus an additional step to officially enroll the student into the district prior to placement at CSA.

STEP 4: Family Orientation

Once the audition and application steps are complete, families will be invited to attend orientation sessions. These sessions provide essential information about CSA’s academic expectations, arts programming, school culture, supports, and the overall experience of being a CSA scholar-artist.