The CPS Advanced Arts Program (AAP) is a free early college and career arts program open to all high school Juniors and Seniors. AAP courses are double honors or Dual Credit and count towards a student's GPA. AAP Students advance throughout the school year with the support of two teachers - a CPS teacher and a teaching artist. Our teachers and teaching artists hail from some of the most prestigious visual and performing arts schools, and have high quality relatable work experiences to share with students in the arts.AAP is part of a student's regular school day and takes place in downtown Chicago.AAP courses run Monday through Friday from 3:00pm-4:40pm. Arts materials, CTA Ventra cards, and lunches are provided daily!
Frequently Asked Questions by prospective students and families...
Is Advanced Arts a year long commitment?
Yes, Advanced Arts is a full year commitment. There is no dropping in-between semesters.
If I join Advanced Arts will I be able to do after school activities at my home school or join a sports team?
No, unfortunately that will conflict with your Advanced Arts Schedule.
Is there a GPA requirement to get into Advanced Arts?
Yes, there is a 2.5 GPA requirement.
What if my home school has a field trip that interferes with Advanced Arts?
If you have a field trip you must notify Ms. Gaby at 312-742-1461 or email AdvancedArts@cps.edu with your permission slip. If you have a form your 7-8th period teacher needs to sign, you need to bring it to class before the field trip for your teacher to approve and sign. The absence will be categorized as a school function and will be excused.
Do I have to pay to get to and from school?
No, you do not. Advanced Arts provides students with CTA Ride Credits.
Do I have to pay for classroom supplies?
No, all supplies and materials are FREE and supplied by the program.
When does Advanced Arts begin every year and when does it end?
Our Start Times vary by year, Advanced Arts usually begins two weeks after the CPS Calendar year begins.
What happens if the bus or train is late and I know I will be late to school?
If you know you will be late please call the Advanced Arts phone line at 312-742-1461.
Do I need an ID to get into the school?
Yes you need your School ID to get into the building.
What do I do if I am sick and can’t go to class?
If you are going to be absent please call or email the Advanced Arts Office and email your Instructors that you will not be in class. When you return please a note with a parent or guardian signature.
How do I see my grade from Advanced Arts?
You can see your grades in Aspen just like any other CPS Class.
If I have an emergency and need to contact my child during class how can I?
If you have an emergency and need to contact your child during class hours, please contact the Advanced Arts Office at 312-742-1461. We encourage our students to put their phones away during class and not answer phone calls.
If I need my child to leave class early what do I do?
If you need your child to leave class early you need to notify Advanced Arts before class that day via phone or email. A note must also be brought in by the student signed by their parent or guardian to be given to their class instructors for early dismissal. If there is no note a guardian must be called for the student to have an early dismissal.
Can I attend Advanced Arts for more than one year?
Yes, you can attend the same class twice or attend a completely new class if you want!
Can I use my smartphone during class?
At Advanced Arts we prefer phones stay in backpacks during class!
Can I listen to music during class?
This is an individual classroom policy to be decided by each class.
What if I need to eat lunch before class starts?
Students can bring their lunches to the Mezzanine where Advanced Arts will also provide a microwave for heating lunches. Advanced Arts Program also offers a free lunch program to all students. Every student can get a lunch which includes a sandwich, healthy side, and milk. There is absolutely NO FOOD allowed in classrooms- with the exception of our culinary classes of course!
Why do students apply for the CPS Advanced Arts Program?
First and foremost, our students have an unquenchable thirst for all things art! AAP students have opportunities unimaginable to most high school students because of the daily, two hour, specialized training from CPS teachers and professional artists. Student experiences include EXPO Chicago at Navy Pier, Lyric Opera, Columbia College’s Museum of Contemporary Photography, Museum of Contemporary Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare, and so many more. AAP Students have gone on to study art and music at the finest colleges and universities in the nation, with substantial scholarships.
Choosing to apply for AAP, and acquiring acceptance, will be a life-altering decision that will positively enhance the trajectory of your brilliant artistic journey!
