Visual and Perfoming Arts Academy

Larkin High School is the home of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Students with special interests in and talent for dance, music, visual art or drama will flourish in this program. While the program has a focus on the arts, it centers on educating the whole student.  

The District U-46 Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA) is available to any eighth grade student within the district. Students are invited to apply and audition for selection into this four-year performance-based program in the focus areas of dance, drama, vocal and instrumental music, and visual art.

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy allows students to:

• Explore a wide variety of arts areas
• Focus on one in-depth area
• Develop and express their talents through performance and presentation
• Create in a supportive, nurturing environment
• Experience the interconnection between art and the world around them

The mission of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy is to provide artistically talented students with a comprehensive arts-based education.  This academy offers an education utilizing multiple approaches to learning with a fine arts focus. This focus targets problem-solving skills, the creative process, imagination, and an interdisciplinary approach to learning.

The academy has been recognized by the Grammy Foundation as a 2000-2001 Grammy Signature School for its excellence in music education and by the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education as the 2000 Service Recognition Award winner for the VPAA program.

To learn about the criteria for this program click here.
To contact VPAA teachers click here.

Application form completed and signed (click here for application).