The Academy @ Metropolitan School of the Arts
We are a groundbreaking independent school located just south of Washington, DC, serving students in grades 7-12.
The Academy at Metropolitan School of the Arts prepares students for a rewarding future in college, career and life by offering an accredited college preparatory academic program alongside a conservatory style performing arts training program in the areas of dance, music, theater and general arts.
We achieve excellence in arts and academic education through a unique approach to teaching and learning.
Our methodology encourages a nurturing, supportive and inspiring culture where students earn the confidence to propel themselves toward reaching their highest potential.
Quick Stats (2022)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: 7-12
- Students: 26 students
- Yearly Tuition: $22,300
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Top Rankings
The Academy @ Metropolitan School of the Arts ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
2013
Student Body
Total Students
26 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
1:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
19 courses
Advanced Courses
Art History, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language and Culture, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics, Psychology, Spanish Language, Statistics, US Government and Politics, US History, World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,300
Tuition Notes
Grades 7-8 = $18,750
Grades 9-12 = $22,300
Total varies based upon academic course selection.
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Louise Hislop
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting and Theater, Dance, Music Lessons, Music Theater, Vocal Music and Vocal Performance
Acting and Theater, Dance, Music Lessons, Music Theater, Vocal Music and Vocal Performance
School Notes
- Metropolitan School of the Arts is a the only private performing arts high school in the Washington, DC area. Each year, we offer training in dance, music and theater to some of the nation`s most inquisitive, curious and motivated young artists. We offer a middle school program for students in grades 7-8 and a conservatory style training program for grades 9-12.
- All students will be surrounded and supported by equally passionate and invested students, facutly, visiting artists, and staff, with whom they`ll collaborate and learn in the classroom, the studio, and on stage. Our dedicated faculty members are seasoned professionals who are deeply connected to the performing arts community in Washington, D.C. and beyond. With their guidance, students perfect their skills and develop a framework for understanding both their craft and the vital role that arts play in enriching cultures and strengthening communities.
Profile last updated: 07/30/2021
School Reviews
5 1/12/2022
I have had a great experience as a student at MSA! In just a few months I have improved tremendously in all of my classes. The staff is both knowledgeable and kind, creating a very safe environment and encouraging students to grow. The students are welcoming and supportive of their classmates. I could not recommend MSA more!
5 11/23/2021
My son is currently a 7th grader at The Academy at Metropolitan Arts. He`s started as an actor but is a dance novice; they have done everything to accommodate him and make him feel successful. The teachers have high standards but are supportive, and the academic support has been amazing! The individual attention my son has received has been fantastic. If your child is a dance, musical theater, or young actor/performer, this is a great place to continue education, while in a rigorous arts education program.
5 11/17/2021
I am so proud to be an alumnae parent of an Academy student from the Metropolitan School of the Arts. For my daughter, the school offered the combination of academic rigor along with so many incredible opportunities for training in dance, music, and theatre. She`s now pursuing her BFA in dance performance at one of the top ballet schools in the country, while also just being cast in a theater performance as a sophomore. She went to college well prepared and we are so grateful.
5 11/2/2021
Never has my child felt so special, loved, and respected! She is challenged in her art classes and supported in her academics. I was worried that online learning would be challenging but with the excellent support of the in-person teachers, my daughter has excelled. MSA is a fit for us and we are happy we found it.
5 9/8/2021
My daughter is doing 9th grade at MSA and we are very happy that she is a part of the Academy because it is an excellent art school.
5 4/26/2021
My son is a senior at MSA. They offer a rigorous program with fantastic instructors and a supportive staff.
5 4/15/2021
Upon retiring as head of a well respected university music theater training program, I came to the Metropolitan school of the arts to develop their new gap year/post graduate program.I`d been introduced to the school five years earlier when I was asked to give a master class to the students. I was so impressed with the collegiate level of teaching that when I had the opportunity to join the faculty I did so. This is an exciting community of teachers and learners, the students are of the highest caliber, talented, disciplined and a joy to work with. They are what I like to call self competitive. Very competitive, yet openly supportive of their colleagues. Not only is the arts training world class, the academics are right there working along side the dance, music and theater faculty.
5 8/4/2020
My child has attended the Academy for 4 years and it has been such a blessing for our family. She has learned how to work hard in academics and her arts classes. She has learned how to work with and support those around her. She has learned how to combine grit with social responsibility.
5 2/23/2019
My daughter graduated from the Academy at MSA in 2017 and is thriving in the performing arts college of her choice with a 3.9 GPA! MSA is a fabulous pre-professional conservatory school.
Endorse The Academy @ Metropolitan School of the Arts. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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Nearby Homes for Sale
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5702 MEDALLION CT
ALEXANDRIA, VA$519,000- 2 Beds | 3 Baths
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6714 PERCETHONY CT
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191 SOMERVELLE ST #210
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7911 BETHELEN WOODS LN
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