The Center for Visual Arts offers a four-year advanced program for students who are talented and motivated in the visual arts. Students accepted into the program will participate in accelerated and enriched artistic experiences that integrate studio work, research, critique, and aesthetics in the visual arts.

Goals and Objectives:

• To provide talented and motivated students with an opportunity to study the visual arts in an enriched and accelerated environment;

• To immerse students in creative and intensive visual arts experiences;

• To provide students with a specific understanding of the history and impact of the visual arts;

• To facilitate internships with professional artists and businesses;

• To encourage participation in visual arts electives, extra-curricular, and cocurricular activities.

How many students get into Visual Arts each year?

We have 20 available spots for rising freshmen.

When will I know if my student is accepted?

All applications must be completed and submitted by January 15. Notification of acceptance is usually around mid-March.

When will my student receive the drawing portion of the application?

The drawing portion will be emailed on January 16 using the email address indicated in the Visual Arts application. The drawing portion is due by January 30.

What criteria is used to consider a student’s acceptance to the Center for Visual Arts?

Quite a few things are taken into consideration when considering a student’s admission to the program. The most important piece assessed by the committee is the drawing component. 

Teacher recommendations are also used. We ask each applicant to submit the names of two teachers. We will send each teacher a private recommendation survey and the results are a part of the admission consideration.

Each applicant submits a writing prompt as part of the application. The answers are objectively scored and the results are added to the student’s overall score for admission purposes.

Grades are also reviewed.

Do I need to buy my own art supplies if I am accepted into the program?

No, all of the CVA teachers will provide the materials needed for classroom assignments and projects.

Are there any extra fees to be paid if one attends Visual Arts?

No, but student drivers will need to purchase a parking pass for $15. 

Will attending Visual Arts keep my student from participating in sports or activities?

No. There are no after school obligations or requirements, with the exception of the senior year internship.

Will attending Visual Arts affect my regular high school schedule?

Each CVA class fills an elective course in your schedule and utilizes two class periods of the regular school day. This still leaves room for six other base-school courses.

When will my student go to Visual Arts class?

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, CVA-1 students attend class at Northside High School on A-Day mornings. CVA-2 students will attend NHS in the mornings on B-Days. CVA-3 students will attend NHS on A-Day mornings. CVA-4 students will attend NHS on B-Day mornings. Any CVA student needing transportation will utilize the BCAT shuttle bus, leaving from their base school at approximately 7am. Students return to their base school via a BCAT bus at 11am or drive themselves. 

The Center for Visual Arts offers a four-year advanced program for students who are talented and motivated in the visual arts. Students accepted into the program are immersed in creative visual art experiences to integrate studio work, research, critique aesthetics, and career opportunities. CVA provides internship opportunities, interaction with artists, businesses, and art museums. The program cultivates the development of critical analysis, problem solving, design skills, and professionalism. If you are interested in being a part of this creative program, please complete the steps below.

 

 

• First, complete the Burton application and indicate Visual Arts as one of your top choices.
• Within a week or so of your Burton application, you will receive the Visual Arts application. Gather the following information prior to filling out your Visual Arts application:
  • Student ID Number
  • Best phone number to reach parent or guardian
  • Name of your current school counselor
  • Teacher Recommendation #1 (Collect only the EMAIL ADDRESS of a teacher from whom you would like a recommendation. We will contact the teacher for the recommendation.)
  • Teacher Recommendation #2 (Collect only the EMAIL ADDRESS of a teacher from whom you would like a recommendation. We will contact the teacher for the recommendation.)
  • Experience / Honors / Recognitions (Please list the three most significant experiences, honors, or recognitions you have received in the visual arts, if any. If you do not have art-specific recognitions, you can enter other academic achievements.)
  • Writing Prompt:  How do you envision the Center for Visual Arts contributing to your growth? What do you hope to take away from your time in the program? (This question allows the Selection Committee to get to know you better. It is recommended that you write your prompt using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word and then copy/paste your response. Please limit your response to 500 words or less.)
  • The best e-mail address for the Drawing Assessment to be sent to.
• January 16 -  the drawing assessment will be emailed to the address indicated on the application.
• January 30 -  deadline for submitting the drawing assessment.