School of the Arts

School mission

If you desire high academic achievement and are interested in developing your artistic talents, then School of the Arts is the place for you. Students at SOTA carry a full academic course load in addition to a rigorous Fine Arts sequence in one of six subject areas: Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Music both Instrumental and Vocal, Theatre Technology, and Visual Arts.

Each semester, students are required to participate in performances, showcases, recitals, and exhibitions within their major field of study. Due to the extensive Performing Arts calendar, SOTA students commit to instruction that extends well beyond the school day.

Students may also wish to participate in the many athletic teams, clubs, and performance events throughout the school year. SOTA has been awarded the New York State Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness. SOTA’s outstanding faculty and staff create an educational environment that is safe, nurturing, and promotes lifelong learning.

Student enrollment

Staff info.

Student engagement

Graduation data

Diploma types (2024) i

Additional data

Key dates & Deadlines

School of the Arts (Grades 7-12)
Apply by December 19, 2025
Audition and Application Information | sotainfo@rcsdk12.org | 585-242-7682

Admission to the School of the Arts is based on a formal audition process. Students may select only one field of study: Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Music: Instrumental and Vocal, Theatre Technology or Visual Arts. Auditions are approximately 3-4 hours long and are measured according to a standard rubric. For each audition, students are graded in a combination of group and individual settings. Auditions are judged by a team of faculty members and each student receives a numerical score from 1-to-10 based on the overall quality of the audition.

If you are applying to SOTA, you must also complete the School Selection booklet. If your child is not accepted into School of the Arts and you have not completed the Schools of Choice Application Booklet, your child’s placement into Grade 7 will be determined solely by seat availability.

Apply by the School Selection Deadline for your best chance to attend the school you want next school year.

7th and 9th grades: Online enrollment is available for students to choose the school they want to attend for 7th and 9th grades. Students entering grades 7 and 9 who do not participate in the school selection process will be placed in a school closest to your home where space is available after the selection process is complete.  City residents have until February 13, 2026 to participate in the School Selection process.

How to apply

School of the Arts (Grades 7-12)
Apply by December 19, 2025
Audition and Application Information | sotainfo@rcsdk12.org | 585-242-7682

If you have any questions regarding our audition process, please email sotainfo@rcsdk12.org or call 585-242-7682. All emails/calls will be returned within two business days.

* Families applying to an application school must still participate in the school selection process and add the application school as one of their choices.

The Office of Student Equity & Placement staff will assist families with every step of the registration process. Staff can also provide families with information about the schools available to their children to help them make an informed choice. Please view the list of acceptable documents and proof of residency requirements necessary to register a child in the Rochester City School District, www.rcsdk12.org.

Learn about your school options

School Profiles, Digital Magazine, and Open House Events
School profiles are a great place to start learning about the many unique school offerings in the Rochester City School District. Each profile offers a detailed overview of each school or program to help you decide what offering is right for your child. For students entering middle or high school next year, there is a digital magazine to explore your options. Have your child talk to your school’s counselor for information about open houses this winter and spring. To learn more about school selections or to view the magazine, please visit www.rcsdk12.org/schoolselection.

School Zones
The Rochester City School District is separated into three school zones based on different areas of the City of Rochester: Northeast, Northwest, and South. When applying, families have the option of choosing a citywide school or a school within their zone. You can begin an online application and enter your home address to find out what zone you live in and what schools are available for your child to attend. Online applications can be started and saved, allowing families to return and explore options within their zone.

Visit the Office of Student Registration
Student Placement Specialists are available to work with families to discuss school options and assist with online registration. For support, please call (585) 262-8241 or visit the Office of Student Registration, 131 West Broad Street, Floor 1. The Office of Student Registration is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm.