What are Fine Arts?

Fine arts programs in Pasco County are thriving, providing students with numerous opportunities to explore and develop their interests in art, dance, music, and theatre. The programs cater to both beginners and advanced students, offering a range of courses from introductory to specialized levels. Visual arts include 2D, 3D, Digital Art, and Photography, while dance covers various styles such as modern dance, ballet, and choreography. Music students can choose from Chorus, Band, Guitar, Steel Drum, Orchestra, Keyboard, Music Theory, and Jazz Band. Theatre enthusiasts have options like Theatre, Acting, Technical Theatre, Playwriting, and Musical Theatre. Notably, Longleaf Elementary, a Florida Arts Model School, offers a unique schedule with mini-majors in art, music, and theatre. Additionally, the FAME Academy at River Ridge and the Fine Arts Conservatory at Cypress Creek provide expanded fine arts programs. For more details on these offerings and pathways, see the schools website.

How can I become part of a Fine Arts or Orchestra program?

Fine arts coursework is available at ALL schools. Students who live within the attendance boundary of Cypress Creek Middle School, Cypress Creek High School, River Ridge Middle School and River Ridge High School have the opportunity to be a part of expanded fine art programs. The orchestra pathway provides opportunity at River Ridge Middle and High, Cypress Creek Middle and High, Wiregrass Ranch High School, J.W. Mitchell High School, and Dr. John Long Middle School. Students zoned for these schools should contact the school for specific course offerings.

Do I have to meet criteria to be accepted?

Students who apply to a high school pathway in band or orchestra program must have at least two years of playing experience at the middle school level or equivalent through private study, community orchestra, or band. Band students at the Conservatory of the Arts and FAME are expected to participate in Marching Band. Students will be reviewed for a 2.0 GPA for any middle or high school courses taken as well as any required prerequisites for the grade level for which they are applying. All students that meet eligibility criteria will be sent to the lottery, even if this number exceeds the total number of available seats. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students who accept their invitation to enroll from out of zone may not be eligible for school bus transportation.

If I don’t live within the zoned boundaries for these programs, can I apply?

Be sure to review the Orchestra Pathways map. Students from outside of the school’s residential zone who apply through school choice will be reviewed for a 2.0 GPA for any middle or high school courses taken as well as any required prerequisites for the grade level for which they are applying. All students that meet eligibility criteria will participate in the lottery, even if this number exceeds the total number of available seats. Preferences established in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan will be followed when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats open. Students residing in district will be given preference, followed by students outside the district. Applicants are randomized and seats are filled by the number of open opportunities designated during the seat setting process. Students not placed during the lottery process will be placed on a randomized waitlist. Students who accept their invitation to enroll from out of zone will not be eligible for bus transportation.

View the Orchestra Pathways map.

 

Prior to applying for school choice, you must have a Parent Portal account set up in our student information system (myStudent). Please visit Enrollment Services for additional information.

Sign up to receive more info via email and get a friendly reminder once the Pasco Pathways school choice application window opens later this school year.

 

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