ADMISSIONS

ASFA provides students in grades 7-12 a public, tuition-free, intensive specialty-focused education in the arts, math, and science to students with outstanding talent from across Alabama.

Admission to the Alabama School of Fine Arts is through an application and audition process. Students apply to one of six specialty areas: creative writing, dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts or math-science. Students should have a passion and aptitude for the specialty they want to apply to.

ASFA's education is unmatched. It nourishes the whole student and guides them to grow and fulfill their individual abilities.

"The ASFA community is continuously inspiring me to improve myself, to think creatively, and reach my highest potential. Being part of a collaborative group with supportive teachers pushes me to strive for excellence and holds me accountable."

- Maggie Bearden, ASFA music student.

Take a Look Inside ASFA!

5 Reasons You Should Attend ASFA

Students and alums describe ASFA as the place where they "found my people." The rigorous academic and specialty curriculum is balanced with a supportive and welcoming environment where students and faculty celebrate growth and learning. ASFA's seven-person Student Support Services Department leads social and emotional learning for all students and offers individual and small group counseling, and career and college counseling to students.

ASFA is located in downtown Birmingham's cultural district, within walking distance of the Birmingham Museum of Art, the new stadium, the civil rights district, and CityWalk. The campus encompasses one city block between 18th and 19th Streets North and is easily accessible to all Birmingham metro communities and major highways. The campus includes the state-of-the-art 500-seat Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, secure dorms, art gallery, recital hall, 3 large dance studios, black box theater, and an enclosed courtyard. The diverse student body is made up of 350 students from across Alabama in grades 7-12.

Application Process

1. Application

The general application is done through an online platform.
Submit the general application before submitting any department-specific materials.
The parent questionnaire is an opportunity to provide important information on your student.
The two student essays are an opportunity for the student to highlight their personality and passion for their specialty.
A $25 application fee must be submitted with the application (if this cost is prohibitive contact Katie Gordon.)
Applications open at the beginning of November and close in January.

2. Teacher Recommendations

The application requires two teacher recommendations.
In the general application under Departmental Requirements, you will find which teachers you need to send the form to. You will need an email address for each teacher.
The teacher recommendation form is located under Schoolrecs on the Introduction page of the application.
Once the form is signed by the parent and student, the teacher will be emailed an electronic form to fill out.
Teachers are not required to write a separate letter; they simply fill out the form that will be sent to them from Schoolrecs.

3. Transcripts/Grades

The form to submit transcripts is located under Schoolrecs on the Introduction page of the application.
Locate the email address for the registrar or counselor at your student's current school.
The form must be electronically signed by the parent and the student before the form is automatically emailed to the registrar or counselor to complete.
If student is homeschooled, enter the teaching parent's email address into Schoolrecs and have the request for transcript grades sent to the teaching parent's email.

4. Audition Requirements

The regular application cycle closed in January. However, you may fill out the form below to indicate your interest in case a department determines they still have needs and space for the 2025-2026 school year. It will also ensure that you are included on our contact list to receive important information for future deadlines and important dates.

Accommodation Statement

ASFA was created by the State to provide a more challenging education for impassioned, talented students in Creative Writing, Dance, Math & Science, Music, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts. Consistent with its mission, only those students will be admitted to ASFA and allowed to remain who are able to meet the demands of a rigorous curriculum. Applicants with existing Individualized Education Plans (IEP) are obliged to inform ASFA administration during the application period and to provide a copy or authorization for release of the applicant’s most recent IEP and any related records deemed necessary by ASFA. If a qualifying disabling condition is substantiated before or after enrollment, a committee appointed by the President will determine if the school can reasonably accommodate the student’s needs or if these needs will be better accommodated in a different educational environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of the Alabama School of Fine Arts not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, or any other proscribed category, in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by local, state, and federal policies and laws. Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with applicable laws or this policy may be directed to the President, Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203, (205) 252-9241.

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