Admissions FAQs

• Applications open in November of the year prior to the school year you want to attend.
• The application includes transcripts, teacher recommendations, and examples of work in your specialty area.
• The deadline to apply is the end of January
• After a review of all applications, those students with the strongest applications will be invited to a live, on-campus audition in March 
• Students who are not invited to audition are encouraged to continue studying in their area of interest and to apply again the following year.
• Auditions will take place in mid-March.
• Auditions consist of an interview and department-specific components.
• Applicants invited to the live, on-campus audition will be notified in late March about whether or not they have been accepted.

• You should apply during the winter of the school year before you'd like to attend.
• Applications usually open in the late fall and close at the end of January. We encourage you to start your application well before the deadline. Some required application materials involve many hours of preparation, and we want you to have time to show us your best work!
• ASFA accepts students who are entering 7th-11th grade. So you apply when you're in 6th-10th grade.
• After the regular application and admission process ends in March, there may be openings on a space-available basis.

We are a public school funded by the State of Alabama. There is no tuition and no cost for boarding for Alabama residents. There are some fees associated with certain classes and specialty departments. 

ASFA offers a Financial Assistance Program to ASFA families who need assistance paying fees. The application and more information is available here: ASFAschool.org/financialassistance

You must have a 70 average during the semester you are applying. Also, your scores on national testing and teacher recommendations are of importance in the application process.

ASFA students must maintain an 80 or higher average in their specialty courses and a 70 or higher average in their required academic courses, and a 77.5 or higher average when those two are combined. ASFA’s grade policies can be reviewed here.

ASFA is looking for students who are passionate and serious about a particular specialty program, so students are only able to apply to one specialty department. Applications are accepted for creative writing, dance, math-science, music, theatre arts, or visual arts.

Usually, around 100 students are accepted each year. 

Students spend the first half of the day in their academic classes. The second half of the day is spent in their specialty classes.

ASFA’s mission requires a more challenging education for talented and gifted students who are able to meet the demands of a rigorous, in-person, interactive curriculum; therefore, in-person attendance is especially important.  ASFA’s attendance policies can be reviewed here.

ASFA has a standard dress code, but students do not wear school uniforms.

Most students follow the regular school day hours (8:00 AM - 4:40 PM) of the Monday-Friday bell schedule. There are a few excpetions:

• 7th and 8th grade Creative Writing, and Visual Arts students: 8:00 AM - 3:12 PM
• All Math-Science students: 8:00 AM - 4:10 PM
• Dance students: 8:00 AM start time and follow the internal departmental schedule

Spend a Day at ASFA offers prospective students the chance to experience a full school day on our campus. They will be paired with an ASFA student and follow that student's school schedule for the day to experience a typical day at ASFA. This opportunity is available October-April.

We have lists available in mid-July for families to locate potential carpools in their area. We do not offer bus service.

What type of student is successful in the Creative Writing Department?

Creative Writing students should be passionate and serious about reading and writing and should possess the mental discipline required to hone their craft.

Does the curriculum go beyond a Creative Writing focus?

In addition to the variety of Creative Writing workshops, there are courses in Creative Media, writing and film production, and numerous short-course special topics taught by adjunct faculty and guest artists.

What classes are offered in the Dance Department?

Ballet, pointe, partnering, variations, modern technique, dance practicum, dance history, jazz, contemporary, improvisation and composition, Caribbean, West African, Latin, hip hop, and composition. Seniors must also complete a Senior Composition Project. 

How are students graded in the Dance Department?

Students are graded on their progress, consistent application of corrections, efficient and positive use of class time, attentiveness and effort, promptness and preparedness for class, and rehearsal.   Students must maintain an 80 or above average in their specialty.

Do ASFA students pay for their costumes?   

No.

What classes are offered in the Math/Science Department?

7th grade Explorations in Pre-Algebra, Investigative Science 

8th grade Honors Algebra I, Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, Investigative Science 

9th grade Honors Geometry, Honors Biology/Chemistry

10th grade Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry and AP Chemistry or AP Biology

11th grade AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Chemistry or AP Biology or AP Physics

12th grade two college-level mathematics courses and AP Chemistry, AP Biology or AP Physics

In addition, students are encouraged to take a one-period Math/Science elective each semester and are required to take one year of AP Computer Science Principles and successfully complete a Senior Research Project.  In addition, all 11^th graders are required to take the yearlong AP Statistics and Research & Inquiry. 7th and 8th graders are required to take a semester of Explorations in Computer Science.

How well do Math/Science students do on AP exams?

Over 81% of all AP exams taken by the students have been graded at 3 or higher with approximately 31% at 5. The average number of exams taken by an individual student is 8.

How are students graded in the Music Department?

Students are graded on their progress, consistent application of corrections, efficient and positive use of class time, attentiveness and effort, promptness, and preparedness for classes, rehearsals, and lessons.  Students must maintain an 80 or above average in their specialty.

What music do I need to play if I'm invited to the in-person audition?

Music for Brass 

Music for Percussion

Music for Voice and Piano

Music for Strings

Music for Woodwinds

What monologues do I use if I'm invited for an on-campus audition?

You may choose one of these: MOnologues for on campus auditions

How are students graded in the Theatre Arts Department?

Students are graded on their progress, in-class participation, attention to detail, application of techniques, written assignments, test, and performance work. Students must maintain an 80 or above average in their specialty or risk a probationary period to assess their commitment to the program.

What are the hours like?

The regular student day starts at 7:55 am and goes to 4:40 pm. Middle school is released at 3:15 pm. When we are in rehearsals, students will stay as late as 7:00 pm. During the week of production, students may be here as late as 10:00 pm on rare occasions.

Can students participate in outside activities?

A student’s first responsibility is to ASFA. Students cannot be excused from rehearsals or performances. Only exceptional learning opportunities will be considered for approval.

If invited to the live, on-campus audition, does the work in the portfolio need to be matted and shrink-wrapped?

Selected drawings should be matted or mounted on poster board or foam- core to protect the work from damage and to present the work at its best. Professional matting is not necessary. Your name should appear on the back of each work.

Is it good to have more work than is required in the portfolio?

Think quality, not quantity.  Students should at least have the minimum required number of works, with each piece being as strong as possible.

Is it more difficult for a student entering the 9th or 10th grade to get into the Visual Arts program than a student entering the 7th or 8th grade?

The 7th and 8th-grade classes are devoted to foundation and drawing.  The student is introduced to the basic principles of art and is exposed to a variety of media.  Special emphasis is placed on drawing from life or direct observation to develop the student’s technical ability.  We do expect prospective 9th and 10th graders to have a higher order of skills.  In these classes, students must demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also the ability to think conceptually.