Visual and Performing Arts Academy

The application for the 2025–2026 school year is now open. Read the important information below, then click the link on the left to begin the application.

If you have any questions, please email collegiateadmissions@eriesd.org.

Before you begin the application process, please review the following:

• The application process. This page explains what information and materials you should gather before you begin the application.
• Acceptance criteria. This page explains the criteria the admissions committee will use when reviewing your application.

The application is online. 

• Please gather all of the required information before you begin — you cannot save your work once you've begun the online application. 
• The site accepts only one application submission per IP address to prevent multiple applications. 
• Students who do not currently attend one of Erie's Public Schools must submit supporting documentation. 

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPA) is an urban magnet school providing many opportunities for students who have an aptitude for the visual and performing arts. Students who demonstrate experience in the visual and performing arts and/or students who are able to demonstrate initiative to pursue this track throughout their high school education are encouraged to apply.

Admission requirements

• Student participation and involvement within the realm of performing and visual arts both in and out of school.
• Grades from seventh grade and eighth grade Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies courses
• Standardized Test Scores in Math and Reading
• Student Activities, Service, and Awards within the visual and performing arts
• Teacher Recommendation
• [Optional] If you would like to submit a portfolio of your artwork, please email digital images of no more than three pieces to collegiateadmissions@eriesd.org. Please be sure to include your name in the email.

The VPA Academy and Collegiate Academy serve students in grades nine through twelve, and each year many applicants apply for approximately 225 openings. The majority of the 55-member teaching staff hold master's degrees, and all are committed to student-centered learning. The fine arts department consists of four full-time music teachers, three full-time visual art teachers, a full-time dance teacher, and a full-time theater teacher.

Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy (housing the VPA Academy) is one of Pennsylvania's top-ranked high schools in terms of state assessment scores, SAT results, Advanced Placement offerings and 100% four-year college acceptance. Collegiate Academy graduates have consistently scored above the SAT national average in critical reading, math, and writing. The class of 2016 received more than $17 million in college scholarship offers.