New Orleans Center for Creative Arts

- 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

For creative and talented young people across Louisiana, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) is a destination that represents the pinnacle of pre-professional arts training. This esteemed secondary school, which also offers a full-day diploma-granting program called the Academic Studio, has been a regional arts training center since 1973. It was founded on the vision of a diverse coalition of artists, educators, business leaders, and community activists who recognized the need for an institution dedicated to nurturing the region's burgeoning young talent. Today, NOCCA stands as a testament to that vision, with a remarkable track record of success; an impressive 95-98% of its graduates go on to college and conservatory programs, with approximately 80% receiving scholarships. The school's unique approach blends intensive arts training with rigorous academics, instilling in students the discipline, creativity, and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in any career path. While its reputation for producing world-renowned artists like Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and Anthony Mackie is well-known, what truly sets NOCCA apart is its commitment to providing a world-class education for every young person in Louisiana who has the curiosity, talent, and motivation to pursue a life in the arts. It's a place where students are challenged to grapple with complex problems and realize the best possible versions of themselves. The school's vibrant and imaginative events, such as its "Last Dinner on the Titanic," are a clear indication of the high level of talent that thrives in the NOCCA programs. It is truly a great arts school for any child looking to pursue their art.

The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts is located in the heart of the city at 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117. Its location in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood provides a vibrant backdrop for artistic expression and is easily accessible from various parts of the Louisiana region. A key feature of the school is its commitment to accessibility. It provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all students, staff, and visitors can enter the building comfortably and without barriers. The school also offers a wheelchair accessible parking lot, which simplifies the process of arrival and departure for individuals with mobility challenges. This dedication to inclusivity reflects NOCCA's mission to make a world-class arts education available to every young person in Louisiana.

Services Offered at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts:

• Arts Education and Training: NOCCA provides intensive, pre-professional arts instruction in a wide range of disciplines, including creative writing, dance, media arts, music, theatre arts, and visual arts.
• Advanced and Beginner Classes: The school's programs cater to students at all levels, from beginners who are just starting to explore their chosen art form to advanced students who are ready for professional-level training.
• Academic Studio: NOCCA offers a full-day, diploma-granting academic program that integrates creative thinking into a rigorous curriculum, ensuring students receive a high school diploma while honing their artistic skills.
• College and Career Counseling: The school provides comprehensive guidance to help students with the college decision process, with a high rate of graduates being accepted into prestigious arts and academic programs.
• Master Classes and Workshops: NOCCA regularly hosts master classes with renowned artists and offers various school workshops to provide students with additional training and exposure to new techniques and ideas.
• Summer Art Programs: The school offers a variety of summer programs, which are a great way for prospective students to get a taste of the NOCCA experience.
• Ballet, Piano, Voice, and Drawing Classes: These specialized classes are part of the broader arts curriculum, allowing students to focus on specific skills within their chosen discipline.
• Musical Theatre and Theatre Arts: Students can delve into the world of performance, learning everything from acting and singing to stage design and production.

Features and Highlights of New Orleans Center for Creative Arts:

• Tuition-Free: Admission is by audition only, and the programs are tuition-free for all Louisiana residents who meet the requirements. This ensures that a high-quality arts education is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.
• World-Class Faculty: The school's faculty is made up of practicing professionals who are masters of their craft, providing students with exceptional mentorship and guidance.
• Holistic Education: NOCCA's approach is unique in that it combines a rigorous arts curriculum with a strong academic program, preparing students for successful and productive adult lives whether they choose to pursue a career in the arts or not.
• High College Acceptance Rate: The school boasts an impressive record of college acceptances, with a significant number of students receiving scholarships to further their education.
• Vibrant Community: NOCCA is more than just a school; it's a creative community where students are encouraged to be curious, engaged, and empathetic, fostering a supportive environment for artistic growth.
• Wheelchair Accessible: The school is committed to inclusivity, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
• Good for Kids: The school is widely recognized as a great place for children to learn and grow, with programs tailored to foster creativity and discipline from a young age.

Contact Information:

Address: 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA

Phone: (504) 940-2787

What is worth choosing New Orleans Center for Creative Arts?

For families in Louisiana, choosing the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts is a decision to invest in a truly transformative educational experience. Unlike a traditional secondary school, NOCCA provides a unique and powerful blend of high-level arts training and a robust academic curriculum. The school's commitment to being a tuition-free institution, with admission based solely on audition, ensures that talent and passion are the only prerequisites for a world-class education. This opens up unparalleled opportunities for young artists who might otherwise not have access to such a dedicated program. The feedback from parents and attendees of NOCCA events is overwhelmingly positive, with a strong focus on the exceptional talent of the students and the dedication of the faculty. The Academic Studio is a particularly compelling option, as it allows students to earn their high school diploma in a project-based, interdisciplinary environment that mirrors the creative process. It is a testament to NOCCA's innovation and its understanding of what it takes to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. The school's impressive track record of college acceptances and scholarships speaks for itself, providing reassurance to parents that their child’s artistic pursuits are a viable path to a successful future. Ultimately, NOCCA is more than just a school; it is a creative ecosystem that nurtures, challenges, and empowers young people, making it an invaluable resource and a clear first choice for aspiring artists throughout Louisiana.

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts

2800 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA