Academy of the Arts

Program Description
This Allentown High School program is designed for those students with demonstrated passion, talent and commitment in one or more of the following arts areas:

  • Instrumental Music

  • Vocal Music

  • Theater

  • Visual Art

  • Video Production

Course sequences in each of the areas have been specifically designed to broaden students' artistic understanding and enhance their ability to perform, create, critique, and compose. In addition, the academy offers students numerous opportunities beyond the school day to perform for a live audience or to present their work in adjudicated competitions.

To view proposed course sequences for each of the arts areas, click on the links to the left.

Application Process
Admission into the Arts Academy will be based on the evaluation of a portfolio for Visual Art and Video Production and on an audition for Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theater and Dance. Please be aware that due to deadlines mandated by the NJDOE, there is a very abbreviated timeline between the application deadline and the scheduling/performance of portfolio reviews and/or auditions. Please review the requirements and rubrics to allow your student time to prepare. Please review the steps below to determine the process you should follow.

  1. For non-resident applicants, if your student is currently registered with his/her resident district, download and complete the Notice of Intent to Participate Form. Submit this form by November 25, 2024 to your home district or charter school and obtain a signed receipt acknowledging that you submitted the form. Keep the receipt for your records. By law, a resident district must be informed if a student intends to participate in the choice program.

  2. Download and complete the AHS Choice Application or contact the Parent Information Center to have it mailed to you.

  3. A letter of interest in the program

  4. Collect the following documents:

    • An official school transcript

    • A recommendation from a teacher in the art discipline for which you are applying.

  5. Non-resident students, please return the General Choice Application to the address below no later than November 25, 2024

    Allentown High School 

    AHS Choice Program Coordinator
    Attention: Carri Natalicchio
    27 High Street
    Allentown, NJ 08501

  6. Residents of UFRSD and Millstone, please return the General Choice Application no later than April 7, 2025.

  7. Read the instructions below for information on submitting a portfolio or scheduling an audition.

    • Submission of a portfolio will be required for those applicants interested in the Visual Arts program or the Video Production program.

    • Please click below to view the requirements for each:

    • Please note: UFRSD will set up a review appointment for your portfolio. We will contact each candidate in December 2022.

      • Dates for RESIDENT applicants will be April 9, 2024. Check the website in January for more updated information.

    • The student should accompany the portfolio so he or she has an opportunity to explain the vision and process used in creating the pieces. The evaluation should take approximately 15 minutes, after which the portfolio will be returned.

    • Auditions will be required for those applicants interested in Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, or Theater. A representative from the AHS Performing Arts Department will call to schedule the audition for non-resident applicants, which will take place in November. Auditions may be scheduled earlier for those students who submit their General Choice Application prior to December 1, 2023.

    • Auditions for RESIDENT applicants will be scheduled in April.  Check the website in February for more updated information.

Contact Information

Allentown High School Choice Coordinator Email Todd Pae, Principal
(609) 259-7292 ext. 1702

All interested resident students who meet the admission requirements will be offered a place in this program.
Transportation Note to Parents: Transportation of Choice students is not guaranteed. If the cost of transportation will exceed $1,000, the parent/guardian will be given $1,000 as aid in lieu of transportation and, in some cases, the option of receiving the transportation and paying the additional amount over $1,000. By August 1, 2025, parents should receive notification of their transportation options from the resident district. For more information, read the Transportation Procedures for Choice students.