Iowa Conservatory

A Visual and Performing Arts Accredited School

Iowa’s Premier Launchpad for Emerging Artists

Brilliance at every stage.

Step inside Icon - where creativity meets purpose

November 7th

Experience Real Arts Training

At Iowa Conservatory, students work one-on-one with

Broadway performers, exhibiting artists, and industry leaders.

ICON is a multidisciplinary conservatory where musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, and designers

grow together through immersive, real-world experiences.

We don’t just teach the arts—we shape bold, creative thinkers ready to make an impact.

Iowa Conservatory Programs

Iowa Conservatory students thrive in an intentional community designed for artists, where exceptional academics and world-class performing arts training give every student the space to learn, imagine, and excel on stage and in the classroom.

8th-12th Grade
Arts Academy

Full Day & Boarding School
Visual + Performing Artists

Train with world-renowned faculty, collaborate across disciplines, and pursue a rigorous academic education designed with artists in mind.

Choose to commute or board. Graduate with a High School Diploma and Certificate in Performing and Visual Arts Industry Fundamentals.

Middle School
STEAM Program

6th - 7th Grade

Creativity meets critical thinking in this one-of-a-kind middle school experience. ICON STEAM students dive into core academics through the lens of the arts, technology, and engineering.

5-8 arts courses per semester across all disciplines.

ICCSD Half Day
Arts Program

9th - 12th Grade

This Intensive Arts commuter program is open only to students enrolled in the Iowa City Community School District.

Students focus on 3 major-area arts classes each semester, with 2 optional arts electives.

Professional prep is available for 11th-12th grade students.

Post Grad
Prep Program

Post High-School Age 18+

Spend a focused year preparing for auditions, college apps, or professional careers. With one-on-one coaching, hands-on portfolio support, and masterclasses with industry leaders, you’ll grow artistically, personally, and professionally.

Boarding or commuting options available.
Graduate with a Post Grad Prep Certificate and a polished portfolio.

Applications Open for 2026-2027

Your next big step as an artist starts here.

Apply below to begin your journey with Iowa Conservatory.

The Arts Disciplines

Dance

Visual Arts

Theatre Arts

Music

Design & Production

Open/Undecided

At a Glance

31

Number of students.

7

Average academic class size.

4:1

Student to teacher ratio.

15

Average number of years of professional experience among faculty.

The Next Chapter

After graduating, Iowa Conservatory alumni continue their studies at premier collegiate arts programs in their specialties. Graduates have been accepted to dozens of top-tier programs:

Florida State University BFA Musical Theatre
Molloy University CAP21 BFA Musical Theatre
Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theatre

100%

of ICON graduates are accepted to premier arts programs or cast in regional productions before finishing their studies.

100%

of students receive dedicated, one-on-one help building portfolios to prepare for auditions, college applications, and postgraduate work weekly.

100%

of icon students who have auditioned for regional theater work were cast.

Hear from the Class of 2024

“There are not enough words to describe what my time at ICON has meant to me. Every single teacher, faculty member, and student has made such a lasting impact on me and my artistry. ICON has provided me with a space where I always felt welcomed, supported, encouraged to try new things, and allowed to be myself. I am eternally grateful for the most unexpected, yet most amazing senior year I could have ever dreamed of. To just say thank you is not enough, so I will continue to show my utmost gratitude for ICON now and in my future endeavors. I will carry my knowledge and everlasting memories with me as I continue on my next journey. This has been the most cherished experience. Thank you, ICON. I love and will miss you dearly.”

“I have greatly enjoyed getting to express my interest in the arts through ICON! I've gotten to learn different acting, singing and visual art techniques that have prepared me for college. I appreciate all of the teachers for being so supportive and pushing me to become not only a better performer, but also a better human. I’m so grateful to be a part of the first graduating class of ICON, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this school!”

“During my time at ICON I was provided with an immensely safe and supportive environment where I could be myself, offer new ideas, and commit to new ventures that I would never have thought to explore prior to enrollment. I would like to thank the faculty and staff for the astounding advice and guidance offered to me throughout my journey with ICON, and for welcoming me with open arms.“

“I genuinely mean it when I say that my time at ICON has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. This school has not only helped me hone and enhance my skills as a musical theatre major, but it has also given me the invaluable opportunity to explore and learn about various additional areas of the arts. I've discovered a deep love for costume design, visual arts, and so much more. None of this would have been possible without the incredibly supportive environment fostered by every teacher, faculty member, and student. Their encouragement has given me the skills and courage to continue pursuing my passion in this field. I will miss everyone immensely.”