Iowa's First and Only
Visual and Performing Arts Accredited School

The Most Exciting Opportunity for Emerging Artists in Iowa

We don’t just accept the best — we create the best.
At ICON, we help young artists grow through bold academics and extraordinary real-world training.
We see potential — and turn it into something powerful.

Brilliance at every stage.

7th–12th Grade Arts Academy

Day & Boarding School
for Visual + Performing Artists

Dance | Visual Arts | Theatre | Music | Design & Production | Open Major

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

Choose to commute or board in downtown Iowa City.
Graduate with a Certificate in Performing and Visual Arts Industry Fundamentals.

Middle School STEAM Education

6th Grade Gifted Learners

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.

3–4 arts courses per semester across all disciplines.
We’re looking for the top 20 sixth graders to become our founding students.

Gap Year

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 Gap Year Certificate and a polished portfolio.

School Hours: M-Th 8:30-4:15, F 8:30-3:45

Where ICON Leads

After graduating, Iowa Conservatory alumni continue their studies at premier collegiate arts programs in their specialties. In our first year alone, graduates have been accepted to dozens of top-tier programs and attended:

  • 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

You’re Not Learning About the Industry. You’re In It.

At ICON, students work one-on-one
with Broadway performers, exhibiting artists, and industry leaders—
right here, right now.
A student discussing her artwork during critique.

At ICON, we see and support the whole artist.
Our small size means every student gets personal attention—not just in their major, but across disciplines.

  • A musical theatre major might take private piano; a Dance major might explore costume design.
  • This interdisciplinary approach lets students follow their curiosity and grow as complete artists.
  • By junior and senior year, students get dedicated solo time to prepare portfolios, audition tapes, and applications.

The Artists Behind ICON. The Mentors Behind You.

Our faculty aren’t just teachers—they’re working professionals who guide, challenge, and collaborate with you every step of the way.

Can I Afford ICON?

At ICON, tuition ranges from $1,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on each family’s financial circumstances. Through generous financial aid packages and scholarships, we make sure cost isn’t a barrier for talented, passionate students.

Many students attend ICON with tuition assistance.

We believe every young artist deserves access to exceptional training — and we’re here to support you.
Request Info or Start the Application to learn more about what’s possible for your family.

May 15th: Early Decision DEADLINE

Days

July 16th: Regular Decision/Priority Talent Scholarship Deadline

Days

August 13th: TALENT Scholarship Deadline

Days

Iowa ESA Facts

Iowa residents enrolled full-time in one of Iowa’s accredited nonpublic schools can apply to receive funding equal to the “per pupil” rate allocated public school districts for the same budget school year. All Iowa residents are eligible.
Funds are held in an Education Savings Account (ESA), and are used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. This fund can be used toward paying your tuition at ICON. 
For the 2024-25 school year, the amount was $7,826. The amount for 2025-26 has not yet been announced. 
The application window for the 2025-26 school year is open from 8:00 a.m. on April 16, 2025 through 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2025.

Newsletter Signup

Receive the latest information from ICON!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Be an ICON

Student Visit Day: March 28th
Masterclass: March 29th

March 28 9 AM-4 PM: Experience life as an ICON student.  Step into the classroom with hands-on classes.

March 29 9 AM-12:30 PM:Light breakfast, Family Q&A, and Masterclass with our talented ICON arts faculty:  choose between portrait drawing or musical theatre!

March 29 1-3 PM: Engage in a 20-minute session to receive 1:1 coaching on a visual arts portfolio, song, or monologue.