Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year are Now Open!

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Iowa Conservatory
An Accredited Performing and Visual Arts School

Iowa’s Premier Launchpad for Emerging Artists

Brilliance at every stage.

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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.

Academic 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.

Learn More

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.

Explore
Students at Iowa Conservatory summer intensives work on art projects

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.

Get Started

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.

Discover

What ICON Parents Are Saying

So glad we moved our daughter to ICON, wish we would have done it sooner.
It has been a great experience.

Parent ’26

As parents we believe we couldn’t have chosen a better school for our child. We’ve seen our student become more actively involved in classes and student groups than at their previous school. The faculty is beyond kind and helpful when it comes to navigating the day to day lives of the students. I’ve had no issues involving student safety or wondering if my student is being educated and cared for throughout the day. The student dorms are absolutely gorgeous and the students who live there are exceptionally happy with their living arrangements and RAs. If you have a student who is passionate about the arts this is THE place to be!

Parent ’26

Our student came as a boarding student to Iowa Conservatory when they first opened. They have been there since. The experiences, support, education, and growth in their major have been monumentous. The staff are supportive and take the time to know your student. The ability to live in the resident hall has allowed them to grow as a self sufficient person able to grocery shop, cook meals, make doctor appointments, and take care of all their life necessities. Iowa Conservatory was a decision that we would make all over again!

Parent ’26

ICON has provided my daughter with a unique space to fully immerse herself in an artistic education without fear of judgment. Beyond the arts, ICON provided essential academic support. Thanks to this guidance and the opportunity to build a professional resume, she now has multiple colleges to choose from.

Parent ’26

As parents of a student in ICON’s Post Grad Prep program, we have had a front-row seat to the kind of intentional, transformative education this school provides. Iowa Conservatory is a young school doing something genuinely meaningful: building a bridge between adolescence and adulthood for students who learn best through the arts. It does so with exceptional intentionality, warmth, and rigor. We are grateful our family found it, and we recommend it without reservation.

Parent ’26

Applications Open for 2026-2027

Your next big step as an artist starts here.

Apply below to begin your journey with Iowa Conservatory.

Apply Today

The Arts Disciplines

Dance

Visual Arts

Theatre Arts

Music

Design & Production

At a Glance

7

Average academic class size

3-5 hours

# of  hours students train daily in their craft 

15

Average faculty years of professional experience

$200k+

Amount in merit scholarships awarded each year

The Next Chapter

ICON graduates take their talent to the nation’s top collegiate arts programs. Our alumni have been accepted to leading institutions including:

100%

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

100%

Every student receives dedicated, one-on-one help building portfolios for auditions, college applications, and postgraduate work

100%

Students cast in regional theater work through auditions

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.”
Iowa Conservatory alumni Londyn Kirol '24
Londyn Kirol '24Now pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Florida State University
“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!”
Iowa Conservatory alumni Avery Slaubaugh '24
Avery Slaubaugh '24Now pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Molloy University's CAP21 Conservatory
“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.“
Iowa Conservatory alumni Andreas Warren '24
Andreas Warren '24Now pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Boston Conservatory at Berklee
“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.”
Iowa Conservatory alumni Melia Bohn '24
Melia Bohn '24Now working professionally in her first regional production
Applications are Open for the 2026-27 School Year
Your Journey Starts Here!
Apply Now
Summer Intensives 2026
Level Up Your Passion!
Learn More
Iowa Conservatory is an accredited 6th-12th grade Iowa School
Iowa Residents can use ESA funds for tuition support
Learn More
ICON's First Graduating Class
We are so proud of the class of 2024!
Learn more about our ALumni

Visit with our founder, Leslie Nolte, to learn more about us!

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. 
The amount for 2025-26 is $7,826. 
The application window for the 2026-27 school year will open in April 2026. 

To apply for ESA:
https://iowa-households.withodyssey.com/login/

To learn more about the Iowa ESA:
https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/education-savings-accounts

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2026 Summer Intensives

Time is running out! Sign-up today to secure your spot. 

Summer Intensives offer immersive programs for students ready to level up in dance, musical theatre, acting, music production, and visual arts.

Learn More

Be an ICON

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

REGISTER HERE

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.