The arts aren't a break from learning. They're how we teach it.
At SLArts, students don't just read about history; they turn it into art. They don't just memorize ideas; they perform them, build them, and design them. When kids create with what they learn, they understand it more deeply and remember it longer.
How it Works
An hour of arts, every day.
Every student has at least one hour of arts instruction every day of the school year.
Five full-time arts educators.
Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, and Digital Arts are taught by dedicated specialists, as a core part of every student's day.
Woven into every subject.
The arts show up in Math, Science, and Humanities, giving students more ways to understand, explore, and show what they know.
Why it Works
Daily arts give students a reason to love coming to school, and that energy carries into every subject.
In arts classes, nearly 2/3 of SLArts students say something interesting happens every day.
Students are 2-to-3 times more likely to be deeply engaged in their arts classes than in other subjects.
87% of SLArts students work in teams or small groups daily or weekly across all their classes.
The five arts disciplines
Dance
Students train in technique, create and perform original choreography.
2025-26 Highlights Two full-length concerts of original student choreography; Repertory Dance Theatre's Heritage Project Showcase; flash mobs at Halloween, SLArts Fest and last day of school.
Drama
Students write, direct, and perform.
2025-26 Highlights Six student-written plays, video perfromances, and a three-day residency with award-winning playwright Laura King.
Music
Students practice, perform, compose, and collaborate.
2025-26 Highlights 22nd Annual Holiday Concert; spring Pop and Jazz Concert; a practice session with The Brothers Comatose.
Visual Arts
Students draw, paint, build, and exhibit.
2025-26 Highlights Monthly hallway exhibits; a top prize at the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival art contest; an exhibit at The City Library's Teen Space.
Digital Arts
Students design, illustrate, and exhibit.
2025-26 Highlights Create artwork for performances; participate in the school's first sticker contest; design the school yearbook.
SLArts taught me to value the arts in the world around me, especially in a field that requires an eye for that sort of thing.
Kuper Dyke, SLArts Alum, who went on to study architecture at the University of Utah.
Makers & Inventors: 1 Night at SLArts - Art Market & Humanities World's Fair
Every invention and every handmade piece of art starts the same way, with someone who had an idea and made it real. On Thursday, Nov 5, 6:30-8 PM, we’re celebrating that spirit with two events in one evening, and we hope you’ll come to both.
Meet the Makers: SLArts Art Market Our students, parents/guardians, and staff will be selling their handmade work, including jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, fabric art, clothing design, fun creatures, and more. It’s a chance to shop small and local and see what our community can create.
Meet the Inventors: Humanities World’s Fair Students in Ms. Bayles’ and Ms. Hoodes’ Humanities classes share the inventions of the 20th century, from the phonograph to nail polish to neon lighting. Wander through their posters of newspaper articles, timelines, advertisements, and cartoons.
Start with the makers of today, then travel back to the inventors of yesterday, or the other way around! Bring your family and come see what creativity looks like at SLArts.
November 6
Submissions Due for Recognition Assembly
Submissions Due Nov. 6: Recognition Assembly
Our Recognition Assembly is Nov. 11, and we’d love to celebrate your student’s persistence, grit, creativity, or courage in something they do outside of school. This could include: performing in a play or dance recital; competing in a sport or on a robotics team; learning a new skill like coding, painting, or skateboarding; or volunteering, leading, or taking on a meaningful personal challenge. Please send your student’s news (and a photo, if you’d like!) to Markell McCubbin, Academic Engagement Director, at markell@slarts.org by Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 pm. Due to limited space, the assembly is for students only, so be sure to ask your child for all the highlights afterward!
November 6
Early Dismissal
November 9
Cirque Mechanics: TILT! - 7th & 8th Field Trip
November 12
"The Odyssey" - Drama 3C & Drama 3T
After succeeding in the Trojan War, Odysseus finds himself on a long path home with new monsters and Greek Gods at every detour.
Drama 3 Troupe and Drama 3 Conservatory present "The Odyssey," adapted by Lauren Carn based on A.T. Murray's translation. Brace yourselves for rocky seas, epic battles, and avoiding the Siren's call!
November 13
Early Dismissal
November 16-20
Spirit Week!
Monday 11/16 - Color Day (8th Black; 7th Yellow; 6th Purple; 5th Pattern)
Tuesday 11/17 - Twinning Tuesday (two or more matching; famous duos; pajama pairs)
Wednesday 11/18 - Corporate Business Person Day
Thursday 11/19 - Teacher / Student Swap Day
Friday 11/20 - Anything But A Backpack Day (must be able to carry)
For prospective students and families: Information Nights are an opportunity to learn more about SLArts, explore the campus, meet current students, and ask questions. We strongly encourage prospective families to attend one of these events. Four sessions are scheduled between November and February.
November 20
Early Dismissal
November 25
Asynchronous Learning Day
November 26
No School - Thanksgiving Break
November 27
No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 4
Early Dismissal
December 7
Start of New Arts Rotations for 5th Graders
December 8
SLArts Information Night for Prospective Families
For prospective students and families: Information Nights are an opportunity to learn more about SLArts, explore the campus, meet current students, and ask questions. We strongly encourage prospective families to attend one of these events. Four sessions are scheduled between November and February.
For prospective students and families: Information Nights are an opportunity to learn more about SLArts, explore the campus, meet current students, and ask questions. We strongly encourage prospective families to attend one of these events. Four sessions are scheduled between November and February.
For prospective students and families: Information Nights are an opportunity to learn more about SLArts, explore the campus, meet current students, and ask questions. We strongly encourage prospective families to attend one of these events. Four sessions are scheduled between November and February.
February 5
Early Dismissal
February 5
SLArts Family Ice Skating Party
Get excited for one of our most anticipated events of the year! Family Ice Skating Night is Feb. 5 from 4:30 - 6 pm at Millcreek Common. Join us for a fun winter get-together for the entire family.
February 8
New Art Rotations for 5th Graders
February 12
Last Day to Apply to SLArts Admissions Lottery for 2027-28
During Shadow Morning, students accepted for the 2027-28 school year will have a chance to spend a part of the day at SLArts, visiting classrooms in action and getting a taste of what school at SLArts is like.
February 26
Early Dismissal
March 2
SLArts Parent Party!
Annual SLArts Parent Party Tuesday, March 2
Please join us on Tuesday, March 2 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Fisher Brewing Company 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City. Mix, mingle, and celebrate SLArts! Enjoy no-host beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) and grab dinner from Salt Lake City's favorite food trucks. A grown-up party for parents, guardians, grandparents, and alumni — come catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and say hi to teachers and staff. 21 and older please.
March 2
Shadow Morning for Accepted Students
During Shadow Morning, students accepted for the 2027-28 school year will have a chance to spend a part of the day at SLArts, visiting classrooms in action and getting a taste of what school at SLArts is like.
March 5
Early Dismissal
March 10
Student - Led Conferences - School Dismisses at 12:35
March 11
Student - Led Conferences - School Dismisses at 12:35
March 12
Pi Day 2027!
Our 5th–8th grade math students will be celebrating that magical (and delicious) number, Pi (3.14…) in true SLArts style. Students will play Pi-themed games, compete to see who can memorize the most digits of Pi and—of course—eat lots of pie.
During Shadow Morning, students accepted for the 2027-28 school year will have a chance to spend a part of the day at SLArts, visiting classrooms in action and getting a taste of what school at SLArts is like.