SLArts FAQ

Salt Lake Arts Academy opened in 2003 as one of Utah’s first 12 charter schools, serving grades 5–8. We use the arts to enhance academic learning across all disciplines during the vital middle school years. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, SLArts teaches students to be collaborative, contributing members of their community. Every student receives at least one hour of arts instruction daily, with the arts integrated into core academics. 

We are a public charter school, authorized by the Utah State Board of Education and independent of any district. A 7-9-member volunteer Governing Board of parents and community members provides oversight and policy direction.

Our students come from more than 40 zip codes and go on to numerous high schools across the Salt Lake Valley.

By law, if there are more applicants than available spots in any grade, we hold an admissions lottery. Applications for the lottery are due mid February and the lottery is run a few days after. (See upcoming dates). 

Applicants who are not admitted will be placed on a waitlist, in the order in which they were selected in the lottery. A new lottery is conducted each year. The waitlist expires at the end of the academic year for which the application was submitted. No waitlist positions rollover. 

Learn more in Enrollment FAQ

Students should arrive before the first bell at 8:15 am.; the tardy bell rings at 8:20. Dismissal is 3 pm Monday–Thursday and 12:35 pm on Friday.

We are a middle school, and all our students take classes from multiple teachers throughout the day. There is a big jump from elementary to middle school and it can be crowded and loud - but fun! A student will need to be able to manage multiple settings and people.

Plus, we’re an arts-based school: We do all the arts! Make sure your student is interested in exploring and participating in our art programs: dance, drama, visual/digital arts and music.

See an example of a daily schedule on Is SLArts for you?

We do not offer a lunch program at SLArts. Students need to bring their own lunch. We provide microwaves and hot water for warm-ups and soups on most school days.

Our class sizes range between 18 – 26 students.

As a public school, SLArts serves a wide range of learners. Many of our students come to us from Gifted Programs throughout Salt Lake County. We provide a rigorous curriculum with opportunities for academically talented students to challenge themselves, including with our recently launched PEAK Projects (Passion, Exploration, Action, Knowledge). PEAK gives students in every grade the chance to dive into a personal passion project, guided by a mentor they choose. It's an optional stretch opportunity for students ready for more challenge and creativity, with a showcase at the end of each semester.

We also offer many levels of intervention for students who need extra support to be successful. We provide comparable services to any public school setting for students who have IEP and 504 plans. Learn more about our Special Education program.

We believe students ages 10–14 need regular guidance to develop the life skills and emotional literacy that help them grow into productive, empathetic young people. At SLArts, our community agreements – RIISE: Respect, Inclusion, Integrity, Safety, and Empathy — guide students in building interpersonal skills and solving problems. We also integrate the national No Bully program, training students to recognize the dynamics of bullying and to be “upstanders” who help create a positive school climate.

Through our Advisory Program, students connect with core curriculum while learning to manage emotions, set goals, reflect on choices, and build positive relationships.

No, we do not. With students coming from over 40 zip codes, it would be nearly impossible. But, every student receives a public transportation pass and many families utilize carpools.

We also have a wonderful after school enrichment program with over 30 classes offered each term, making pick-up easier for working parents/guardians. Scholarships are available. Learn more about our After School Program.

We partner with UTA to provide every student a transit pass, valid from August 15 to June 15. Students should carry it each day as it helps them learn to navigate public transit confidently and independently. Many of our students use public transportation daily to get to and from school.

Supervision begins at 8 am. Students should not arrive before then. Our fee-based SLArts 
After School Program offers enrichment classes; fee waivers are available for qualifying families. For safety reasons, students must leave by 3:15 pm. unless registered for an after-school class.

Yes. Your student may have between 20 to 60+ minutes each night, depending on their grade. We also expect that students in the 5th – 8th grades should be able to take the responsibility to monitor and complete their homework without major parent intervention. 

SLArts is tuition-free, but like all public schools, there are some course/supply fees required for 6th-8th grade students (averaging under $200 per student). Our 8th-grade Teton Science School trip costs $900 separately. Any student or family may request a payment plan, fee waiver or reduced cost for all of these fees.

To help fund fee-waiver scholarships, a portion of arts educator salaries, and classroom resources, we host two annual fundraisers: our Annual Giving Campaign (beginning in November) and a Day of Giving online event in April. We also pursue local/national grants, with a goal of raising over $125,000 yearly.

Yes! Our school was founded by educators and parent volunteers! We invite parents to be involved in many ways at school – chaperoning field trips, planning events, helping teachers with special programs, and serving on our Governing Board.

We also facilitate a 5th Grade Community Connectors group of parents/guardians of incoming 5th grade families who host events throughout the summer before their students start at SLArts. It's a wonderful way to build community before starting at a new school.