Business Details
17 Years
experience
ChiArts: Nurturing Creative Talent & Academic Excellence
Founded in 2009, ChiArts (ChiArts) was established through a collaborative effort between the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and Chicago Public Schools to address the lack of diversity in professional arts landscapes. Our mission focuses on nurturing diverse, artistically promising scholar-artists through rigorous pre-professional arts training and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tina Boyer Brown and Artistic Director Greer Reed, we provide tuition-free education, emphasizing creativity, community, integrity, and perseverance. Our faculty includes industry professionals with decades of experience, such as nationally recognized poets, award-winning musicians, and former professional dancers.ChiArts alumni have achieved success in music, theater, visual arts, and beyond, with many earning spots in prestigious institutions and professional companies. We prioritize holistic development, balancing artistic excellence with academic rigor to prepare students for careers in the arts and higher education. Our partnerships with local and national arts organizations ensure students gain real-world experience and mentorship. Located in Chicagos West Side, we serve a diverse student body, fostering an inclusive environment where artistic expression and academic achievement thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to equity, ChiArts stands as a leader in arts education, shaping the next generation of creative leaders.
Services
Creative Writing
Dance Training
Music Education
Theatre Arts
Visual Arts
College Prep Curriculum
Audition Preparation
Summer Arts Programs
Alumni Networking
Performance Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer tuition-free, pre-professional arts training led by industry professionals.
- Our college preparatory curriculum ensures academic excellence alongside artistic development.
- Students gain mentorship from award-winning faculty with decades of industry experience.
- ChiArts alumni succeed in top-tier colleges, professional tours, and creative careers.
- We provide state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with leading arts organizations.
Services
Creative Writing Program
Our Creative Writing program trains students in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction through workshops led by published authors. Students explore literary techniques, develop portfolios, and engage with visiting writers. The curriculum emphasizes originality, critical thinking, and preparation for college-level writing and publishing careers.
Dance Conservatory
The Dance Conservatory offers training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz with faculty including former professional dancers. Students participate in performances, masterclasses, and choreography projects. The program prepares students for careers in dance companies, higher education, and related fields.
Music Education
Our Music program covers classical, jazz, and contemporary genres, taught by performers and educators with international experience. Students join ensembles, receive private lessons, and perform at venues like the Chicago Jazz Festival. Graduates pursue music degrees and professional performance careers.
Theatre Arts
The Theatre Arts program trains students in acting, directing, and technical production. Courses include stage combat, voice, and scene study. Students perform in mainstage productions and collaborate with professional theatre companies, preparing for careers in acting, design, or arts management.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts students study painting, sculpture, digital media, and more. Faculty are practicing artists with exhibitions in galleries and museums. The curriculum includes portfolio development, art history, and interdisciplinary projects, leading to careers in fine arts, design, and education.
People
Tina Boyer Brown
Executive Director
Tina Boyer Brown, an accomplished poet and educator, has led ChiArts since its founding. She oversees operations, strategic planning, and community relations, ensuring alignment with the schools mission to blend arts and academics.
Greer Reed
Artistic Director
Greer Reed, a former dancer with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, directs ChiArts arts programs. She focuses on cultural enrichment and holistic teaching, bringing decades of experience in dance education and leadership.
Anthony Bruno
Music Department Head
Anthony Bruno, a saxophonist and educator, leads the Music Department. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis and directs ChiArts Jazz Combo, emphasizing creativity and professional development for students.
Tracey Franklin
Dance and Theatre Department Head
Tracey Franklin, a former company member of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, oversees dance and theatre training. She brings expertise in performance and pedagogy, mentoring students in technique and artistic expression.
Kenyatta Rogers
Creative Writing Department Head
Kenyatta Rogers, a Cave Canem Fellow, directs the Creative Writing program. His work has been published in Poetry Magazine, and he leads workshops that emphasize literary excellence and student voice.
Questions
What programs does ChiArts offer?
ChiArts offers pre-professional training in Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, alongside a college preparatory academic curriculum.
Is ChiArts tuition-free?
Yes, ChiArts is a public high school providing tuition-free arts education to all enrolled students.
How do students audition for ChiArts?
Students audition by submitting materials or attending in-person sessions. Requirements vary by discipline and are detailed on the ChiArts admissions page.
What are ChiArts’ alumni achievements?
Alumni have toured internationally, published works, earned degrees from top conservatories, and performed on Broadway and in major dance companies.
Does ChiArts provide college preparation?
Yes, ChiArts combines arts training with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum to ensure students are ready for higher education.
Where is ChiArts located?
ChiArts is located at 2714 West Augusta Boulevard in Chicago, Illinois.
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Reviews (6)
Mrz Chillz
Jan 05, 2018
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Beautiful school beautiful people who care about your kids potential this school has transformed into something new kids there are always so welcome they are talented kids this school is something good for the neighborhood
Artistic Jazz Tv
Oct 09, 2017
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I love it already seems like a very good school ,one of my friends go there and are in love with the school and I am in 7th grade and I decided to go there and I know It is the right choice even my Bestie coming to so I suggest if you want performing arts dream to come true go here
Daijah Mitchell
Sep 29, 2017
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I really love it I'm in the 7th grade and I hope that I get in because I really love it me and my best friend have been doing research and we both are going
Raul Pulido
Dec 28, 2016
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Going here this fall!! i'm really excited that i'm going to my dream high school!! all the staff here are nice :) cant wait to start this fall!!
Sonia Reedy
Nov 12, 2016
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This is a wonderful school for anyone in the Arts. These students are very impressively talented/gifted. However, the commute to ChiArts can become a challenging one if you live away from the school. You're options are arranging to pay for a Shuttle Service, public transportation (long commute) or driving your student to school. Again, the days are very long especially if your student must commute back and forth to school everyday. Try and keep your teen as healthy as possible which is challenging if they already have chronic health issues to deal with. The staff is willing to work with their students
William Jones
Jul 06, 2016
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My daughter love CHIARTS. I thought she would complain about the long days. She loves it. Her conservatory for 3 hours is very rewarding. I've seen 1 star reviews because the school do not have sports. DO NOT GO IF YOU WANT TO CHEER FOR A FOOTBALL TEAM. If you are or want to perform CHIARTS is the place to blossom.
