The School of the Arts is a county-wide magnet school that blends intensive artistic instruction with a strong academic program for nearly 1,000 students in grades 6-12. Students receive daily instruction in their major art area and participate in a challenging academic curriculum that includes college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement courses. School of the Arts students have distinguished themselves creatively and academically since the school began in 1995. Applications are based upon auditions in art majors in creative writing, dance, instrumental band, string orchestra, vocal music, piano, theatre, and visual art. Students may apply in two areas but are only accepted in one. Auditions are extremely competitive.