stART here.
At AOA School of the Arts (SOA), we believe in nurturing creativity and artistic talent in our community’s youth through classes serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Our program offers a diverse range of artistic disciplines, dedicated instructors, and a supportive environment to help young minds grow and excel in their chosen art forms. We provide performing and visual arts classes and opportunities through SOA and The Center Players, to increase confidence and skill in both students who enjoy the arts as a hobby and those who seek to enter the professional industry.
The mission of AOA School of the Arts is to refine talent and potential into skill and mastery by providing the best quality classes, lessons, and material to our students.
Why Families Love SOA:
Builds confidence and independence
Encourages creativity and self-expression
Supports social skills and friendships
Welcoming, community-centered environment
Registration opens at the beginning of each semester.
If enrollment is not currently open, we’d still love to hear from you!
Please email schoolofthearts@artsaoa.com to be added to our interest list and be the first to know when registration becomes available.
Our Programming
Winter
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Our Winter Semester offers a focused, four-week mini term each January. It’s a great opportunity for students to take new classes, lighten their spring course load, or explore a subject in a short, intensive format.
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Complete a full arts course in just four weeks
Focus on creative skill-building through daily practice
Explore new artistic mediums or performance styles
Build or enhance your portfolio in a supportive, intensive setting
Stay engaged with your craft between semesters
Spring
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Our Spring Session is the perfect time for students to explore, grow, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Whether your child is brand new or continuing their journey, spring is all about creativity, discovery, and trying something new.
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Dance (Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz)
Theatre & Performance (Musical Theatre, Acting)
Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media)
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Early Childhood (Ages 18m–5y)
Youth Programs (Ages 5–11)
Teen Programs (Ages 11-18)
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Weekly classes with experienced instructors
A balance of structure and creative freedom
Small class sizes for individualized attention
A relaxed, low-pressure environment
Summer
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Get ready for the most creative weeks of the summer!
At Arts of the Albemarle’s School of the Arts (SOA), our Summer Camps are packed with imagination, movement, music, and all-around artistic fun. Whether your child loves to paint, perform, dance, sing, or try a little bit of everything, our camps are designed to spark creativity and build confidence.Each camp is led by enthusiastic teaching artists who make learning exciting, encouraging, and hands-on! The perfect recipe for unforgettable summer memories.
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We offer flexible scheduling to meet the needs of busy families:
Morning Session
Afternoon Session
Lunchtime Supervision Available for students staying all day
Families may choose one session or mix and match to create a full day of arts immersion.
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SOA Summer Camps cover a wide range of arts disciplines, including:
Visual Arts: Drawing & painting, Mixed media, Creative exploration
Music: Violin, Drums, Piano
Dance: Jazz, Tap, Ballet
Theatre & Musical Theatre: Acting & character development, Singing, storytelling, and performance skills
Center Player Bootcamp Our annual intensive designed for new and returning Center Players.
Students sharpen technique, build ensemble skills, and prepare for the upcoming performance season. -
A welcoming, artistic environment
Passionate teaching artists
Skill building through creativity and play
Opportunities for both beginners and experienced young performers
Flexible scheduling to fit your family’s needs
Fall
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Our Fall Session is our most comprehensive and structured program, designed for students who want to build skills, gain confidence, and be part of a creative community.
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Dance (Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz)
Theatre & Performance (Musical Theatre, Acting)
Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media)
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Early Childhood (Ages 18m–5y)
Youth Programs (Ages 5–11)
Teen Programs (Ages 11-18)
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Skill progression week-to-week
Strong sense of community
AOA School of the Arts hosts semester-long after school classes during the Spring and Fall, as well as various week-long camps through the summer.
Each session is unique and is thoughtfully planned with the help of our talented instructors to engage and enrich the lives of our local youth to our best abilities.
It is our goal to provide arts opportunities to all students, regardless of economic circumstances. Please email schoolofthearts@artsaoa.com to inquire about tuition assistance.
Inspiring creativity through dance, theatre, and visual arts for all ages.
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Inspiring creativity through dance, theatre, and visual arts for all ages. 〰️
Find the Right Program for Your Child
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Enroll in a visual arts class!
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Enroll in a Musical Theatre class or audition to be a Center Player!
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Enroll in a Dance & Creative Movement Class
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Enroll in River City Strings or another music class.
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to help you find the perfect fit.
Classes open for registration at the beginning of each semester. If you don’t see open enrollment right now and you’re interested in a class, please email schoolofthearts@artsaoa.com to be added to our interest list and be the first to know when enrollment opens.
Bring your favorite stories to life through movement! Each session combines story time, creative movement, and ballet-based dance as dancers explore characters, music, and imagination. Come for one class or bundle multiple sessions and save!
Storybook Dance: Dance & Read Along!
Step into the pages of your favorite stories through ballet! In each session, dancers will listen to a beloved story, explore its characters and setting through movement, and learn fun ballet steps inspired by the book. Each class is a magical combination of storytime, imagination, and dance!
Classes are offered as individual sessions, so dancers can join us for one story or experience them all! Bundle multiple classes and save!
DATES:
September 12th
September 26th
October 17th
November 21st
November 28th
December 12th
December 19th
January 2nd
An introduction to ballet focusing on basic technique, rhythm, and movement. This class helps young dancers develop coordination, musicality, and confidence while having fun learning dance fundamentals.
Dress Code
Come ready to move in this ballet based class!
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely
Ballet shoes or bare feet
Leotards and tights are welcome for girls, but are not required
Hair should be secured away from the face when possible
Parents: We ask that parents drop off and leave during class time. Parents are welcome to join us for the final five minutes of class if they would like to observe.
Teacher: Ms. Erika
Location: Water Street Studio (115 Water Street)
Storybook Dance: Dance & Read Along!
Step into the pages of your favorite stories through ballet! In each session, dancers will listen to a beloved story, explore its characters and setting through movement, and learn fun ballet steps inspired by the book. Each class is a magical combination of storytime, imagination, and dance!
Classes are offered as individual sessions, so dancers can join us for one story or experience them all! Bundle multiple classes and save!
DATES:
September 12th
September 26th
October 17th
November 21st
November 28th
December 12th
December 19th
January 2nd
An introduction to ballet focusing on basic technique, rhythm, and movement. This class helps young dancers develop coordination, musicality, and confidence while having fun learning dance fundamentals.
Dress Code
Come ready to move in this ballet based class!
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely
Ballet shoes or bare feet
Leotards and tights are welcome for girls, but are not required
Hair should be secured away from the face when possible
Teacher: Ms. Erika
Location: Water Street Studio (115 Water Street)
Storybook Dance: Dance & Read Along!
Step into the pages of your favorite stories through ballet! In each session, dancers will listen to a beloved story, explore its characters and setting through movement, and learn fun ballet steps inspired by the book. Each class is a magical combination of storytime, imagination, and dance!
Classes are offered as individual sessions, so dancers can join us for one story or experience them all! Bundle multiple classes and save!
DATES:
September 12th
September 26th
October 17th
November 21st
November 28th
December 12th
December 19th
January 2nd
An introduction to ballet focusing on basic technique, rhythm, and movement. This class helps young dancers develop coordination, musicality, and confidence while having fun learning dance fundamentals.
Dress Code
Come ready to move in this ballet based class!
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely
Ballet shoes or bare feet
Leotards and tights are welcome for girls, but are not required
Hair should be secured away from the face when possible
Teacher: Ms. Erika
Location: Water Street Studio (115 Water Street)
Recurring SOA Classes
Our recurring classes run throughout the year and are designed for flexibility and consistency. These classes are perfect for students who want steady and ongoing activities!
This beginner dance class introduces ballet and tap through imaginative movement, music, and age-appropriate technique. Students build coordination, rhythm, balance, and confidence while having fun.
This class will have an informal December recital, admission will be free, and students will need to provide their own pink leotard, pink tights, and ballet/tap shoes. You must participate in November classes in order to be in the recital. Dress rehearsal December Tuesday 15th 5-6pm, Recital December 17th students should arrive at 5:00pm, performance will be at 6:30pm
Choose a month or bundle!
Class Dates
Month 1 (September)
September 1st
September 8th
September 15th
September 22nd
Month 2 (October)
October 6th
October 13th
October 20th
October 27th
Month 3 (November)
November 3rd
November 10th
November 17th
December 1st
December 8th
December 5th, Recital Dress Rehearsal 5-6pm
Please note: There will be no classes held September 28th-October 2nd and November 23rd-27th
Dress Code:
Girls: Leotard, tights, ballet/tap shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet/tap shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Water Street Studio (115 Water Street)
Parents: Parents: The goal of this class is to help students build independence by attending class on their own, listening to the instructor, and participating without parents present. We encourage families to work toward drop-off as students are ready, at a pace that feels comfortable. Parents are always welcome to join us for the final five minutes of class to observe..
Introduce your little one to the joy of movement, music, and dance! Caregivers join their child as they explore basic ballet steps, imaginative movement, and rhythm while building coordination, confidence, and special memories together.
Choose a month or bundle!
Class Dates
Month 1 (September)
September 1st
September 8th
September 15th
September 22nd
Month 2 (October)
October 6th
October 13th
October 20th
October 27th
Month 3 (November)
November 3rd
November 10th
November 17th
December 1st
Please note: There will be no classes held September 28th-October 2nd and November 23rd-27th
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Water Street Studio (115 Water Street)
This beginner dance class introduces ballet and tap through imaginative movement, music, and age-appropriate technique. Students build coordination, rhythm, balance, and confidence while having fun.
This class will have an informal December recital, admission will be free, and students will need to provide their own pink leotard, pink tights, and ballet/tap shoes. You must participate in November classes in order to be in the recital. Dress rehearsal December Tuesday 15th 5-6pm, Recital December 17th students should arrive at 5:00pm, performance will be at 6:30pm
Choose a month or bundle!
Class Dates
Month 1 (September)
September 3rd
September 10th
September 17th
September 24th
Month 2 (October)
October 8th
October 15th
October 22nd
October 29th
Month 3 (November)
November 5th
November 12th
November 19th
December 3rd
December 10th
Recital Rehearsal: Tuesday, December 15th 5-6pm
Recital Date: TBD
Please note: There will be no classes held September 28th-October 2nd and November 23rd-27th
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet & tap shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet & tap shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter Street)
Parents: Parents: The goal of this class is to help students build independence by attending class on their own, listening to the instructor, and participating without parents present. We encourage families to work toward drop-off as students are ready, at a pace that feels comfortable. Parents are always welcome to join us for the final five minutes of class to observe..
Introduce your little one to the joy of movement, music, and dance! Caregivers join their child as they explore basic ballet steps, imaginative movement, and rhythm while building coordination, confidence, and special memories together.
Choose a month or bundle!
Class Dates
Month 1 (September)
September 3rd
September 10th
September 17th
September 24th
Month 2 (October)
October 8th
October 15th
October 22nd
October 29th
Month 3 (November)
November 5th
November 12th
November 19th
December 3rd
Please note: There will be no classes held September 28th-October 2nd and November 23rd-27th
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter Street)
River City Strings
Arts of the Albemarle's premier children's violin program.
Make this summer unforgettable at Arts of the Albemarle’s School of the Arts! Our fun, high energy camps let kids dive into visual arts, music, dance, theatre, musical theatre, and even our popular Center Player Bootcamp. We offer morning and afternoon sessions, with the option to join one or stay all day. Need coverage in between? Lunchtime supervision is available! Whether your child is trying something new or building on what they love, SOA Summer Camps spark creativity, boost confidence, and fill each day with imagination and fun.
Choose your sessions. Pick your favorite themes. Let creativity lead the way!
2026 Summer Camp Sessions
June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29- July 3rd
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
Singing
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Musical Theatre
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Violin
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Clay
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Piano
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Art
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Dance
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Painting
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Singing 〰️ Musical Theatre 〰️ Violin 〰️ Clay 〰️ Piano 〰️ Art 〰️ Dance 〰️ Painting 〰️
More Music Education Opportunities
AOA hosts local instructors conducting private lessons and small group music classes in voice, guitar, piano, ukulele, and more!
All inquiries should be directed to the instructors, who coordinate rates and scheduling independently.
