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.
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 〰️
Recurring SOA Classes
Our recurring classes run throughout the year and are designed for flexibility and consistency.
Flexible Payments: Families can pay monthly or choose a semester lump payment.
No Prorates Needed: Tuition is already calculated with holidays, breaks, and occasional teacher absences in mind—so there are no refunds or prorated adjustments for missed days.
Join Anytime: Enrollment stays open year-round as long as space is available.
These classes are perfect for students who want steady and ongoing activities!
A sweet, movement-filled introduction to dance for toddlers and their grown-ups! This class uses music, props, and playful activities to build coordination, listening skills, and body awareness—all while fostering imagination and joy. Caregivers join in the fun, helping little dancers explore basic ballet-inspired movement in a supportive, bonding environment.
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black fitted T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter Street)
Tuition & Schedule Note:
Our monthly dance class tuition is already calculated with holiday breaks, occasional studio closures, and teacher absences in mind. This means the monthly rate is lower than a per-class fee and remains the same each month. Because these planned (and unplanned) breaks are already factored into the pricing, there are no prorates, refunds, or make-up credits for missed classes or scheduled holidays.
Tentative Schedule:
Jan 6- Classes Start
April 9- No Class Spring Break
May 28- Last Day of Classes
A sweet, movement-filled introduction to dance for toddlers and their grown-ups! This class uses music, props, and playful activities to build coordination, listening skills, and body awareness—all while fostering imagination and joy. Caregivers join in the fun, helping little dancers explore basic ballet-inspired movement in a supportive, bonding environment.
Dress Code:
Girls: Leotard, tights, ballet shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black fitted T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Water Street Studio (115 Water Street)
Tuition & Schedule Note:
Our monthly dance class tuition is already calculated with holiday breaks, occasional studio closures, and teacher absences in mind. This means the monthly rate is lower than a per-class fee and remains the same each month. Because these planned (and unplanned) breaks are already factored into the pricing, there are no prorates, refunds, or make-up credits for missed classes or scheduled holidays.
Tentative Schedule:
April 1- First Day of Class
April 9- No Class Spring Break
May 28- Last Day of Classes
A sweet, movement-filled introduction to dance for toddlers and their grown-ups! This class uses music, props, and playful activities to build coordination, listening skills, and body awareness—all while fostering imagination and joy. Caregivers join in the fun, helping little dancers explore basic ballet-inspired movement in a supportive, bonding environment.
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black fitted T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Water Street Studio (115 N Water Street)
Tuition & Schedule Note:
Our monthly dance class tuition is already calculated with holiday breaks, occasional studio closures, and teacher absences in mind. This means the monthly rate is lower than a per-class fee and remains the same each month. Because these planned (and unplanned) breaks are already factored into the pricing, there are no prorates, refunds, or make-up credits for missed classes or scheduled holidays.
Tentative Schedule:
Jan 6- Classes Start
April 9- No Class Spring Break
May 28- Last Day of Classes
This lively and imaginative class introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet and tap in a fun, encouraging environment. Students will explore basic ballet positions, simple tap rhythms, coordination, musicality, and creative movement. Through age-appropriate exercises, games, and short combinations, dancers build confidence, body awareness, and a love for dance—all while learning classroom skills like taking turns, following directions, and working as a group.
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet and tap shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black fitted T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet and tap shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter Street)
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 welcome to join us for the final five minutes of class to observe.
Tuition & Schedule Note:
Our monthly dance class tuition is already calculated with holiday breaks, occasional studio closures, and teacher absences in mind. This means the monthly rate is lower than a per-class fee and remains the same each month. Because these planned (and unplanned) breaks are already factored into the pricing, there are no prorates, refunds, or make-up credits for missed classes or scheduled holidays.
Tentative Schedule:
Jan 6- Classes Start
April 9- No Class Spring Break
May 28- Last Day of Classes
This lively and imaginative class introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet and tap in a fun, encouraging environment. Students will explore basic ballet positions, simple tap rhythms, coordination, musicality, and creative movement. Through age-appropriate exercises, games, and short combinations, dancers build confidence, body awareness, and a love for dance—all while learning classroom skills like taking turns, following directions, and working as a group.
Dress Code:
Girls: leotard, tights, ballet and tap shoes, hair secured away from face
Boys: White or black fitted T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, ballet and tap shoes
Teacher: Ms. Ciara
Location: Water Street Studio (115 N 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..
Tuition & Schedule Note:
Our monthly dance class tuition is already calculated with holiday breaks, occasional studio closures, and teacher absences in mind. This means the monthly rate is lower than a per-class fee and remains the same each month. Because these planned (and unplanned) breaks are already factored into the pricing, there are no prorates, refunds, or make-up credits for missed classes or scheduled holidays.
Tentative Schedule:
March 30- Classes Start
April 9- No Class Spring Break
May 28- Last Day of Classes
River City Strings
Arts of the Albemarle's premier children's violin program.
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.
