For children aspiring to careers in the entertainment industry, finding the right school is crucial. Traditional academic paths often lack the flexibility and specialized training needed to balance education with acting, modeling, and other showbiz careers. Fortunately, there are schools designed to meet these needs, providing a blend of academics and professional training.
At The Kids Point, we recognize the importance of nurturing both academic growth and creative passions. Our mission is to help parents and children discover the best educational paths for young stars. Below is our curated list of the best schools for kids pursuing careers in showbiz, all known for fostering talent while ensuring academic rigor.
Professional Children’s School (PCS) – New York, NY
Overview
The Professional Children’s School (PCS) in New York City is a private, coeducational institution designed for students pursuing professional careers in the arts, entertainment, and sports. Established in 1914, PCS has been a cornerstone for young performers who need a flexible yet rigorous academic environment.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
PCS offers an integrated curriculum that allows students to balance school and career commitments. Classes can be tailored to accommodate individual schedules, with distance learning options for those working out of town. Many alumni, including Hollywood stars such as Scarlett Johansson and Sarah Jessica Parker, attribute their success in part to the flexible learning environment at PCS.
The school provides specialized counseling and support services for students navigating auditions, roles, and contracts, helping them maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Academic Approach
PCS offers a full academic curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, with an emphasis on preparing students for higher education. Despite the flexibility, students are expected to meet rigorous academic standards, ensuring that their education does not take a backseat to their careers.
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) – Los Angeles, CA
Overview
Located in the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) provides a comprehensive education that includes both traditional academic subjects and specialized arts training. Known for its strong performing arts program, LACHSA is an ideal school for children looking to pursue acting, music, or dance.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
LACHSA’s performing arts department offers conservatory-style training in multiple disciplines, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts. Students receive instruction from professionals who work in the entertainment industry, providing invaluable insight and networking opportunities.
Additionally, LACHSA has connections to local casting directors, agents, and entertainment companies, offering students regular opportunities to audition for real-world roles and participate in professional performances.
Academic Approach
Though the school’s focus is on the arts, LACHSA maintains a strong academic program. Classes are structured to provide students with a well-rounded education while also preparing them for a career in the arts. Many graduates go on to attend prestigious universities and conservatories, including Juilliard, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and Berklee College of Music.
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts – New York, NY
Overview
LaGuardia High School, often called the “Fame” school, is a specialized public high school in New York City with a strong focus on the arts. Established in 1936, LaGuardia has long been associated with producing some of the most successful actors, musicians, and artists in the entertainment industry.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
The school offers majors in drama, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and fine arts. Students receive extensive training in their chosen discipline while also completing a traditional academic curriculum. LaGuardia provides opportunities to perform in school productions, participate in festivals, and collaborate with industry professionals.
The school’s reputation and alumni network, which includes stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Al Pacino, provide students with significant exposure to the entertainment world.
Academic Approach
While LaGuardia emphasizes artistic training, students are expected to meet high academic standards. The school offers honors and AP courses in addition to its arts-focused curriculum. LaGuardia’s rigorous approach ensures that students are not only prepared for a career in entertainment but also for college and other future opportunities.
Idyllwild Arts Academy – Idyllwild, CA
Overview
Idyllwild Arts Academy is a private arts boarding school located in the mountains of Southern California. The school offers a unique blend of academic and artistic education, making it an ideal choice for young performers looking for a more immersive experience.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
Idyllwild Arts Academy provides pre-professional training in a variety of arts disciplines, including theater, film, music, dance, and creative writing. The school’s theater and film programs, in particular, are well-known for producing industry-ready actors and filmmakers.
Students at Idyllwild have the opportunity to work on original productions, attend workshops with industry professionals, and participate in film festivals. The school’s small size and intimate setting allow for personalized instruction and mentoring from faculty members who are active in the arts.
Academic Approach
Academically, Idyllwild offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The school ensures that students receive a strong academic foundation while pursuing their artistic passions. This balance is crucial for young actors, musicians, or dancers who want to keep their options open for higher education or different career paths.
Interlochen Arts Academy – Interlochen, MI
Overview
Interlochen Arts Academy, located in northern Michigan, is one of the most prestigious arts boarding schools in the United States. It offers comprehensive programs in music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, and dance, making it an excellent choice for young performers.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
The theater program at Interlochen is highly regarded for its rigorous training in acting, stagecraft, and performance. Students have the opportunity to perform in numerous productions throughout the year, many of which are directed by visiting professionals from the industry.
The school’s alumni include actors and musicians who have gone on to successful careers in Hollywood, Broadway, and the recording industry. Interlochen’s connections to agents and casting directors provide students with a direct pathway into the world of professional performance.
Academic Approach
Interlochen combines its arts training with a solid academic program, offering AP courses and preparing students for college or conservatory. The school’s small class sizes allow for individualized attention, ensuring that students excel both artistically and academically.
Oakwood School – Los Angeles, CA
Overview
Oakwood School is an independent day school in Los Angeles that combines a progressive academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on the arts. While not exclusively a performing arts school, Oakwood has become a popular choice for young actors and entertainers due to its flexibility and location in Hollywood.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
Oakwood offers a robust arts program, including theater, music, film, and visual arts. Many students at Oakwood are working actors or musicians, and the school is known for its accommodating approach to students with professional obligations. With its location in Los Angeles, Oakwood provides students with ample opportunities to audition and work on sets while attending school.
Academic Approach
Oakwood’s academic program is challenging and prepares students for top-tier colleges and universities. The school encourages creativity and critical thinking, making it a good fit for students who want to explore a wide range of interests in addition to their entertainment careers.
The BRIT School – Croydon, London, UK
Overview
For students in the UK, The BRIT School in London is one of the top institutions for those pursuing a career in showbiz. It is a state-funded school, meaning tuition is free, making it accessible to a wide range of students with a passion for the arts.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
The BRIT School offers specialized courses in music, dance, theater, film, and digital media. Many of its alumni, including singers Adele and Amy Winehouse, have gone on to have successful careers in entertainment. The school is known for its practical approach to arts education, offering students the opportunity to work on real-world projects and performances.
Academic Approach
Though the focus is on the arts, The BRIT School also provides a solid academic education. Students are expected to complete core academic subjects while pursuing their artistic training. The school’s balanced approach ensures that students are prepared for a variety of career paths, both in and out of the entertainment industry.
The School at Steps – New York, NY
Overview
The School at Steps is a prestigious dance school in New York City that caters to young dancers looking to pursue a professional career. It offers a pre-professional program that trains students in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
For aspiring dancers, The School at Steps provides a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in professional dance companies or Broadway shows. Students work with faculty members who are former dancers from renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet. The school also provides opportunities for students to perform in showcases and connect with casting directors.
Academic Approach
The School at Steps focuses primarily on dance training, so students often attend traditional schools for their academic education. However, the school offers flexible scheduling to accommodate the demanding rehearsal and performance schedules of young dancers.
Oaks Christian School – Westlake Village, CA
Overview
Oaks Christian School is a private Christian school located near Los Angeles that offers a strong academic program alongside an emphasis on the performing arts. The school is known for its supportive environment and its commitment to helping students balance their academic and professional responsibilities.
Showbiz Programs and Benefits
Oaks Christian offers extensive training in theater, music, and film. The school’s performing arts department is staffed by professionals who have worked in the entertainment industry, giving students access to valuable mentoring and networking opportunities.
The school’s proximity to Hollywood allows students to participate in auditions and professional work while attending classes.
Academic Approach
Oaks Christian offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of AP courses. The school is committed to academic excellence, and students are expected to meet high academic standards even while pursuing their showbiz careers.
Choosing the right school for children pursuing careers in showbiz can be a challenging decision. The best schools combine rigorous academic programs with the flexibility and specialized training required for young performers. Whether it’s Professional Children’s School in New York or Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, these institutions understand the unique demands of the entertainment industry and are dedicated to helping students succeed both academically and artistically.
At The Kids Point, we aim to guide parents and children in selecting educational pathways that support their creative passions. The schools listed above provide the foundation for a successful future in showbiz, ensuring that young performers can thrive in both their artistic endeavors and academic pursuits.