Fine Arts

What are Fine Arts?

Pasco County Schools offers dynamic Fine Arts programs that help students explore their creativity and develop their talents in visual arts, dance, music, and theatre. Whether your child is just beginning their journey or is ready for advanced instruction, they can choose from a wide variety of courses and performance opportunities, including photography, digital art, ceramics, dance, chorus, band, orchestra, musical theatre, and more.

How can I become part of a Fine Arts or Orchestra program?

Fine arts coursework opportunities are available at ALL schools. Students seeking an enhanced arts experience can also explore the FAME Academy at River Ridge Middle and High School or Conservatory of the Arts at Cypress Creek Middle and High School, which provide expanded opportunities for growth and achievement.

Orchestra is available to middle and high school students through the school zone or through the Orchestra Pathway. Orchestra programs are offered:

River Ridge Middle and High Schools

Cypress Creek Middle and High Schools

Wiregrass Ranch High School, Dr. John Long Middle School

J.W. Mitchell High School, and Seven Springs Middle School

These opportunities are determined by your zoned middle school. Interested students not zoned for these schools must apply utilizing the Pasco Pathways School Choice Application. Students zoned for these schools should contact the school to express interest.

Do I have to meet the criteria to be accepted?

Band & Orchestra Pathway Requirements

Students applying to a Band or Orchestra high school pathway should have at least two years of playing experience in their instrument.

If a student's musical experience was gained outside of school, documentation or additional review may be requested to verify readiness for the program.

Please note that beginning-level Band and Orchestra classes are not offered, so students should already have experience playing their instrument.

Students enrolled in Band at the Conservatory of the Arts or FAME Academy are expected to participate in the school's marching band program.

View the Orchestra Pathway Map

All students are welcome to apply to the school of their choice. Students applying to schools or programs within their designated pathway will receive enrollment preference in the lottery process, in accordance with the Pasco County Schools Controlled Open Enrollment Plan.

All Fine Arts Programs

Applicants will be reviewed to ensure they have:

A minimum 2.0 GPA in any middle school or high school courses completed.

Met any required course prerequisites for the grade level they are applying to.

Students transferring from a homeschool program, private school, or a school outside of Pasco County Schools must provide transcripts showing their current grades and assessment scores. Applications that do not include this documentation cannot be considered and will be declined.