ICON is an interdisciplinary, intensive arts education high school grounded in project-based learning (PBL) and focused on developing the student holistically with special attention given to their personalized artistic needs and goals.
Located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, ICON Arts Academy is the only performing arts boarding high school of its kind in Iowa and surrounding states. Directors Leslie Nolte and Dr. Beth Brown have assembled a pioneering and experienced group of passionate instructors and educators to facilitate student-driven experiences to foster the growth and development of every student-artist. ICON offers an in-person, arts education for young people ages 14-19, and is designed to complement an online academic course of study. ICON students will earn their academic high school degree in partnership with the Iowa City Community School District online program and will attend 20 hours of arts education classes weekly. Students will take classes in their chosen major along with core arts classes and electives to round out their arts education. Majors include Dance, Theatre Arts, Music (vocal/instrumental), and Design & Production. Students will live on-campus or have the option to commute daily. Rooted in the philosophy that not all students have had the opportunity to participate in their art at the same extent or level of intensity as their peers, ICON believes it’s more about realizing the potential in a student rather than the experience the student brings to ICON–all are encouraged to audition!
