Special to The Dallas Examiner

Based on the success of the collegiate academy model, a new fine arts collegiate academy is launching at Wilmer Hutchins High School next school year.

The program will feature instruction in various forms of music and dance combined with career pathways for students who want to become arts educators. It will also offer students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 hours of college credit or an associate degree, tuition-free, in four years.

Building on the existence of strong choir and band programs already in place in its feeder school community, the Wilmer-Hutchins Fine Arts Collegiate Academy will instruct students in the basics of music theory, vocal performance and instrumental music conducting, along with exploration of various forms of dance. Students will also benefit from extensive performance opportunities and connections to area arts organizations for hands-on training and internships.

The campus is now recruiting incoming ninth-graders to create a class of 50 students for the 2019-2020 school year. The deadline to apply is March 31. Families can learn more at upcoming information sessions on March 5 and March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wilmer-Hutchins, located at 5520 Langdon Road.

For more information, interested families can call 972-925-5481.