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Please note the following changes for the 2025-2026 school year:
Please note the following changes for the 2025-2026 school year:
First Ward Creative Arts will become a full-choice middle school for grades 6-8. Current 6th and 7th graders at Northwest School of the Arts will attend First Ward Creative Arts. Rising 6th graders, as well as any 7th or 8th graders wishing to transfer, must apply through the lottery and audition process.
Northwest School of the Arts will become a full-choice high school for grades 9-12. Current 8th grade students at Northwest School of the Arts will stay for 9th grade. Any rising 9th-12th grader wishing to transfer must apply through the lottery and audition process.
The Audition Request form (link below) should be completed as soon as your child decides to audition*. Please do not wait until the deadline, as auditions are scheduled in order of requests received.
The Audition Request form (link below) should be completed as soon as your child decides to audition*. Please do not wait until the deadline, as auditions are scheduled in order of requests received.
The forms can be found below. Save and print the audition checklist (below) for your use.
The forms can be found below. Save and print the audition checklist (below) for your use.
The first attempt to schedule an audition will be via email. Please check your email regularly.
The first attempt to schedule an audition will be via email. Please check your email regularly.
NWSA AUDITION CHECKLIST 2025-2026.docx.pdfThank you for your interest in our school!
Thank you for your interest in our school!
Northwest School of the Arts is a CMS Magnet School that provides specialized arts instruction for students in grades 9-12. Northwest School of the Arts develops artists through intensive pre-professional training in the visual or performing arts, combined with a strong academic foundation.
Northwest School of the Arts is a CMS Magnet School that provides specialized arts instruction for students in grades 9-12. Northwest School of the Arts develops artists through intensive pre-professional training in the visual or performing arts, combined with a strong academic foundation.
NWSA holds auditions for all students who wish to enroll. In the event there are more students who have auditioned than there are seats available, those students are placed on a waiting list for possible admission if a seat should become available. The CMS School Choice Lottery is the way most students are admitted to our school after a passed audition. We are now planning for "Fall" Auditions to place students at the school for the 2025-26 school year. If your child has not yet been scheduled, the Fall audition information dates/deadlines will apply to them. Passing an audition during the lottery period provides the best chance to be placed at our school. Please be sure to pay attention to the Dates and Deadlines section.
NWSA holds auditions for all students who wish to enroll. In the event there are more students who have auditioned than there are seats available, those students are placed on a waiting list for possible admission if a seat should become available. The CMS School Choice Lottery is the way most students are admitted to our school after a passed audition. We are now planning for "Fall" Auditions to place students at the school for the 2025-26 school year. If your child has not yet been scheduled, the Fall audition information dates/deadlines will apply to them. Passing an audition during the lottery period provides the best chance to be placed at our school. Please be sure to pay attention to the Dates and Deadlines section.
Students at NWSA concentrate in arts areas, or "majors." Students are able to major in more than one area. The "Audition at NWSA" tab (above) contains an Audition Process Checklist to help you manage the process. The checklist only covers essential steps, so please review the website entirely. Follow the steps, observe dates and deadlines, and make sure your child prepares for their audition or portfolio review using the Audition Requirements! I'm available to answer questions after you have reviewed the information on this website. Check out the other tabs on the menu above for lots of information about our school! We would also love for you to join us at an Information Session or Daytime School Tours!
Students at NWSA concentrate in arts areas, or "majors." Students are able to major in more than one area. The "Audition at NWSA" tab (above) contains an Audition Process Checklist to help you manage the process. The checklist only covers essential steps, so please review the website entirely. Follow the steps, observe dates and deadlines, and make sure your child prepares for their audition or portfolio review using the Audition Requirements! I'm available to answer questions after you have reviewed the information on this website. Check out the other tabs on the menu above for lots of information about our school! We would also love for you to join us at an Information Session or Daytime School Tours!
Best of luck and "break a leg"!
Best of luck and "break a leg"!
Crystal Bitzel,
Crystal Bitzel,
Arts Coordinator
Arts Coordinator
nwsa.auditions@cms.k12.nc.us
nwsa.auditions@cms.k12.nc.us
Phone: (980) 343-5500
Phone: (980) 343-5500
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