Level 8:
Pre-Professional Division
2025-2026 School Year
Embedded Files
Please view the Pre-Professional Division page on our website for an in-depth look at our program here.
The 2025-2026 school year will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.
Specific program details including handbooks, school-year calendars, dress codes and schedules will be communicated to all registered students towards the middle of the summer. Please review our website for available program information at this time.
Registration Deadlines
Registration Deadlines
Year-Round Financial Aid Application: July 1st, 2025
Final Registration Deadline: July 1st, 2025
We encourage all students accepted to the Pre-Professional Division to enroll by July 1st, 2025. After this time, we cannot guarantee a spot for you in the program.
Housing
Housing
Level 8 students are responsible for finding their own housing accommodations. We encourage students to consider convenient public transportation routes to PBT School as well as safety and security and cost when selecting accommodations. Recommended areas for your search include: Bloomfield, Friendship, Lawrenceville, Oakland, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. We also recommend that students visit these and other areas of Pittsburgh prior to committing to any rental arrangement.
A Housing Directory is available for all current and incoming PBT Students to utilize when looking to make connections before arriving in Pittsburgh.
Level 8 Schedule & Calendar
Level 8 Schedule & Calendar
Weekly Schedule:
MONDAY-FRIDAY:
8 - 9:30 a.m.; 3 - 6 p.m.
SATURDAY:
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Other rehearsal times may be scheduled outside of these hours for special projects. This will be communicated in advance as possible, and would be outside the curriculum.
Dates of Note:
FIRST DAY: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
FALL BREAK: Evening of Wednesday, November 26 - Sunday, November 30, 2025
PERFORMANCES: Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
WINTER BREAK: Sunday, December 28, 2025 - Sunday, January 11, 2026
SPRING BREAK: Monday, March 30 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
PERFORMANCES: Thursday, May 21 - Saturday, May 23, 2026 (No classes following final performance)
Other performance dates, in-studio and external, are TBD. Other off days include but are not limited to: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, MLK Jr. Day, and President’s Day.
Academics
Academics
PBT School does not hold academic accreditation. The following resources are intended to help full-time high school students strike a balance between their academic and artistic pursuits. Please note that PBT School is available only to provide suggestions and support for students in finding an academic program and is not able to provide direct assistance with this process. Students and their families are ultimately responsible for a student’s academic enrollment.
CORRESPONDENCE EDUCATION
A number of Pre-Professional students opt to arrange correspondence courses with their resident or home high school. Some local students have received special accommodations to allow them to take full-time classes at PBT School during the week. Others have continued enrollment with their home high schools with varied remote learning accommodations.
CYBER / ONLINE EDUCATION
Many Level 8 students opt for a cyber or online education, especially if they are especially moving to Pittsburgh for the program. Online learning options can include PA Cyber, The Keystone School, PA Leadership Charter School, PA Distance Learning Charter, Penn Foster, and Pittsburgh Online Academy. Other options may be available for students in their home states.
Scholars Academy for the Gifted and Artistically Elite is an online schooling option created specifically for the pre-professional dancer. This schooling option is available for those who are looking to have a more flexible schedule to meet the demands of pre-professional ballet. Learn more here.
HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION
A handful of students in the Pre-Professional Division are homeschooled. There are a number of co-ops and support groups in the Pittsburgh area, including but not limited to ECWPA, Homeschool Co-op of Pittsburgh, PALS, Roots Learning Academy, or STAR Co-op.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is available via application for dancers whose household income is less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.
To apply for need-based financial aid, you will need to submit a Financial Aid Application (which will be opened along with registration) with verifying documentation (W2 forms or equivalent income documentation).
If you were accepted to the summer program and submitted a financial aid application, a second financial aid application must be submitted for the 2025-2026 school year.
This application is now closed.
Costs
Costs
Students enrolling in the Level 8 program for the 2025-26 school year can expect to pay $7,995.
This includes a $500 tuition deposit, all tuition, and a $45 registration fee.
For those interested in a payment plan, a one-time fee of $30 or $60 will apply.
View the Payment Policy here.
International Students
International Students
PBT School is authorized to issue M-1 student visas. Students must register with PBT School before beginning the application process. Following registration, instructions will be communicated to complete the visa acquisition process.
Please contact Registrar Autumn Lenze, alenze@pittsburghballet.org, for student visa inquiries and information.
For additional international student resources, click here. Minimal additional fees apply.
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