 
Is Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts (THS) a private school?
THS is a charter school. We are a public school that operates by a charter under the direction
of the Utah State Board of Education. The purpose of charter schools is to find new and innovative ways of educating
students that are more effective and perhaps more efficient, and to allow individuals and organizations outside of the
educational establishment to create and run schools. THS was founded by the Tuacahn Center for the Arts Board of
Directors in 1999.
Do I have to pay tuition?
No. Charter schools are free, public schools, funded by taxpayers
just as regular public schools are. In Utah, charter schools are not allowed to charge tuition to Utah residents.
How much does it cost to attend THS?
There is a minimal registration fee charged annually
that applies to all students. However, there is no tuition for residents of Utah. Students
from out-of-state pay a modest tuition of $5,750 per year. Additional participation fees
may apply for drama, music and dance.
Where does the funding for THS come from?
THS receives state and federal charter
school funding. Additional financial support comes from Tuacahn Center for the Arts,
private donations and fund raising.
Who can attend THS? Is there an audition process?
Any student wishing to attend THS may do so. Because THS is a public high school,
there is no audition process that would exclude an interested student so long as maximum enrollment has not been reached.
Preference is given to returning students and their siblings. Any openings still available will be filled through a
random drawing of applications. Applications are accepted throughout the year and students may enroll at any time during
the year although it is recommended that they enroll at term break.
Academic standards are high, as we are a college preparatory high school and all classes are taught at a college prep
level. It is recommended that a student be on track for high school graduation with all credits to date in place as
credit cannot be made up at THS. Students are expected to succeed academically.
Is THS accredited, and what about transferring credit?
THS is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.
All credits earned at THS are transferable to other schools and THS will accept all credits granted by accredited
institutions.
Are the students at THS assessed for academic performance?
Charter school students must participate in the same testing that all public school
students do such as UBSCT and CRT. Results are published thought the Utah State Office of Education.
Are teachers certified?
Charter school teachers are under the same
licensing requirements as teachers at other public schools.
Do students have to live in a certain area to attend THS?
No. Charter schools can serve students living anywhere in Utah who wish to apply.
Out-of-state applicants are also welcome.
Where is THS located?
Located in Ivins, Utah, a small community adjacent to St. George,
THS is on the same site as Tuacahn Center for the Arts (TCA), home of the Summer Festival of Theatre.
This beautiful facility is located in a small canyon surrounded by red rock cliffs. As you face Tuacahn,
THS is the building on the left.
Is there transportation available to students?
There is no mass transportation available. Students can obtain a list of
all THS students sorted by zip code so that car pools can be arranged. Ample parking is available to students
who drive their own cars.
What housing arrangements are available?
There is currently no dormitory or apartment facility on site for students
coming to THS from outside the Washington Country area. THS can provide a list of host families from local
communities who have room to house a student during the year. Financial arrangements are made between the
student's family and the host family and vary according to the private parties involved. Private arrangements,
without THS supervision, can be arranged through a number of property management companies in St. George.
Some student housing at Dixie State College, located approximately 15 minutes from the THS campus, may also be
available.
Can a student attend a day of school before registering, to see what a day at THS is like?
Visitors are welcome at any time as long as arrangements are made in advance with the administrator.
A current student will be assigned to the visitor to serve as a guide and to answer questions from a student perspective.
What classes are offered?
All classes for high school graduation, as required by the Utah State Office of Education,
are taught with electives focusing on drama/musical theatre, music, and dance. For detailed class descriptions, please
visit the Academies and Departments lists on the menu.
As a performing and visual arts high school, what is the quality of the academic classes?
All classes are taught at a college preparatory level. Students are expected to excel to their highest potential.
We offer AP Biology, AP Calculus and AP English. We also participate in Distance Learning through the Utah Education
Network. Distance Learning allows students to take classes for both high school and college credit. An ACT preparation
class is taught at minimal cost to the student to better prepare students for the exam.
How long is the school day?
The school day runs from 8:00 a.m.
to 2:55 p.m. each day. School is dismissed at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, but for students achieving grades higher than a "C"
in all classes with fewer than five absences in any class, dismissal will be at 1:05 p.m. The hour between 1:05 and
2:00 p.m. on Friday is used for make-up work and restitution for excessive absences.
Is the school year the same as a traditional high school?
A traditional vacation schedule mirroring the local (Washington County) school district
is followed as closely as possible. All major holidays are observed, as well as UEA, Winter Break, and Spring Break.
THS students still attend the required number of days of school as outlined by the Utah State Office of Education.
Is school lunch offered and if so, how much does it cost?
Lunch is available each day through the Tuacahn Center for the Arts concession stand.
Students have the option of bringing lunch from home and two microwave ovens are available for student use. THS is a
closed campus and at no time may students leave the campus for lunch.
Do students at THS perform in the Summer Festival of Theatre?
THS students are strongly encouraged to audition for the summer productions. Many
of our students receive roles on stage and many are hired to work on the technical side of the shows. Some who are
cast receive paid positions, while others are offered internships. However, the musicals and plays that make up the
Summer Festival of Theatre are cast and directed by professionals hired by TCA for each season. Thus, THS has no direct
say in the casting and therefore students are not guaranteed a role.
Are clubs offered at THS? Are there dances and other activities?
A variety of clubs are offered at THS (click the Clubs link on the menu).
Most are directly affiliated with the performing arts, such as Drama Club and Dance Company. However, other clubs
such as National Honor Society, Interact and Governor's Youth Council are also available to students. Any student may
make suggestions for new clubs but they must have a faculty advisor and a written charter order for the club to be
considered. Three formal dances (Homecoming, Winter Ball, and Prom) are held each year as well as other informal
dances and stomps sponsored by the different clubs. Others social activities are directed by the Executive Council.
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