Applying to MSA

As a community within Novato High School, we are proud of both our Novato High School Hornets and our Marin School of the Arts Servals. In the MSA community, we value creativity, passion, hard work, and diversity. Our MSA admission process reflects our desire to continually develop our MSA identity as talented and committed artist scholars.

Admission to Marin School of the Arts at Novato High School is through an application and audition review process. Students are accepted from all areas of Marin, Sonoma, and surrounding counties. Prospective students and their families are invited to participate in activities that help families understand the breadth and depth of our program offerings, including MSA Family Tours and program events.

Applications will be reviewed by faculty, who will then conduct auditions and/or portfolio reviews. We are an inclusive community open to all—regardless of socio-economic standing, race, gender, or personal beliefs.

applying page

Steps for Applying to MSA

ADMISSIONS FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR WILL OPEN OCTOBER 15, 2023.

Forms are due by Jan. 9, 2024.

We are looking for students who are passionate about their art form—it is not necessary for applicants to have previous professional training.

If applying from out of district applicants begin their Inter District Transfer application as soon as possible with Novato Unified School District. MSA cannot offer placement until that process is complete. Transfers are not binding until a student accepts placement at Novato High School/MSA.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Parent/Guardian Fills out Online MSA Student Information Form.

ADMISSIONS WILL OPEN OCT. 15 FOR FALL 2024.

Parents or guardian begin your application by completing the form linked below.

MSA Student Information Form for 2024-25

IMPORTANT: For families who live outside of Novato please begin your Inter District Transfer request with Novato Unified School District here.

APPLICATION DEADLINES2

Student Completes Online Program Application(s).

Program applications links are provided once the Student Information Form is submitted. Students may apply for up to three programs and must complete at least one.

Program applications will be reviewed by MSA faculty to get a sense of the prospective student's interests, experience and goals for joining the program.

APPLICATION DEADLINES3

Student Prepares Portfolio/Audition materials.

Students are encouraged to prepare early for their admissions meeting with faculty. Guidelines are available for all MSA program(s) of interest.

Please see links to guidelines for each program below.  Students will bring their portfolio(s) for visual arts programs to their audition. Cinematic Arts & Creative Writing request materials be submitted prior.

Faculty email information is provided on each program page.

APPLICATION DEADLINES4

Attend Audition and Portfolio Interviews.

Applicants will be contacted via email to schedule their interview date. Students who apply to multiple programs will interview for each program separately.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINES5

Admission Status Notifications Mailed.

Admissions letters will be mailed in envelopes individually designed by an MSA student artists—a time-honored MSA tradition. Students applying from outside of Novato will not receive admissions letters until their Inter District Transfer has been approved.

APPLICATION DEADLINES6

Submit Letter of Intent.

Your Letter of Intent must be returned to the MSA Office by the date indicated on your form to guarantee placement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I submit another program application at a later date?
YES! You may submit up to three program applications before the January deadline. If you already have three program applications and would like to drop one to add another, please contact Shannon Miller for assistance at smorganmiller@nusd.org.

Can I remove a program application?
YES! Please contact us if you no longer would like to apply/audition for a program.

Can I make changes to previously submitted forms?
YES! You have the ability to edit your applications online. Simply click the “Edit response” link on your form to do so.

MSA Family Tours

MSA Tours reservations are open for students interested in admission for 2024-25 school year.

Tours give prospective students and their parent or guardian an overview of MSA offerings but are not required for admission.

Please visit the MSA Tours page for more information.

Do You Have Further Questions?

We are here to help with the process, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance. Please allow 24-48 hours for response to inquiries.

Shannon Miller, MSA Program Specialist

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