Interested in
Being Part of MSA?
As a specialized program 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, diversity, and growth.
Marin School of the Arts provides multiple pathways to inclusion, including three levels of engagement:
- MSA full program participants who "major" in creativity and enroll in two MSA classes throughout their NHS experience. These students apply and are guaranteed placement in their specific artistic disciplines.
- MSA "minors" who may take one class per year and have access to introductory and most intermediate art classes. MSA Minors are not guaranteed placement in an arts program.
- NHS students who "dabble" in the arts and complete their fine art requirement through our introductory classes open to all NHS students.
Watch this short video created by our advanced cinematic arts students—bringing to life our programs and the work of our students and teachers.
The MSA admission process is designed for students who crave MSA full program participation with guaranteed placement and who commit to six-eight art classes during their four years at NHS (two per year). This admissions process also reflects our commitment to support talented and committed artist scholars and make sure each MSA discipline is a good fit for the applicant.
Students who reside outside of Novato and wish to join MSA must apply as an MSA Major to qualify for their needed Inter District Transfer through Novato Unified School District.
Through the admissions process, applicants benefit from meeting with our faculty and current students to learn first hand about each arts focus to determine if an arts program matches their interests. The process also allows program faculty to ensure proper level placement for applicants (especially important in performing arts). After acceptance, incoming MSA Majors also have the benefit of early communication of program activities, invitations to summer bridge activities before school starts, and personalized class scheduling to make sure MSA classes fit within their academic school day.
The benefits for students who graduate through the MSA Specialized Program go beyond personal enjoyment. Over the past 25 years, graduate data confirm that MSA Majors graduate with significantly higher GPA than their counterparts while developing essential skills in collaboration, creative and critical thinking, time management and more. Students in all participation levels have an opportunity to develop their passion, identity and purpose before choosing a pathway after high school.
While most prospective students are 8th graders applying for admission in their freshmen year, MSA welcomes new students at every grade level. Letter of recommendation are not required in a student's application to join MSA. We welcome young creators from all areas of Marin, Sonoma, and surrounding counties. Those who live outside of Novato must also complete an Inter District Transfer application with Novato Unified School District (see Steps below for details) before placement may be offered. MSA has no direct involvement in the transfer process but will help guide families through the process.
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.
We are an inclusive community open to all—regardless of socio-economic standing, race, gender, or personal beliefs. We encourage creative students of all skill levels to apply and seek enthusiastic, open-minded students ready to grow as a community together.
Steps for Applying to MSA
The step-by-step application process is detailed below—please read carefully. Throughout the process, families are welcome to reach out to MSA staff to ask questions. Applications will be reviewed by faculty, who hold interviews and/or portfolio reviews during our MSA Audition weekend in January.
If applying from out of district, applicants should begin their Inter District Transfer application with Novato Unified School District as early as possible. MSA cannot offer placement until the transfer process is complete. Transfers are not activated until a student accepts placement at Novato High School/MSA.
Parent/Guardian Fills out Online MSA Student Information Form.
Parent/guardian begins application by completing the form linked below.
The 2026-27 Student Information Form will be available October 1, 2025
Student Completes Online Program Application(s).
Students will be asked to confirm their program applications and provide information about their experience in each area of interest. Stay tuned while we work on streamlining this process for students. Students may apply for up to three programs and must complete at least one. MSA Major take two arts periods each year for guaranteed placement in their program(s).
MSA faculty review program applications to get a sense of prospective student's interests, experience and artistic goals to determine their best level placement.
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. This is not a test! Faculty review portfolios/"auditions" to assess a student's best placement within MSA. The process also allows students to determine whether a program matches with their interests.
Please see links to guidelines for each program below. Students bring portfolio(s) for visual arts programs to their interview. Cinematic Arts and Creative Writing request materials be submitted prior to meeting students.
Faculty email information is provided on each program page.
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 on the same day while families are welcomed to remain in the MSA hospitality hub in NHS Library.
Admission Status Notifications Mailed.
Admissions notification will be emailed to families that will detail steps required by Feb. 13 to accept placement. Students applying from outside of Novato will not receive admission notification until their Inter District Transfer has been approved.
Submit Letter of Intent.
Your Letter of Intent must be submitted to MSA by the date indicated on your form to guarantee placement. If accepting placement, the Terms & Conditions letter must also be signed and returned to complete the admission process.
Once accepted students will receive MSA Welcome letters mailed in specially designed by an MSA student artists—a time-honored MSA tradition and will confirm the student's MSA program placement.
PORTFOLIO AND AUDITION GUIDELINES BY PROGRAM
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 [email protected].
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 open in early fall for students interested in admission for 2026-27 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.