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, 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 audition and receive placement in their specific artistic disciplines.
- MSA "minors" who take one class per year and have access to introductory and intermediate art classes.
- 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 and who commit to eight art classes during their four years at NHS (two per year). This process also reflects our desire to continually develop our MSA identity as talented and committed artist scholars and make sure each MSA discipline is a good fit for the applicant.
Through the process, applicants have the benefit of formative experiences with our faculty and program peers. After acceptance, incoming MSA majors also have the benefit of early communication of program activities, invitations to summer bridge activities before school starts, and hand scheduling to make sure MSA classes fit within the academic school day.
While most applicants are 8th graders applying for admission their freshmen year, MSA welcomes new students at every grade level. Students are accepted from all areas of Marin, Sonoma, and surrounding counties. Students residing outside of Novato gain admission through our Interdistrict Transfer Program (see Steps below for details). 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 will then conduct auditions and/or portfolio reviews during our MSA Audition weekend (last weekend in January).
If applying from out of district, applicants should begin their Interdistrict 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.
Parent/Guardian Fills out Online MSA Student Information Form.
FALL '25 ADMISSIONS OPEN OCT. 15.
Parent/guardian begins application by completing the form linked below.
MSA Student Information Form for 2024-25 (late applicants for Fall 2024)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 open in early fall for students interested in admission for 2025-26 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.