Hilltop School for the Arts on track for August opening

By James Goldmeer
Mail

Construction of the Hilltop School for the Arts remains on schedule and within budget, with milestones set ahead of its anticipated August opening, district officials said in a recent update.

The campus's academic portion is expected to be ready for occupancy by July 17, ahead of the school’s first day of classes on Aug. 3. District leaders said a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for opening day.

The school’s theater auditorium, a centerpiece of the campus, is scheduled to be completed later, with occupancy projected for Oct. 2. Officials said planning is underway for its first performances.

“We are on time and on budget for this portion of the project,” the district said in a statement, thanking construction teams for overcoming challenges to deliver the campus in time for students.

Principal Julie Jones said preparations inside the building have been the primary focus in recent weeks, as staff work to ensure students can begin classes as scheduled.

“We’ve really been focusing on the inside of that building and getting kids in that building specifically,” Jones said.

The school has begun its admissions process, holding its first in-person auditions in February. Acceptance letters were sent out Feb. 26, but applications remain open, with another round of auditions scheduled for April 25.

Jones said the goal is to place as many students as possible into programs that align with their interests and talents.

“We want to get kids in the right place, in the right programs, so they can do what they love,” she said.

Interest in the new arts-focused high school has been strong, driven in part by a broad outreach campaign that has drawn attention from across Arizona and beyond. School representatives have promoted the program through social media, community events and regional arts publications.

The school has completed hiring its staff, with faculty bios available online. Administrators and instructors have met regularly to plan curriculum, purchase equipment and prepare classrooms, including securing furniture, instruments and library materials.

“We’re trying to bring everything together to make it the best art school in the nation,” Jones said.

The Hilltop School for the Arts is part of a larger redevelopment effort at the historic La Loma site in Litchfield Park. The campus is designed to provide students with intensive arts training alongside academic coursework, with the goal of preparing graduates for professional careers in creative industries.

The school is expected to open with about 400 students across all four high school grade levels.

James Goldmeer
Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park

jgoldmeer@iniusa.org

Meet James
James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.

Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.

Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English. 

Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.  

Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.