A new high school designed to launch artistic students into professional careers is set to make its public debut during an upcoming parent-student information meeting in Goodyear.
The Hilltop School for the Arts, scheduled to open in August 2026 at the historic Hilltop site in Litchfield Park, promises to blend rigorous arts training with real-world industry preparation. The school will begin with approximately 400 students across all four high school grade levels.
“This is the time to be able to become part of the Hilltop and become a part of our legacy,” said Principal Julie Jones, a longtime arts educator and the visionary behind the school.
Families can learn more about the school and its programs during the upcoming meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Goodyear High School, 17300 W. Van Buren St.
Jones, the former director of the Conservatory of Arts and Design at Desert Edge High School, said Hilltop’s mission, “artistry to industry,” is aimed at students ready to pursue professional careers in the arts, not hobbyists.
“Take your craft, your skill, your talent to that next level,” she said. “We want to help you be that, but our main focus is that you can work in the industry.”
Applications for the inaugural class are now open, with audition materials due by Dec. 5. Students do not need extensive training to apply, but must demonstrate passion and coachability.
“You don’t need 10 years of dance training to come to our school,” Jones said. “We are looking for those who have passion, who are willing to work hard and be part of something great and allow us to help you get to the next steps.”
The school’s campus is being built specifically for its arts-focused mission. Facilities will include a 700-seat professional-grade theater, a 100-seat black box playhouse, and a visual arts building with gallery space and a framing shop.
“I can just imagine what amazing things we can do with all that community (space),” said Ryan Williams, Hilltop’s visual arts program coordinator.
Hilltop will offer seven specialized academies, from cinematography and film to visual arts.
Through a partnership with longtime Valley concert promoter Danny Zelisko, the school’s theater will host touring artists and Broadway-level productions.
Hilltop also guarantees each graduate will earn the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency — a standard that Williams helped develop.
Assistant Principal Noah Bleckner shared that Hilltop’s school day will run from 8:50 a.m. to 4:25 p.m., intentionally designed to include time for rehearsals and creative work within the school schedule.
“A lot of times what happens is students are at school and then stay after for practice or rehearsal,” Bleckner said. “We want that time to be built into the day so that they can leave at 4:25 every day.”
Hilltop will operate with a focus on professionalism and high expectations. Students will dress professionally, cell phones will be off during instruction, and traditional discipline measures like suspension will be replaced with loss of privileges for repeated issues.
A $200 annual arts fee will help support the school’s extensive programming and performances. Fee waivers are available for students on free or reduced lunch, and financial barriers will not affect admission.
“We are here to not only help cultivate artistic mastery,” Jones said, “but promote entering into professional excellence.”
To learn more or begin the application process, visit hilltop.aguafria.org.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
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.
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