The West Valley's educational landscape is set for a major expansion as two highly anticipated schools prepare to open their doors to students for the 2026–27 academic year.
Leading the expansion is The Hilltop School for the Arts, a specialized high school designed to launch students into professional creative careers, alongside.
The Hilltop School for the Arts will begin its inaugural academic year on Monday, Aug. 3, welcoming an initial cohort of about 400 students across all four high school grade levels.
The school represents a paradigm shift for arts education in the region. Principal Julie Jones, a veteran arts educator and former director of the Conservatory of Arts and Design at Desert Edge High School, emphasized that the school's mission statement, "from artistry to industry," targets students aiming for a career, not a hobby.
"Take your craft, your skill, your talent to that next level," Jones said. "We want to help you be that, but our main focus is that you can work in the industry."
Hilltop will feature seven specialized academies ranging from cinematography and film to visual arts. Built to support its creative curriculum, the campus boasts a 700-seat professional-grade theater, a 100-seat black box playhouse, and a visual arts building equipped with a dedicated gallery space and framing shop.
Through a partnership with veteran Valley concert promoter Danny Zelisko, the school’s main theater is slated to host touring artists and Broadway-level productions, offering students direct exposure to professional entertainment operations.
Administrators have also designed the school day with working artists in mind. The daily schedule will run from 8:50 a.m. to 4:25 p.m., intentionally absorbing rehearsal and studio time into regular school hours.
The school will maintain high professional expectations, including professional dress codes and strict cell phone policies. Additionally, every graduate is guaranteed to earn the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency. Admission requires an application and audition materials, though Jones emphasized that long-term prior training is not a prerequisite.
"We are looking for those who have passion, who are willing to work hard and allow us to help you get to the next steps," Jones said.
Students and families joining the inaugural classes at The Hilltop School for the Arts can attend a public Open House and Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday, July 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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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