Structure and Course Enrollment
The Academy operates on a 15 week semester system. Although most academic courses are year-long, individual departments do offer semester courses for those whose programs permit. The daily schedule consists of morning academic classes and afternoon arts classes. A typical day begins with breakfast from 7:15 to 8:00, followed by academics until 1:00, then lunch followed by arts classes until 6:30. Dinner from 6:00 to 7:00 is followed by rehearsals or performances from 7:00 to 10:00 and study/quiet hours from 8:50 to 10:00. Students must be in their dorms by 10:00 with lights out by 10:30.
Course Enrollment
Each spring returning students register for academic classes for the next academic year. Sequential courses and Honors courses are recommended by the students' current teachers and additional elective courses are chosen by students to complete their programs. Current parents or students may contact the Academy during the summer if there is a need to change course selections.
New students should read the curriculum guide carefully and download the Pre-registration Form from the Parent Resources page on the IAA website and send/fax it to the Academic Dean after June 15. New students may be given placement tests in math and foreign language during student orientation to determine placement in required or sequential courses. All new International Students take an English as a Second Language placement test during orientation to determine placement in ESL and mainstream classes.
Placement in most arts classes is determined by audition or portfolio evaluation during registration/orientation weekend.