Structure
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 students register for the next academic year with the help of their advisors and the approval of their department chairs. Sequential courses and Honors courses are recommended by the students' current teachers. Other courses are chosen by students to complete their programs. Parents or students may contact the Academy during the summer if there is a need to change course selections. New students may be given placement tests during student orientation to determine placement in required or sequential courses. Placement in most arts classes is determined by audition or portfolio evaluation.

All students are required to maintain a minimum course enrollment of 30 class-hours per week. If a student drops below the required 30 class-hour load per week, he/she may be dismissed from the Academy.