New Orleans Center for Creative Arts has provided tuition-free arts training to high school students since 1973. Beginning in the fall of 2011, NOCCA will offer a full-day option for students —one that includes not only outstanding training in the arts, but also study in academic subjects like science and history.

The new curriculum is called the Academic Studio, and it relies on the same rigorous, highly individualized approach to learning that lies at the heart of NOCCA’s successful arts training program.

The Academic Studio will take a comprehensive approach to learning, working across the full spectrum of the arts, science, and humanities. Classes will revolve around small-group learning led by certified educators whose passion for their given subject matches their students’ passion for art. The Academic Studio allows NOCCA to meet the needs of a broad range of learners by using the same master-apprentice teaching model that has defined NOCCA’s highly successful arts learning environment.

Prospective students must successfully complete an arts application and academic studio application, available at www.nocca.com by Jan. 15.

Because NOCCA expects more students to apply for the Academic Studio than there are spots available, qualified participants will be selected via lottery.

Students will still be able to attend NOCCA for half-day or afterschool arts instruction, continuing their enrollment at public, private, parochial or home schools. The Academic Studio is simply another attendance option for students and families.

For its inaugural year, the Academic Studio will accept only rising ninth grade students, students currently in eighth grade. NOCCA will add subsequent grades each year through 2014.