About Creative Arts Secondary School

Creative Arts Secondary School develops creative young adults through rigorous study in both arts and academics. Students pursue a personal artistic vision, learning in and through the arts, as part of a supportive creative community.

Creative Arts Secondary School is a premier Saint Paul arts school graduating successful, creative producers, ready for college and career.

History of Creative Arts Secondary School

Creative Arts Secondary School began in 1993. Its mission was to bring together working artists, teachers and high school students who had a passion for the arts. It was located in Lowertown in downtown Saint Paul. 

In 1997, the Wilkins Dodge dealership on University Avenue was renovated and became the school's new home. Staff helped with much of the architectural and design decisions for the new school, creating studios for music, painting, dance and ceramics, a darkroom, classrooms, and a gallery with natural lighting. The space was beautiful, but became too small as our enrollment increased.

In 2004, a wing was added, providing more classroom space; a spacious, fully equipped science and chemistry lab; and a state-of-the-art recording studio.

In 2011, Creative Arts High School relocated back to downtown Saint Paul in a bigger and more updated space in the former Wellstone Elementary School building located at 65 East Kellogg Boulevard. (The facility had previously housed Saturn Riverfront and was originally a YWCA.) After sharing space with Open World Learning for a number of years, Creative Arts became Creative Arts Secondary School and became the sole occupant of the building. Two years of renovations later, Creative Arts is excited to begin it's next chapter as a premier school for Arts Education for students in Grades 6 through 12.

The most remarkable aspect of our history is the enthusiastic support we have received throughout the years from parents, community members, the administration and the Board of Education of Saint Paul Public Schools. Without their support we would never have become the excellent arts school we are today and continue to become.  Ask how you can join our community today!