The Program

Eligibility

Location, Dates, and Times

Tuition and Registration

Auditions, Portofolio Reviews, and Student Schedules

Transportation

Attendance and Conduct

Grading Policy

Refund Policy

Nondiscrimination

Contact Information

Institute for the Arts
July 7— July 31, 2008 (weekdays)
8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Robinson Secondary School
5035 Sideburn Road
Fairfax, VA 22032

Information Night
Become acquainted with the arts program and staff during the annual Information Night, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at Robinson Secondary School. Teachers and former students will provide a program overview and answer questions.


Auditions/Portfolio Reviews/Student Schedules
Some courses require audition or portfolio review for proper placement of students. View schedule.

Note: The registration period for IFTA has been extended. Registration forms will be accepted until the program reaches full enrollment.

The Program

Master the arts! Attend Institute for the Arts (IFTA) and create an artful summer. Now in its 21st year, IFTA provides an opportunity for students to hone their skills within one discipline or experience a variety of fine arts offerings. Select four 60-minute courses each day and create a summer to remember. Students should select courses that match the grade level they will enter in the fall of 2008.

Eligibility

IFTA is open to students currently in grades 6-11, who will enter grades 7-12 during the 2008-09 school year, and who are eager to expand their talents and skills in a specific discipline or develop new areas of interest.

Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) students, county residents who are enrolled in private schools or who are home schooled, and non-Fairfax County residents are encouraged to register early as seats fill quickly.

Location, Dates, and Times

Robinson Secondary School
5035 Sideburn Road
Fairfax, VA 22032

Monday, July 7 – Thursday, July 31, 2008 (weekdays)
8:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Tuition and Registration

Registration form (fillable PDF and printer friendly-52 kb)

The tuition is $750 for Fairfax County residents and includes transportation. The tuition for non-Fairfax County residents is $950 and does not include transportation. Reduced fee and tuition waivers are not available for this elective program. Registration for IFTA is on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Monday, March 17, 2008 and will continue until the program reaches full enrollment. Students will then be placed on a waiting list.

County residents who are enrolled in private schools or who are home schooled must provide the following documentation with the completed registration form and payment: birth certificate, medical evidence of immunization, current proof of county residency papers (deed or lease agreement), completed and signed “Affirmation” form SS/SE-219 and a recent 2007-08 school report card. Non-Fairfax County residents must provide all documentation listed above, except proof of residence.

Students currently enrolled in a Fairfax County Public School need only submit a completed registration form and payment.

Incomplete registration packets including those without full payment will be returned. Only students with completed registration packets and required documents will be registered. Fax 703-227-2327, phone 703-227-2340, or send completed registration form, required documents, and full payment to:

Summer School IFTA Registration
Centreville ACE Registration Center, Room 2
5775 Spindle Court
Centreville, VA 20121

Receipt of faxed and mailed registrations is not confirmed by phone. Once processed, all registrations are confirmed by mail.

Auditions, Portfolio Reviews, and Student Schedules

Course descriptions contain audition and portfolio review requirements. Auditions are used for placement purposes only and not for admission to IFTA. Courses not requiring an audition are open to any student meeting the grade-level requirement.

Auditions and portfolio reviews begin 6:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School as follows:

Please contact the IFTA office at 703-227-8446 if you need audition information faxed or mailed to you. All student schedules are finalized after auditions and are mailed 7-10 days before the program starts.

Transportation

FCPS provides bus transportation for Fairfax County residents; however, bus stops are not the same as those during the school year. Buses pick up and drop off at FCPS elementary, middle, or high schools. Transportation routes and times are mailed approximately 7-10 days before the program starts. Transportation for non-Fairfax County residents is the responsibility of the parent or student.

Attendance and Conduct

Any student absent from a class more than two days, including tardies, early departures, and disciplinary action, will be withdrawn. Students whose schedule or vacation plans conflict in any way with this policy should not register.

Students are expected to follow the rules outlined in the Student Rights and esponsibilities regulation (SR&R). To be successful, students must be able to work independently, follow teacher directions given in a large group, and to maintain positive relationships with peers and adults.

Grading Policy

Students are evaluated on a pass/fail basis in each of their courses based on participation and completion of assignments. All students who complete the Institute will have it so noted on their transcript. Students entering grades 9-12 who successfully complete the Institute will earn 1/2 an elective credit. This 1/2 credit does not count towards the fine or practical arts graduation requirements.

Refund Policy

A written request for refund must be received by July 2, 2008 and will incur a $15 processing fee. No refund requests will be accepted after this date. Please call 703-227-8467 for recorded information on obtaining a refund.

Nondiscrimination

No student, employee, or applicant for employment in Fairfax County Public Schools shall, on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity.