Why Fine Arts Center
The Fine Arts Center is South Carolina’s first public high school for the creative, visual, and performing arts. For generations, the FAC has nurtured the talents of countless artists, writers, musicians, and performers who have gone on to make a profound impact on the world of arts and culture. The FAC is honored to play a part in shaping budding artists to find success in their field. Applications to the FAC open in October and close at the end of January, with auditions taking place shortly thereafter. Students who are accepted attend during the next school year.
Students develop their craft in a creative community where they are challenged to take risks, collaborate, think critically, and reach their artistic potential. FAC students regularly earn regional and national recognition, gain admission to leading arts and academic institutions, and receive millions of dollars in scholarship offers each year.
For students ready to pursue their passion at a higher level, the Fine Arts Center offers an extraordinary opportunity to learn alongside other young artists who share their drive to create, perform, and grow.
RESOURCE LINKS
Tours for interested eighth-grade students who attend Greenville County Schools middle schools are coordinated through each student’s middle school counselor. These tours take place on specific dates during the months of October, November, and December.
High school students may sign up for the FAC’s High School Visitation Day, which will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2026. More information is available through the school counselor and on the FAC website.
Other interested students and families may contact the Fine Arts Center Main Office to inquire about tour availability.
- Architecture
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Digital Filmmaking
- Music
- Jazz Studies
- Percussion
- Recording Arts
- Strings Chamber Music
- Voice
- Winds & Brass Chamber Music
- Theatre
- Theatre Design & Production
- Visual Arts
- Arts Schools Network Exemplary School, 2023–2028
- Arts Schools Network Community Partnership Award, 2024
- Arts in Basic Curriculum Certified School, 2020 and 2023
- Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in South Carolina
- Kennedy Center/NSBA Arts in Education National Award
- 24 YoungArts Award winners since 2017
- Consistent recognition in the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards, including Outstanding Soloist winners in 2024, 2025 and 2026
- Nation’s first Fiber Arts program developed in partnership with a major university, North Carolina State University
- Nation’s first Art of Architecture program connected to a major university, Clemson University
- Recipient of grants from leading state and national arts and education organizations
The FAC application opens on October 1 and can be accessed through the ADMISSIONS page on the website. We are not just seeking students with talent - we want teachable students who have a high level of curiosity, creativity, and motivation. Many of our programs require no prior experience. Visit our website to learn more about what we have to offer.
We offer Audition and Portfolio workshops for prospective students, taking place on Saturday, November 21. We also have help sessions for students who are struggling with completing the application, scheduled for October 13 and December 15. More information is available on our website. Call our Main Office with any questions.
“The Fine Arts Center is one of those rare educational experiences that allows students to grow and be their authentic selves while showing them a bigger picture of the world. Students learn that hard work, focus and dedication pay off. The environment promotes unity, acceptance, dignity and a high level of achievement.”
— Graduate Parent
“As the parent of a senior voice student, I have seen firsthand what a gift the Fine Arts Center is to Greenville County students. FAC has given my daughter a place to grow, be challenged, feel supported and build confidence. The joy, friendships and sense of belonging these students develop are every bit as meaningful as the scholarships, college acceptances and awards.”
— 12th Grade Parent