Younger Students

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
The Curtis Institute of Music does not offer a preparatory music or academic program. It is believed that gifted young musicians should study with leading teachers from the beginning of their conservatory days. Accordingly, Curtis sets no minimum age for the admission of exceptional students to most of its programs. Even the youngest, elementary school-aged students receive musical training from the same teachers at the same intensive levels as do their older colleagues (the only difference being that the younger students may receive extra lessons).

Until they earn a high-school diploma or equivalent and take the SAT I and, if necessary, the TOEFL, students younger than college age are considered candidates for the Diploma. These students pursue their musical studies at Curtis, and they pursue their college-preparatory academic studies at an accredited public or private high school of their own choosing. Several such schools are within walking distance of Curtis. Students must make their own arrangements for the payment of tuition and other fees. Financial aid is available at most private schools. Limited funding may be available from Curtis based on need. For further information about elementary- and secondary-school options, please contact the director of student services at 215-717-3143 or studentservices@curtis.edu.

Students under sixteen years old are required to have a parent or adult guardian living with them. The school encourages all students under eighteen to live with a parent, guardian, or older student. In consultation with the dean and the faculty, academically advanced younger students may on occasion be permitted to enroll in academic courses for which they demonstrate superior aptitude.

ACTIVITIES REQUIRED OF PRE-COLLEGE-AGED STUDENTS
Performance
• Major Lesson
• Chamber Music (required for pianists and orchestral instrument
majors age fourteen and older)
• Orchestra (required for orchestral instrument majors age sixteen
and older)
• Supplementary Piano (not required for piano majors)

Musical Studies
• Preparatory Musical Studies

Outside Academic Schooling
Pre-college-aged students must be enrolled in an accredited elementary- or secondary-school program or other approved program. (The registrar must be informed of student enrollment in non-Curtis academic programs.)

Students must maintain satisfactory grades (which Curtis defines as 2.0 or better) in their school programs, and they must provide Curtis with evidence of satisfactory progress each marking period or semester.

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