Apply to the Pre-Professional Program
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The Pre-Professional Program offers diverse training for students ages 7 to 17 during the school year. Classes are taught by The Ailey School’s experienced and distinguished faculty.
Upcoming Auditions
2026-27 Pre-Professional Program
Pre-registration is required for auditions. Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and programs may fill quickly. Late auditions and enrollment may be available if space permits.
| April 18 | Ages 7–10 | Registration opens March 24 |
| June 9–11 | Ages 7–17 | Registration opens May 19 |
| August 11–13 | Ages 7–17 | Registration opens July 21 |
Students need to attend one audition session only and must be the program age by September 1, 2026, to be eligible to audition. Students ages 14–17 years old who attend the June audition are automatically considered for merit-based scholarship.
Deadlines
June
Current Students Re-enrollment
July
New Student Enrollment
September–October
Late Enrollment*
December–January
Spring Enrollment*
*Audition by appointment only. Enrollment subject to availability.
Space is limited! Advance deposits are required to reserve space. View tuition prices and payment plans.
Minimum payment of the quarterly payment option is required to reserve space at the time of enrollment.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition varies from $1,253/year to $5,773/year depending on level and number of classes per week. The minimum payment required to complete registration is the first tuition installment and required fees.
School Year- 2025-2026
Tuition varies from $1,253/year to $5,773/year depending on level and number of classes per week. The minimum payment required to complete registration is the first tuition installment and required fees.
Payment Plans
Paid In Full Includes $65 registration fee & 10% discount | Bi-Annual* Upon Enrollment & January 15 | Quarterly* Upon Enrollment, November 1, January 15 & March 15 | Total | |
| Level 1 | $1,877.60 | $1007 x 2 | $503.50 x 4 | $2,129 |
| Level 2B | $2,446.40 | $1,323 x 2 | $661.50 x 4 | $2,761 |
| Level 2A | $2,947.70 | $1,601.50 x 2 | $800.75 x 4 | $3,318 |
| Level 3B | $2,947.70 | $1,601.50 x 2 | $800.75 x 4 | $3,318 |
| Level 3A | $3,651.50 | $1,992.50 x 2 | $996.25 x 4 | $4,100 |
| Level 4-1, 4-3 | $4,586.60 | $2,512 x 2 | $1,256 x 4 | $5,139 |
| Level 4-2, 4-4 | $4,230.20 | $2,314 x 2 | $1,157 x 4 | $4,743 |
| Level 5 | $5,020.40 | $2,753 x 2 | $1,376.50 x 4 | $5,621 |
| Level 6 | $5,020.40 | $2,753 x 2 | $1,376.50 x 4 | $5,621 |
| Level 7 | $5,309.30 | $2,913.50 x 2 | $1,456.75 x 4 | $5,942 |
*A $65 non-refundable registration fee and $50 payment plan fee are due upon enrollment. Amounts listed above under the bi-annual and quarterly payment plan do not include these fees.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. All enrolling students are committing to the entire school year. Written notice is needed to withdraw. After withdrawing the refund amount is based on the policy noted here.
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Scholarships: This scholarship was established to recognize dance students who demonstrate superior talent, discipline, and a commitment to excellence as a developing artist. By audition or invitation only.
AileyCamp Scholarship: This scholarship was established to give AileyCampers who demonstrate exemplary behavior, talent, and a unique desire to train further in dance the opportunity to attend The Ailey School year-round. By invitation only.
Ailey Athletic Boys Scholarship: This scholarship was established to provide boys who demonstrate a unique passion for dance the opportunity to attend The Ailey School year-round tuition free. By audition or invitation only.
FAQs
Yes! The Pre-Professional Program offers scholarships to eligible students (ages 15 to 17) who show the highest potential for a career in dance through the Scholarship Program. Students must audition to be considered for the Scholarship Program and re-audition annually to maintain their scholarship.
If you are interested in scholarship opportunities, please contact [email protected] for more information.
Yes, a dress code is required for all programs. To purchase the required attire, you can order online or visit The Ailey Boutique located inside The Ailey School. Boutique hours are Monday-Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
Level placement is determined based on several factors, including (but not limited to) proficiency in ballet and modern, instructor recommendations, and observations made by the audition panel. Previous evaluations and attendance records are also reviewed to determine level placement.
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Hero Credits: Photo by Rosalie O'Connor, Photo by Rosalie O'Connor