Iowa Conservatory

08/23/2026

Welcome home, ICONs. ❤️🤍

08/19/2026

Here’s to another year of big dreams, bold creativity, and helping students discover how far their talents can take them. We can’t wait to see what this year brings at ICON.

08/12/2026

Success isn’t measured by graduation day, it’s measured by where our students go next. 100% of ICON graduates have been accepted to premier arts programs or cast in professional and regional productions.

Get to know our alumni: iowaconservatory.org/about/iowa-conservatory-alumni/

08/11/2026

Our 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio means educators have the time to truly know each student, their strengths, goals, learning style, and creative potential. At ICON, we’re not just preparing students for graduation—we’re preparing them for the spotlight. Discover the ICON difference.

iowaconservatory.org/programs/

07/30/2026

What if school gave you 3–5 hours every day to do what you love? At ICON, students don’t have to choose between their passion and their education. Our unique dual program combines rigorous academics with 3–5 hours of daily professional arts training, allowing students to grow as scholars while refining their craft every single day.

iowaconservatory.org/disciplines/

07/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Jyni Ekins as ICON’s new Director of Admissions & Engagement!

Jyni brings more than 17 years of experience in enrollment management, education, and student engagement from The Diller-Quaile School of Music in New York City. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Hunter College, combining a passion for education with a deep commitment to helping students and families find the right path.

We’re excited to have Jyni join the ICON family and look forward to the impact she’ll make as we continue inspiring the next generation of artists. Welcome to ICON, Jyni!

07/06/2026

Serious about your art, but need flexibility in your schedule? ICON’s Half-Day Arts Program gives students currently enrolled in the Iowa City Community School District access to Iowa’s premier performing and visual arts school without committing to a full-day academic program.

Students can:
>Take three major-area arts classes each semester, including intensive coaching

>Explore two additional arts electives

> Access professional-grade practice rooms and studio spaces

>Participate in ICON’s annual productions

Whether you’re a dancer, actor, musician, singer, or visual artist, ICON can help you reach the next level.

Your talent deserves more than an after-school activity.

Learn more about ICON’s Half-Day Arts Program today at iowaconservatory.org/iccsd-commuter-half-day-arts-program/

07/02/2026

We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive the Emerging School Award from the Arts Schools Network. As a young school, this award inspires us to continue creating extraordinary opportunities for the next generation of artists. Thank you to the Arts Schools Network for this meaningful recognition; we're just getting started!

Congratulations to the Iowa Conservatory (ICON) in Iowa City, Iowa, recipient of the Arts Schools Network’s New and Emerging School Award!

Presented to an outstanding school in its first three years of development, this award recognizes a promising young institution that demonstrates exceptional planning, visionary leadership, and a clear path toward becoming a school of excellence.

Since opening its doors in 2023, Iowa Conservatory has reimagined what arts education can be by creating a learner-centered environment where rigorous academics, immersive artistic training, and personal growth thrive together. Guided by its philosophy of “Brilliance at Every Stage,” ICON empowers students to discover their unique creative paths through competency-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and authentic artistic experiences.

In just three years, the Conservatory has grown from a founding class of four students to a vibrant community of more than 30 learners, expanded to include middle school, high school, post-graduate, and residential programs, earned regional accreditation, forged innovative community partnerships, and helped students gain admission and scholarships to prestigious colleges and conservatories.

From original student productions and gallery exhibitions to collaborative, project-based learning experiences and a deep commitment to wellness, mentorship, and creative inquiry, Iowa Conservatory is building an educational model that prepares students not only to excel as artists, but to thrive as innovative thinkers and engaged citizens.

Congratulations to the students, faculty, staff, founders Leslie Nolte and Dr. Beth Brown, Board of Directors, and the entire Iowa Conservatory community on this incredible achievement. Your bold vision, intentional design, and unwavering commitment to nurturing every student’s brilliance are already making a lasting impact on arts education in Iowa and beyond.

We look forward to celebrating you in San Diego in October! www.asnconference.org

06/30/2026

There’s still time to register!

July 20-24 | Musical Theatre Explorations

Perfect for students new to the stage, this fun and supportive intensive introduces singing, acting, and movement in a welcoming environment. Guided by professional artists and ICON faculty, students will build confidence, unleash their creativity, and discover the excitement of musical theatre. No experience required.

Register at iowaconservatory.org