Conservatory classes can be taken for credit by high school and college students through our partnerships with Cotter High School (CHS) and Saint Mary's University (SMU).

CHS students may choose to be full time Conservatory students taking the complete core curriculum listed below, or they may participate in classes as electives. CHS students receive physical education, performing arts, or elective credit after 40 hours of classroom/studio time is complete.

SMU students must take two physical education activity courses to fulfill the University's graduation requirements. Conservatory technique classes fulfill this requirement.

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Regular Cotter High School students have options and may participate in any MCA classes as electives. Full time Conservatory students must complete MCA's full curriculum by taking ballet, one theory course, and a minimum of two other dance disciplines (e.g. jazz and modern) each semester. Participation in the complete curriculum listed below is not mandatory.

Ninth Grade
DA212 Ballet II
DA222 Jazz II
DA142 Tap II
DA210 Modern II
DA205 Dance Conditioning/Pilates
DA105 Make-up and costuming for Dance (Theory class)
DA110 Time Management and Health/Nutrition for Dancers (Theory class)

Tenth Grade
DA213 Ballet II-III
DA222 Jazz II
DA142 Tap II
DA210 Modern II
DA205 Dance Conditioning/Pilates
DA410 Classical Repertory I
DA215 Anatomy and Physiology for Dancers (Theory class)
DA220 Injury Prevention (Theory class)

Eleventh Grade
DA305 Ballet III
DA325 Jazz III
DA345 Tap III
DA310 Modern III
DA205 Dance Conditioning/Pilates
DA415 Choreography and Improvisation
DA315 Choreography and Aesthetics of Dance (Theory class)
DA420 Teaching Methods of Dance (Theory class)

Twelfth Grade
DA405 Ballet IV
DA325 Jazz III
DA400 Tap IV
DA310 Modern III
DA205 Dance Conditioning/Pilates
DA410 Classical Repertory II
DA320 Dance History (Theory class)
DA425 Resume Portfolio Preparation and Audition Methods (Theory class)

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Full time Conservatory students have the option of living in the Cotter Residence Center as boarding students. There are over 70 boarding students living in the Cotter Residence Center, many of whom are international students from many countries around the world.

Upon graduation, full time Conservatory students will receive their high school diploma from Cotter High School and a pre-professional certificate of completion from the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. For more information about Cotter High School, its graduation requirements, residential facilities and activities for students, please visit www.winonacotter.org.

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