Support America’s National Ballet Company® DONATE NOW

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

Frequently Asked Questions

ABT JKO School Pre-Professional Division

Can foreign students enroll in the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School?

The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School has the necessary accreditation to enroll international students under an M-1 visa. The ABT JKO School assists students in the student visa application and enrollment process.

What qualifications are necessary to apply to the Pre-Professional Division of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School?

Students must have a solid foundation in ballet training and the physical strength to sustain the strain of intense professional training. Acceptance to the school is by audition only. Students entering Upper 1 must already be on pointe.

Do you offer housing accommodations for your students?

The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School does not guarantee housing. Upon acceptance, the school provides resources to help non-local students find appropriate housing in nearby dormitories, trusted host families, and rental apartments.

The ABT JKO School also has a limited number of shared rooms in a dormitory located in Manhattan, approximately 25 minutes away from the ABT studios by subway. Dancers are supported by a live-in Resident Assistant. The dormitory provides access to extensive gym facilities, shared kitchens, laundry facilities, 24/7 security, and discounted or free tickets to cultural programming. ​Room and board costs include made-to-order catered meals. Students must be at least 15 years old to reside at the dormitory.

How do the students at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School continue their academic education?

The students at the ABT JKO School continue their education in a variety of ways. Some enroll in local schools, while others complete their coursework through correspondence with either their home school or an online university.

The ABT JKO School facilitates supplemental tutoring in a variety of subjects, including English-as-a-Second-Language, Math/Science, and English/Humanities for those students who require additional help with their studies.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. There is a strict dress code for each level of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Dress code details will be provided upon acceptance/enrollment.

Approximately how many hours per week are students in class? What do students study?

Students in the Pre-Professional Division attend classes five to six days per week in the following classes: ballet technique, pointe, classical variations, modern, character dance, Pilates and dance history.

What is the tuition for the year?

Click here to view the current tuition and schedules for each level.

Is financial aid offered?

Scholarships are awarded based on merit only. All scholarships are awarded at the time of acceptance to the program and are extremely competitive.

Do students participate in a final gala or performance?

The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School has one major performance each spring in which all students perform both ABT repertory and original choreography created by ABT JKO School faculty.

In addition, select students are chosen for various performance opportunities throughout the year. Past performances have included ABT’s Opening Night Galas at the Metropolitan Opera House and David H. Koch Theater, the Ballet Across America Gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Unveiling, the Guggenheim Works and Process lecture series, and the Lincoln Center Institute. Students are also given the opportunity to appear to ABT productions during their season at the Metropolitan Opera House.