Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q: Can foreign students enroll in the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School?
A: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School has the necessary accreditation to enroll international students, ages 17 and older. Prospective international students should begin by submitting a video application.

Q: What qualifications are necessary to apply to the Pre-Professional Division of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School?
A: Students must have a strong base in ballet training and the physical prerequisite to sustain the strain of intense professional training. Acceptance to the school is by audition only. Students entering Level 5 should already be on pointe.

Q: Do you offer housing accommodations for your students?
A: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School DOES NOT provide dormitories. Upon acceptance the school provides a resource list to help non-local students find appropriate housing. Out-of-town students should expect to spend (on average) $1,000/ month for New York City housing as well as an additional $500/ month for living expenses.

Q: How do the students at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School continue their academic education?
A: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School schedule is intended to accommodate the academic schedules of our students. The students at the 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. Some academic options include:

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Yes. There is a strict dress code for each level of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. The uniform now includes leotards from Capezio’s ABT Academy Collection. Capezio-brand ABT leotards and skirts may be purchased for students through the JKO School.

Q: Approximately how many hours per week are students in class? What do students study?
A: Students in the Junior Associate Level take class 4 days/ week in ballet technique pointe, and character. Total class time is approximately 7 hours. Level 5 students take class in technique, pointe, and character. They are in class 5 days/ week totaling 11 hours. Students in Levels 6 and 7 take class in technique, partnering, pointe, character, modern, Pilates, and variations. They also take separate boys’ and girls’ classes twice a week. They attend class 6 days/ week totaling about 18 hours.

Q: What is the tuition for the year?
A: Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is as follows: $3,000 for students in the Junior Associate Level and Level 5, and $5,500 for students in Levels 6 and 7.

Q: Is financial aid offered?
A: Scholarships are awarded based on merit and need. There is an application process (including family financial information to determine eligibility) for those dancers who are accepted to the program.

Q: Do students participate in a final gala or performance?
A: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School does have one major performance each spring where all students have the opportunity to perform both ABT repertory and original choreography by the faculty. In addition, select students are chosen for various performance opportunities throughout the year. Past performances include: Saks Fifth Avenue Window Unveiling, Guggenheim Works and Process, Lincoln Center Institute, and the technical demonstration for the launch of the ABT National Training Curriculum. In 2009, the students of the JKO School performed for the first time at the Opening Night Gala for ABT’s Season at the Metropolitan Opera House. Students are also given the opportunity to super throughout the ABT season at the Met.