NEW: Production Camp
Unleash your creativity at IFTA’s exciting new production camp! Students collaborate with talented peers and experienced instructors to design, rehearse, and perform a musical for the community.
Institute for the Arts (IFTA)
A summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6 - 11.
Registration Information
Registration begins Monday, March 10 and ends Friday, June 6.
The Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a dynamic summer enrichment program that offers hands-on classes in visual arts, music, theater, and dance, culminating in an exciting showcase performance. Here, aspiring artists can explore their creativity and develop their unique voices in a supportive and inspiring environment!
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 6-11 who will enter grades 7-12 during the 2025-26 school year.
Is your student currently in grades 2-5? Elementary Institute for the Arts
All students are welcome:
- FCPS students.
- Students enrolled in private schools.
- Students who are home schooled.
- Non-Fairfax County residents.
Fairfax County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all clubs and activities.
Three Week Program
- Cost: $820
- Dates: July 7 - July 25
- Host School: Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Program Times: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Two Week Program
- Cost: $545
- Dates: July 7 - July 18
- Host School: Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Program Times: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Classes and Daily Schedule
Students have four classes every day. Students choose their classes during the registration process and are encouraged to try classes in artistic disciplines they may not be familiar with.
Health and PE
Grade 9
Prerequisite
This course is open to current FCPS students entering grade 9.
Overview
Students gain knowledge and skills in a variety of individual, dual, and team sports/activities to develop competencies to promote an active lifestyle. Students begin to apply personal fitness planning concepts to individualized plans. Instruction aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning for Health and Physical Education includes the health education topics of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use prevention; personal health; injury and violence prevention; disease prevention; emotional and social health; human growth and development; and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation (CPR and AED) and first aid.
Students must have
- a working computer
- access to the internet
- a valid email addresse for themselves and a parent or guardian.
This course is coordinated with Online Campus and completes the daily 1 hour virtual teacher-led instruction required for the course.
Asynchronous Work
The approximate 4-5 hours of daily asynchronous activities includes 60 minutes of physical exercise (documented using a device capable of tracking their heart rate that they have access to or a downloadable, free app for their smartphone), a reflection and analysis of their physical exercise.
Daily Work
There are daily assignments and assessments. Students sit with a classroom monitor.
Dates
- HPE 9 starts on June 23; 2 weeks before IFTA starts. Therefore, students enrolled in IFTA and taking HPE 9 will start their HPE 9 course on June 23.
- HPE 9 ends of July 23.
- HPE9 students will participate in camp activities in the 4 remaining days of camp.
- The daily, synchronous sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom.
- There is a mandatory face-to- face assessment on July 21st. Time and location TBD. IFTA cannot provide transportation to or from this face-to-face assessment.
Grading
The course is for a letter grade unless students elect to take it pass/fail.
NEW: After registration please call the ACE office (option 1) on or before June 7th to ask for Pass/Fail.
Upon successful completion students earn one credit.
Art
Unleash your inner artist by exploring the art of drawing people! In this exciting course, you’ll learn to capture the human form and facial expressions through a mix of live models, creative exercises, and innovative techniques. Experiment with proportion, shading, and movement to bring your figures and portraits to life like never before. Perfect for budding artists who want to push their skills beyond classroom basics!
Dive into advanced figure and portrait drawing techniques designed to prepare you for college-level art programs! Work with live models, refine your skills in anatomy, and explore diverse mediums to create professional-quality pieces. Whether you’re building a portfolio or just love art, this course will challenge and inspire you.
Discover the beauty of nature through the lens of your paintbrush! Learn how to capture landscapes, wildlife, and natural textures using watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Explore the great outdoors for inspiration while pushing your creative boundaries in a way you don’t get to do during the school year.
Love fashion? Learn to design and create your own outfits in this hands-on course! From sketching ideas to sewing with patterns, you'll develop real-world skills to make wearable art. Get ready to wow your friends with your unique style and creations.
Take your fashion skills to the next level! In this advanced course, you’ll design and construct garments with professional techniques. Perfect for students interested in pursuing fashion design in college, this class focuses on building a portfolio-ready project while fostering your creativity and craftsmanship.
Unleash your creativity and step into the exciting world of fashion design! In this class, students will learn how to sketch stylish designs, create inspiring mood boards, and illustrate fabrics and patterns like a pro. Whether you're dreaming of a future in fashion or just love expressing yourself through style, this class is the perfect place to develop your artistic skills and bring your fashion ideas to life!
Step into the glamorous world of fashion design! Learn to sketch stunning designs, create mood boards, and illustrate fabrics and patterns like a professional. This class is perfect for students who want to prepare for fashion design programs in college or develop their skills in the art of fashion.
Say goodbye to boring snapshots and hello to creative photography! In this course, you'll learn camera basics, composition techniques, and fun tricks for capturing amazing photos of people, places, and objects. Whether you're a beginner or just love snapping pics, this class will take your skills to the next level.
Take a deep dive into the art and science of photography! Learn to use advanced techniques like lighting, editing, and storytelling to craft powerful images. Build your portfolio, explore career paths in photography, and gain valuable skills for college and beyond.
Discover the intersection of art and business! Learn to create eye-catching logos, promotional materials, and social media graphics while exploring marketing strategies. This course combines creativity with real-world skills, perfect for students interested in design or entrepreneurship.
Bring your drawings to life! Learn the fundamentals of both 2D and 3D animation, from character movements to rendering effects. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in gaming or animation, this course will teach you the basics while inspiring your creativity.
Step into the pixel-perfect world of retro art! Create vibrant characters and scenes for video games, animations, or digital projects. Learn design principles and cutting-edge tools while crafting your own digital masterpieces.
Transform your creativity into stunning digital artwork! Master the tools of graphic tablets and software to design everything from illustrations to visual effects. This course is ideal for students who want to explore digital media and prepare for future creative opportunities.
Discover the ancient art of carving! Experiment with tools and materials like wood, linoleum, and even soapstone to create intricate designs and sculptures. This hands-on course is perfect for anyone interested in sculptural art and craftsmanship.
Get messy and creative with clay! Learn hand-building techniques, glaze applications, and the basics of working with a pottery wheel. Create unique projects you can take home and proudly display.
Take your ceramics skills to the next level! Explore advanced techniques like wheel throwing, sculpting, and complex glazing to create gallery-worthy pieces. Perfect for portfolio building or anyone with a passion for working with clay.
Explore the limitless possibilities of fiber art in this one-of-a-kind course! Learn to weave, stitch, and create with fabric, yarn, and other materials to make expressive and unique pieces. From wall hangings to wearable art, you’ll discover a whole new world of creative expression.
Create your own world of characters and stories! Learn the fundamentals of cartooning, from drawing techniques to storytelling and panel design. This class is perfect for aspiring comic artists and animators.
Bring your characters to life! Learn how to create unique personalities through their appearance, expressions, and backstory. This course is perfect for students interested in animation, gaming, or storytelling.
Creative Writing
Unleash your imagination! Write short stories, poems, and scripts while exploring fun prompts and creative techniques. Share your work with classmates and discover your unique writing voice.
Sharpen your storytelling skills and prepare for college-level writing! From poetry to fiction, this course will help you develop your voice, master revision, and build a writing portfolio for future opportunities.
Music
Rock out like never before! In this collaborative course, you’ll join forces with fellow musicians to form your own band, covering classic hits and creating show-stopping performances. Whether you play guitar, drums, keyboard, or just love to sing, this class is all about making music together. You’ll learn how to rehearse as a group, polish your sound, and perform live in a fun, supportive environment.
Take your singing to the next level with this intensive, hands-on workshop! Develop solo pieces, harmonize in duets, and collaborate on small group songs, all with personalized one-on-one coaching. Get professional feedback to strengthen your vocal technique, build your confidence, and prepare for performances that truly shine. This class is perfect for anyone who loves to sing and wants to refine their skills in a creative and encouraging setting.
Sing, dance, and act your heart out! This dynamic course brings Broadway to life, combining all aspects of musical theatre into a show-stopping experience.
Theatre
Step into the spotlight! Learn professional acting methods and master the art of auditions. Perfect for students preparing for theatre programs or anyone who loves to perform.
Learn the thrilling art of stage combat! From swordplay to choreographed fights, this class will teach you how to perform safely and dramatically.
Take your stage fighting skills to the next level! Explore advanced combat techniques, weapon styles, and professional choreography. Perfect for aspiring actors and directors.
Jump into the world of improv comedy and quick thinking! This fast-paced, fun course will teach you how to create scenes, characters, and laughs on the spot.
Go behind the curtain! Learn the basics of lighting, sound, costumes, and set design while creating your own mini-production.
Attendance and Conduct Requirements
Students are expected to follow the rules outlined in the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities Regulation. To complete IFTA coursework, students must:
- Be able to work independently and in large groups.
- Follow teacher directions.
- Maintain positive relationships with peers and adults.
Lunch
Students have 30 minutes for lunch. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Transportation
There is bus transportation from select FCPS high schools and middle schools outside of the host school pyramid. Transportation to and from these schools is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Transportation information will be communicated to families before the start of the program.
Registration
Dates
Monday, March 10 - Friday, June 6
How to Register
- Students register on the Adult and Community Education (ACE) Registration website.
- Instructions for how to use the ACE website can be found on their FAQ webpage.
Transportation Information
During registration, students will also choose a mode of transportation. Students may choose either
- Parent Pickup
- an FCPS school location for bus pick up and drop off.
Confirmation Email
After the registration process is complete, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address associated with the parent account. The confirmation email will have a copy of the preferred and alternate class schedule and the transportation choice.
Required Forms
Students without the appropriate forms will not be able to participate until the forms are submitted.
All students must deliver the following forms(s) if they apply to your student by the first day of the camp. Forms can be printed and brought on the first day of camp.
Used to give school the authorization to dispense medication to a student.
Please submit the English version of this form to your school for processing.
Por favor, envíe la versión en inglés de este formulario a su escuela para su procesamiento.
Guidelines to assist schools with caring for students with life-threatening allergic conditions and to provide parents and/or guardians guidance about how allergies are addressed in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Used to authorize school employees to follow a student's Virginia Asthma Action Plan.
Please submit the English version of this form to your school for processing.
FCPS Forms
Non-FCPS students must deliver the following forms before the first day of the camp. Forms can be emailed to IFTA.
Emergency Care Form
Used by schools to gather emergency contact information for a student.
Health Information
Used to collect health information yearly on a student.
Please submit the English version of this form to your school for processing.
Por favor, envíe la versión en inglés de este formulario a su escuela para su procesamiento.
Other Documents
Non-FCPS students must also provide a copy of these documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Medical evidence of immunization
- The most recent 2024-25 school report card
Documents can be
- emailed to [email protected]
- mailed to:
FCPS-ACE, Department C
6815 Edsall Rd.
Springfield, VA 22151
Refund Information
Refund requests must be submitted online.
Contact
Email [email protected] with questions or to request a course catalog.