The Agua Fria High School District celebrated the grand opening of the Hilltop School for the Arts on Aug. 3, welcoming students, families, community leaders and elected officials to its newest campus dedicated to preparing students for careers in the creative arts.
The celebration welcomed Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf, members of the City Council, District leadership, community partners, and local leaders for campus tours and a preview of the innovative arts programs designed to prepare students for careers in the creative arts.
The Hilltop School for the Arts will serve as a regional hub for creativity, collaboration, and high-quality educational experiences, offering students immersive, hands-on learning through six specialized academies:
* Academy of Cinematography & Film
* Academy of Dance Performance
* Academy of Music (Instrumental or Music Production & Recording)
* Academy of Theater (Acting or Set Design & Production)
* Academy of Visual Arts
* Academy of Vocal Performance
Each Academy combines rigorous academics with mentorship from industry professionals, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience needed to pursue careers in the creative arts.
“The Hilltop School for the Arts represents what is possible when a community invests in our students,” said Mark Yslas, superintendent of the Agua Fria High School District. “Together with our educators, partners, and community members, we’ve created a place where students can discover their passions, develop their talents, and prepare for meaningful careers.”
The Hilltop School for the Arts gives new purpose to the historic La Loma Hilltop through a partnership with the City of Litchfield Park, honoring the legacy of the La Loma Homestead’s late owners through the school’s mascot, the Peacock.
Designed by ADM Group and built by McCarthy Building Companies, the campus features a two-story classroom and administrative building with specialized arts spaces, including dance studios, choir rooms, a set-design production workshop, three state-of-the-art music recording studios, and a black-box theater.
“Throughout the entire design and construction process, we’ve remained rooted in our core focus of creating a learning hub that will inspire a new spirit of artistic expression and creativity within the West Valley,” said Tyler Shupe, senior project director for McCarthy Building Companies. “Nothing is more gratifying than getting to welcome the very first class of Hilltop students on their first day and envisioning all of the incredible performances and productions that will follow as their learning takes shape.”
The opening of the Hilltop School for the Arts reflects the District’s continued commitment to expanding innovative educational opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life while strengthening connections with the surrounding community.
Students have already begun classes on the new campus, while construction of the new 34,034-square-foot performing arts theater nears completion. The 750-seat theater is scheduled to open on Oct. 1, providing a premier venue for student performances, community events, and artistic collaboration.