The Agua Fria High School District is proud to announce the Governing Board’s approval of a groundbreaking project set to elevate arts education in the West Valley. The Hilltop School for the Arts and Theater, opening in August 2026, will be a state-of-the-art high school and performance venue located at Litchfield and Camelback Road on the historic La Loma hilltop.
Providing students across Arizona with an incredible opportunity to pursue their artistic passions, The Hilltop will be a tuition-free public school program open to grades 9-12. It will welcome 450 students in its first year, with admission based on an audition process. Both in-district and out-of-district students are eligible, making this a statewide program.
The high school will offer a robust curriculum focused on visual and performing arts, allowing students to specialize in one of six pathways: Cinematography & Film, Dance Performance, Instrumental or Music Production & Recording, Theater (Acting or Set Design & Production), Visual Arts, and Vocal Performance. Students will collaborate across all disciplines, gaining real-world experience and building diverse portfolios to prepare for future careers in the arts.
Adjacent to The Hilltop will be the Theater. This venue will serve as a cultural hub, featuring a 700-seat theater, a grand lobby, and professional-grade rehearsal, recording, and cinematography studios. It will host renowned regional, national, and international artists, providing the West Valley with high-caliber arts experiences while offering students hands-on training alongside industry professionals.
“The Arts Academy and Theater will enhance academic choice and cultural vibrancy in the West Valley,” said Superintendent Mark Yslas. “This project embodies our mission to foster creativity, educational excellence, and community connections.”
Funding for the project was made possible by the 2023 bond, supported by the community, in partnership with the City of Litchfield Park, which has generously provided the land on a 75-year long-term lease for just $1 per year.
For more information, visit aguafria.org/artsacademy.