Summer 2026 — Apply for BSO's DARTS at BPS
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Application form in English | Chinese | Haitian Creole | Portuguese | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese
OVERVIEW Days in the Arts (DARTS) is a free, weeklong summer arts immersion program sponsored by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Since 1969, DARTS has grown into a vibrant collaboration with Boston Public Schools, offering middle school students hands-on experiences in music, visual arts, dance, and theater. The program takes place at Boston Arts Academy and includes instruction from BPS educators and local artists from the Greater Boston community. Students also participate in special field trips to Boston-area arts institutions and to Tanglewood, the BSO’s summer home in the Berkshires, including a visit to the renowned Tanglewood Music Center. Sessions run 9:00 AM–3:00 PM during the program week (with extended hours on the Tanglewood day trip). Applicants selected for this program will receive email confirmations. First-time participants are prioritized, and a waiting list may be available. WHEN July 6–10, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Daily, except as noted below
WHERE Boston Arts Academy | 174 Ipswich Street | Boston, MA 02215 WHO MAY APPLY? This program is open to Boston Public Schools students entering grades 6–8 in Fall 2026. Students must attend an eligible BPS school to apply. Students’ BPS ID numbers will be requested later in this form. Enrollment is capped at 40 students. Priority consideration is given to first-time participants; returning participants may be placed on a waiting list. APPLICATION DETAILS Please complete ONE FORM PER CHILD. The deadline to apply is May 31, though the form may close earlier if maximum capacity is reached. The Boston Symphony Orchestra will send email confirmations in June 2026 to the email address provided, along with required follow-up information. For questions, please contact the BSO Education and External Engagement Team: [email protected] APPLY HERE |
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The Arts Advantage: Impacts of Arts Education on Boston Students
Released in May 2021, this research study highlights the role that increased access to arts education has on student engagement as measured by reductions in absenteeism; increases in parent engagement; and the strengthening of school climate. Read the report here.
Creativity is alive in the Boston Public Schools. Come take a look! BPS students have access to a wide range of arts opportunities, both in schools and through our arts partners. Together, arts teachers and community artists help Boston youth to think creatively and critically, discover possibilities, and express ideas. The BPS Visual & Performing Arts Department supports this work through district-wide resources, BPS Arts Expansion, and a host of partner programs.