Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

• Is Kirov Academy only for students who want to become professional artists?:

  Kirov Academy prepares students both for a professional career in ballet, violin or piano, as well as preparing them for further education and entrance into university. A student does not necessarily have to be aiming to be a professional artist. Kirov Academy is a Fine Arts Academy with a strong academic program

• What does Kirov Academy look for in a student?:

  We look for students who have the desire to learn, and to explore the full potential of their ability. We look for students who clearly understand having an excellent work ethic is an essential quality in pursuing their goals. We also look for students who have a high moral compass and see themselves as leaders in the future society.

• Can a student study ballet and music at the same time?:

  As the practice time required for each major is extensive, a double major would not be practical, however a major in Ballet with a minor in musical instrument would be possible. Also a student studying a Music Major would be able to attend the Ballet Afterschool program.

• How many students are offered admission each year?:

  This depends on space available in each grade level. Generally there are 4-6 spaces available in grades 6-9. On a case-by-case basis students can transfer into 10th grade. .

• Are standardized tests required?:

  For entrance, academic only students are required to take the IOWA assessment for the student’s grade level; for arts students an audition is required. Students who are accepted to Kirov take the IOWA test each year to assess continued development. PSAT is taken from 10th grade.

• When is the application deadline?:

  Enrollment is rolling, however for September entrance July 31st is generally the final deadline unless there are special circumstances, and places are still available.

• When am I notified of a decision?:

  Within a month of submitting the application.

• When should we begin the admission process?:

  As places are on a first come, first served basis, it is advisable to begin as early as possible.

• Is there financial aid available?:

  Applications can be made through the FAST program, which analyzes income and financial obligations of the parents.

ACADEMIC

• How much credit do I receive in High School for each course?:

  The school year is divided into two semesters, September through January, February through May. Each major daily course is worth .5 credit for each semester and therefore 1 credit each year. There are minor courses and electives which are worth less according to the number of class hours per week.

• How much credit do I require to graduate from Kirov Academy?:

  Requirements differ according to which program you are entering. For ballet & music students a minimum of 25 credits (including artistic credits), for ballet & music ESL students 23 credits, and for academic only students, 24 credits are required. (see policy handbook for details)

• Where do Kirov students go after they graduate?:

  Ballet companies around the world, conservatories and professional music schools, and renowned universities in the USA and the world.

• Can I take additional advanced courses in High School?:

  AP Courses are available by request. Additional fees are required. College courses may be taken at local universities by arrangement.

• Can I take my SAT exam at Kirov Academy?:

  The school directly across the street from Kirov Academy, Archbishop Carroll High School, is a public site for SAT and other exams.

• Can Kirov support my application for College?:

  A College Counsellor is available daily for consultation about university entrance and the counselor also supports the application process.

BALLET

• When is the audition due?:

  Kirov Academy has a rolling admissions policy. That means that the Admissions Department welcomes auditions throughout the year. If students are interested in a specific program, check the website for the start of programs and audition before that date. As the Artistic Departments of Kirov Academy are looking for talented students, auditions are always welcome.

• Is my child too young or too old for the ballet program?:

  Kirov Academy has an After School Program for local metro DC families with younger children. Ballet Only Commuter students may range in age from 10 years old to 18. The Academy has academic classes that include sixth through twelfth grades for local and resident students. To be a resident student, students must be enrolled in the academic program. There is a high school graduate trainee program for US citizens from 18 up to turning 21 in the first year of the 2-year program.

• Who's teaching during the Summer Intensive?:

  The Year-Round Program artistic teachers teach during the Summer Program. In addition, other highly qualified guest teachers are invited to teach and to give master classes.

• What ballet method does Kirov teach?:

  The Kirov Academy ballet curriculum follows the Vaganova method developed in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Mme. Agrippina Vaganova; and provides a solid foundation for dance in the international ballet world. Other classes taught are Pointe Technique, Variations, Pas de Deux, Character, Historical, Contemporary and Jazz.

• What is the process of joining Kirov's ballet program?:

  After the audition, students are informed of the results. Included in the invitation are the forms to fill out to enroll. After enrollment, registration forms are sent along with ballet attire requirements and a handbook for reference while preparing to join the specific program that the student has enrolled in.

• I've been learning ballet in different methods. Will I be able to keep up with the Vaganova method?:

  When you are evaluated by the Artistic Director, your results are an indication of whether or not your training and physique meet the guidelines that are optimal for successful training in the Vaganova system.

• Where can parents stay during their visits (hotel options)?:

  We have a list of hotels that have agreed to give discounted rates to Kirov Academy families. The Admissions Department can supply families with that list.

MUSIC

• What instruments can I major at Kirov Academy?:

  We currently accept piano and violin students.

• Is Kirov Academy only for students who plan to be professional musicians?:

  No, our students find success in fields outside of the music. We believe that music training will lead students to become successful in your life.

• Am I good enough to get in? How competitive is it?:

  Kirov Academy helps young musicians develop and improve their artistic skills. The best way is to visit our campus by appointment or apply to our program. The potential students need training to learn and grow to become professional artists.

• Why would I choose Kirov Academy compared to other arts boarding schools?:

  Kirov Academy is designed for one-on-one instruction. We offer more performance opportunities than any other arts boarding schools. Our sister schools include Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Russia), St. Petersburg Conservatory (Russia), and Sunhwa Arts Middle and High School (Korea). We invite the prolific music professors through our Legendary Series from Curtis Institute, The Juilliard School, Peabody Conservatory, and others. Our students receive private lessons twice a week along with other music courses including Music History, Music Theory, Chamber Music, World Music, Ear Training, and Music Business.

• How much can I practice?:

  Kirov Academy is an all-Steinway school. We have the Steinway Concert Grand D in the Recital hall and other pianos in the practice rooms. All academic classes are finished by 1 pm. Students can practice after their academic classes until 10 pm.

• Where do Kirov music students go after they graduate?:

  Kirov Academy prepares students to be ready for the college application. Our music graduates continue their students at the most prestigious colleges or conservatories in the US and Europe.

• How does Kirov Academy help students for college application?:

  Our Academic Counsellor helps prepare for college application. Kirov Academy has full equipment to film the audition recording professionally. Our Academic Dean works with students closely for their essays and academic progress.

• When is my application due?:

  The extended online application deadline is July 1, 2020. Supplemental materials (essay, letters, resume, repertoire list, unofficial transcripts) are submitted electronically by email.

• Where and when are the music auditions held?:

  Audition week for Fall 2020 is scheduled for June. Please contact the Admissions Office by email at admissions@kabdc.org, or by phone at 202-636-0670, for more information.

  Due to COVID-19, we currently accept a recorded audition through the application until further notice. The recording is reviewed by a member of the Music Department and an evaluation of your work is placed in your admissions process.

• What are the audition requirements?:

  Please see our website: https://kirovacademydc.org/programs/music-year-round-program/

• Do you have spring or midyear enrollment?:

  Yes. Enrollment at Kirov Academy is for entrance in the fall, spring semesters.

• Can I receive a scholarship?:

  Kirov Academy considers you for a scholarship when you audition.

• Is it possible to arrange a sample lesson with a faculty member?:

  Yes, you can email our Admissions Office to schedule your sample lesson. The fee is $100 for a one-hour lesson.

RESIDENT LIFE

• Do students share their dorm space?:

  Rooms are generally double-occupancy, single rooms & rooms with private bathrooms are available for additional fees. Students are encouraged to share a room with a different roommate each year for further social development.

• Is Kirov a Co-Educational School?:

  Yes, Kirov has always been a co-educational institution. There are separated male and female dormitory facilities. Academic classes are co-educational. Most ballet classes are specific for each gender. Pas de deux and performance rehearsals are co-educational.

• Can I go out to travel around DC when I am a student there in the dormitory?:

  Different age groups are given guidelines for traveling in groups. Individual students are not permitted to travel by themselves unless in exceptional circumstances with the permission of the parent. Regular trips for shopping are organized each week.

• As a commuting student can I travel to school & back home by myself? :

  Parents and other designated adults are encouraged to drop off and pick up Middle School students each day. High School students can travel alone if necessary. Bus and metro pass issued by the government.

• What if I get sick or injured while at school?:

  During class hours there is a nurse on duty at all times. In addition there are Resident Advisors on duty 24 hours a day, and the front desk is also secured 24 hours a day. Resident Advisors have access to emergency medicines, and Children’s Hospital ER is only minutes away by car.

• At what grade can my son or daughter be a resident in the dormitory?:

  From 6th grade students are accepted into the dormitory.

2021 BALLET SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

• What are the dates of the program?:

  Our arrival day for the Summer Intensive Program is Sunday, June 20, 2021; and departure day is Sunday, July 25, 2o21.

• Is it possible to attend less than the 5 week program?:

  All resident students must attend all 5 weeks as the dormitory space is limited as a result of the pandemic. Only Virtual Students will have the option of attending less than the full program.

• I have been invited to the Summer Program. When do I submit my deposit?:

  To enroll in the Kirov Academy Summer Intensive, you must pay either the $400 Enrollment Fee or $1,900 Enrollment Fee plus the Artistic Tuition Deposit in order to submit the Enrollment Contract. We enroll on a first-come, first-served basis; once the program reaches capacity, we can no longer accept enrollments.

• Where can I find tuition and deposit information?:

  Please visit our ​Kirov Academy website​ and go to Programs > Ballet > Summer Intensive Program. The webpage will include the tuition and fees for the Summer Intensive Program.

• Can I be considered for the Year-Round Program regardless of audition method?:

  Yes. Students showing a high degree of artistic talent and potential to succeed in the Vaganova curriculum may be invited directly into the Year-Round Program without being required to attend summer first. These students are notified at the time of receiving their audition results.

• I have been placed on the Wait List after my audition. What should I do?:

  Status updates will be made on March 4, 2021 and invitations will be sent via email.

• Does KA offer scholarships for the Summer Intensive?:

  The Academy offers a limited number of artistic scholarships that are granted at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director and are independent of student/parent requests. ​Artistic awards are based solely on artistic merit and applied to artistic tuition only. ​Students who receive a scholarship are notified with their audition results. ​Financial aid is not offered for the Summer Program.

• Does KA have a payment plan option?:

  We do NOT offer payment plans for summer tuition payments. Please contact the Admissions Office (admissions@kabdc.org) for more information​.

• When is the due date for full tuition?:

  April 2, 2021. After this date, withdrawal refunds are only considered for a documented medical withdrawal upon approval of the Executive Director.
  The Enrollment Fee of $400 is non-refundable.

• When will I receive my enrollment package?:

  Those who’ve submitted an SIP Enrollment Contract will receive a packet in late February.

TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS:

• How will my child travel to/from Kirov Academy if I am unable to accompany him/her?

  KA will pick up and drop off students traveling unaccompanied from Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Union Station. We pick up between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm on the designated arrival day (June 20). On departure day (July 25), students must vacate their dorm rooms by noon and have departure times prior to 3 pm. More details are offered in the enrollment packet.

  IMPORTANT: ​Students traveling with a parent/guardian or students arriving at other airports (BWI, Dulles) must arrange their own transportation to and from KA. Only international students will be picked up at Dulles International Airport (IAD), but only on the designated Travel Days.

• Can I ship boxes to KA in advance of the summer program?

  Yes. Please feel free to ship especially bulky items/packages to KA to use during the Summer Intensive Program (for instance, boxes filled with linens or other residential needs). The Academy is not responsible for shipping boxes back to students at the end of the session. All items need to be shipped to KA and addressed as follows:

  Student Full Name
  Summer Intensive Program
  Kirov Academy of Washington DC

  4301 Harewood Road NE 

  Washington, DC 20017

• Do you recommend any hotels when visiting your Academy?

  Hampton Inn & Homewood Suites

  www.hamptoninn3hilton.com
  www.hilton.com

  Corporate Code: 0003092682

  Kimpton George hotel

  https://www.hotelgeorge.com/

  Corporate Code: 786838733

  Hyatt Hotels

  https://www.hyatt.com/destinations/washington-dc

  Corporate Code: 207128

HOUSING AND RESIDENT LIFE:

• I would prefer that my child live at KA, can I request this?

  Because of the parameters surrounding the pandemic, the Kirov Academy dormitory may be the only housing available to Summer Intensive students. More information will be forthcoming closer to the start date of the Summer Intensive.

  In past years, the determining factors for assigning dorms are birth date and number of students. We CANNOT promise housing locations to any 13 or 14 year old as enrollment may change at the last minute. We cannot make exceptions. The youngest students stay in the Kirov Academy (KA) dormitory.

• What are the dorm rooms like?

  Rooms are double-occupancy and air-conditioned. The majority of dorm bathrooms are shared with those on the same hall floor.

• What do students need to bring with them to live in the dorms?

  A comprehensive list is available to students that enroll. Important items on the list include: alarm clock, bed linens, towels, personal toiletries, sunscreen, Pilates/yoga mat, and foam roller.

  We encourage ALL students to have a working cell phone in their possession; however, we discourage the use of expensive electronics as they can get damaged or stolen.

• Is there Wifi during the Summer Intensive Program?

  We have WiFi for students in the KA building, and also have computers in the Recreation Room that students can access throughout the day and the evening. We encourage students to minimize their use of computers and engage in activities with their friends in the evenings!

• How are roommate requests handled?

  Enrolled students will fill out a roommate request form included as part of the enrollment packet. If a student requests a specific roommate, both students must request each other in order for the request to be honored. Dormitory assignments are based on age.

• How are meals handled?

  Meals are included in the cost of Room and Board for resident students. Commuter students are required to purchase a meal plan, unless approved by our school nurse to opt-out for medical or religious reasons. Students with dietary restrictions or concerns should discuss them with the school nurse before arrival day, or at orientation.

• What is oversight like?

  The KA dorms are staffed 24-hours a day with professionally trained resident advisors. There is also 24-hour front door security staff.

• Are students chaperoned when off campus?

  Students age 13 and under who live at KA are chaperoned at all times when off campus. A variety of in-house and external activities are offered for students who are too young to leave campus on their own.

  Students 14 and older, are permitted to walk around the campus and leave the premises in groups based on their assigned code. These excursions are not chaperoned. Resident advisors plan in-house activities for students who don’t go out in the evenings. Off campus activities may be minimized as a result of the pandemic for safety and health reasons.

• Can I allow my child to go out in smaller groups than designated by the age requirements?

  No. We do​ not​ upgrade students above their age, even with parental permission. We also do not recommend downgrading a student, though, ultimately, it is the parent’s decision to do this. Our Leave Permission Codes are based on thorough knowledge of our neighborhood and city, as well as years of experience managing students in our programs.

• Is physical therapy offered during the Summer Intensive?

  We offer PT services in-house for students that PT. Students should not attend the program if they have injuries that prevent or hinder them from dancing.

• Are there planned activities for my child when they are not dancing?

  We offer socially distanced activities like virtual movies nights, s'mores making, arts & crafts, and more for all resident students. Our Resident Life staff work hard to create an enriching residential experience. Weekly trips ​may be arranged​ to either Walmart, Target, CVS, or Yes! Organic Market for all resident students depending on the pandemic.

• Are housekeeping services offered?

  No. Students are responsible for keeping their rooms tidy and doing their own laundry. Laundry machines are available. Students must supply their own detergent. Detergent is available for purchase at KA’s boutique.

• How do students receive mail?

  For packages, all students must check at the front desk. Staff notifies students who have not claimed their package after a period of time. For mail, each student is assigned a file folder, which is located at the bottom of the stairwell near the cafeteria.

OTHER:

• Is there an end of summer performance?

  Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, Kirov is not scheduling an end of the program performance. This could change depending upon how things evolve.