About RE:ALIZE
Are you a current sophomore or junior looking for ways to expand your creative practice beyond traditional classrooms? Do you want to create alongside like-minded peers? RE:ALIZE may be the perfect program for you! The application for school year 2027-2028 opened October 1st, 2026 and closes February 12th, 2027. Applications are reviewed and students are accepted on a monthly basis. Apply as soon as possible to reserve your spot before seats fill up in your cohort!
Want to learn more? Sign up to attend a virtual RE:ALIZE Info Session.
RE:ALIZE is an early college program created in partnership with the CPS Department of Arts Education, Columbia College Chicago & Wells Community Academy High School that provides a one or two-year sequence of college coursework in Dance, Music, Theatre or Film & TV and Visual Arts.
Unique Opportunities
- Dual enrollment at Columbia College Chicago
- All supplies for college provided
- Free Ventra cards for travel to and from program
- Work with professional artists
- 6-12 free college credits that can transfer to any institution
- Paid summer internships (optional)
- Portfolio Development Support
- Showcase work at the RE•VER•BER•ATE Festival
Who is RE:ALIZE for?
Students who are:
- Interested in pursuing Dance, Music, Theatre, Film & TV or Visual Arts. No prior experience required, no portfolio required!
- Open to experimenting with several techniques
- Willing and able to commit to RE:ALIZE for 1-2 years, 3-5 days a week
- Rising Juniors and Seniors who can commit to maintaining:
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- 90% Attendance Rate
- Consent from their high school + parent/guardian
- Willing to travel. The program will require that you travel to both Wells Community Academy High School and Columbia College Chicago campus. Free Ventra cards will be provided for all program related travel.
- Showcase work at the RE•VER•BER•ATE Festival
RE:ALIZE Sample Schedule
All students will be programmed out of their home schools at lunch every day to travel to Wells High School or Columbia College Chicago.
| MONDAY | |
|
Columbia College Chicago 2-4PM |
|
| TUESDAY | |
|
WELLS HIGH SCHOOL 2-4PM |
|
| WEDNESDAY | |
|
Columbia College Chicago 2-4PM |
|
| THURSDAY | |
|
WELLS HIGH SCHOOL 2-4PM |
|
| FRIDAY | |
|
WELLS HIGH SCHOOL 2-4PM |
|
RE:ALIZE Student Learning Experience
Upon completion of the program, graduates of RE:ALIZE will have:
- A strong foundation in their Dance, Music, Theatre, Film & TV or Visual Arts practice.
- A clearer sense of their artistic identity through collaboration with other artists
- A portfolio or resume of original pieces or performances exemplifying engagement with varying techniques
- An ability to constructively criticize their own work and the works of others, both orally and in writing
- Professional skills that will translate to numerous job fields or areas of advanced study
- Multiple opportunities to professionally present or perform their own work
Student Learning Experience Timeline
Junior and Senior Years
Students will take dual enrollment foundational courses at Columbia College Chicago for both the fall and spring semesters.
All RE:ALIZE students also participate in technique studios at Wells High School that emphasize development of artistic practice and refinement of skills alongside RE:ALIZE Teaching Artists.
Summer Before Senior Year
All RE:ALIZE students will have the opportunity to complete a paid summer work-based learning experience with placements in cultural organizations across Chicago.
