Are you 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! Applications will open in September for 2025-2026 Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.
About RE:ALIZE
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 Visual Arts.
Unique Opportunities
- Dual enrollment at Columbia College Chicago
- All supplies for college included
- Ventra cards for travel to and from program
- Work with professional artists
- 6-12 free college credits that can transfer to any institution
- Visiting Artist lecture series
- Paid summer internships
- College Admissions visits
- 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 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.
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 2-5PM |
|
| TUESDAY | |
|
WELLS HIGH SCHOOL 2-4PM |
|
| WEDNESDAY | |
|
Columbia College Chicago 2-4PM |
|
| THURSDAY | |
|
WELLS HIGH SCHOOL 2-4PM |
|
| FRIDAY | |
|
WELLS HIGH SCHOOL 2-5PM |
|
RE:ALIZE Student Learning Experience
Graduates of RE:ALIZE
Upon completion of the program, graduates of RE:ALIZE will have:
- A strong foundation in their dance, music, theatre, 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
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 Junior Year
All RE:ALIZE students complete a one-week intensive where they:
- Complete orientation
- Register for their Columbia College Chicago courses
- Take master classes with each Teaching Artist
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.
