- Circle in the Square Theatre School is a non-profit, tax exempt drama school associated with Circle in the Square Theatre; it is the only accredited conservatory attached to a Broadway theatre. It offers two 2-year full-time programs: a Professional Theatre Workshop, and a Professional Musical Theatre Workshop.
School Highlights
Circle in the Square Theatre School serves 39 students (100% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 4:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 63%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 39 students
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
- Minority enrollment: 73%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Circle in the Square Theatre School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 11 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Circle in the Square Theatre School
(NY) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
11 staff
43 staff
Student Body
The student population of Circle in the Square Theatre School has declined by 53% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 4:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Circle in the Square Theatre School diversity score of 0.68 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
39 students
746 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
39 students
528 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
39 students
717 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
39 students
511 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
n/a
% Asian
1%
8%
% Hispanic
5%
23%
% Black
5%
19%
% White
27%
37%
% Hawaiian
48%
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
3%
% Non Resident races
4%
3%
% Unknown races
1%
7%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
100%
35%
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
67%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$16,000
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts (Year 2013)
$5,500
$5,152
Acceptance Rate
8%
78%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Circle in the Square Theatre School?
The acceptance rate of Circle in the Square Theatre School is 8%, which is lower than the state average of 78%. Circle in the Square Theatre School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in New York with low acceptance rates.
What is Circle in the Square Theatre School's ranking?
Circle in the Square Theatre School ranks among the top 20% of community college in New York for: Lowest acceptance rates and Highest completion rates.
Recent Articles
Credit for Prior Learning: When Life Experience Can Shorten Your Degree
Learn how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help community college students earn college credit for military service, work experience, certifications, and prior learning, reducing both the time and cost of earning a degree.
The Working Student Schedule Test: Can You Balance College and a Job?
Discover how to evaluate whether your work schedule is compatible with community college before classes begin, and learn practical strategies that help working students stay on track toward graduation.
Stop-Out Risk: How to Choose a Community College That Helps You Finish
Learn how to identify community colleges that actively reduce stop-out risk through proactive advising, financial support, transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and student success services, helping you stay enrolled, complete your credential, and achieve your long-term educational goals.
