Paramount School of the Arts

Paramount School of the Arts is a music school in Aurora, IL, offering classes in theater, music, dance, and visual arts for students aged 3 to 18 and adults. The school provides a wide range of programs, including musical theater exploration, technical theater, teen tap, adult improv, and creative dramatics, with sessions available throughout the year. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists, many of whom have performed on the Paramount Theatre stage, and the school serves the broader Aurora community with a focus on nurturing creativity and confidence in all ages. Though no reviews are currently available, the school emphasizes a supportive, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to grow, take risks, and develop their artistic voices.

The school was founded on the vision of President and CEO Tim Rater, who imagined opening a dedicated arts school nearly a decade before its official opening on June 1, 2019. Located in the John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center next to the Paramount Theatre, the school occupies a purpose-built facility featuring over 20 private studios, 10 large classroom spaces, and a dedicated dance studio. The school’s leadership includes Jessica M. Duplessis, Director of Education and Community Engagement, and Dyanna Daniels, Education Manager, both of whom bring extensive experience in theater, dance, and arts education. The school also supports community engagement through outreach, camps, and partnerships with local institutions.

Situated at 20 S Stolp Ave in downtown Aurora, the school is part of a cultural hub that includes the historic Paramount Theatre. The building is centrally located in the heart of Aurora’s arts district, serving as a creative anchor for performers and learners of all ages. The facility is designed to support both educational programming and professional artistic development, with space for rehearsals, performances, and community events.

As a growing arts institution in Aurora, Paramount School of the Arts stands out for its commitment to accessible, high-quality instruction across multiple disciplines. Its integration with the Paramount Theatre and its focus on developing young and adult artists through performance-based learning make it a unique resource in the region. The school continues to expand its offerings, fostering a community where creativity, resilience, and self-expression are central to every student’s journey.