Only 150 students have been admitted for the fall term, which got underway Tuesday.
They will get a 4-year college preparatory academic curriculum combined with professional instruction in dance theater, music, and visual arts.
"If we are able to know have a high school after the work you all have done, congratulations. A high school that is going to be from eight till five both academically but also artistically driven, it's going to be, it's a wonderful, wonderful thing for our city," said Maggie Daley.
The idea for the school came from a group of civic, arts and education leaders.