Citizens who want to get a glimpse of the new Mississippi Schoolof the Arts will get their chance during an Oct. 4 open house,school officials said.

“The whole community is really wanting to tour,” said JenniferJackson, MSA director of development and public relations.

Jackson said the public will be able to tour the renovatedcampus that Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon.

Potential MSA students and their families may visit the campusOct. 4 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. A second open house for potentialstudents and parents is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15.

MSA officials have started sending recruitment information tohigh schools around the state for next year. In the school’sdatabase, Jackson said there are over 500 names of students whohave expressed an interest in attending in 2004-05.

“Interest is huge already, and we’re just now recruiting heavyin the schools,” Jackson said.

Sixty-five high school juniors started classes last month at thefirst-year arts school. Jackson said about 60 to 70 juniors can beaccepted next year.

The application deadline will be at the end of January 2004,Jackson said. The process consists of two phases, with part onebeing a submitted application and portfolio and part two being anon-site interview, written assessment and performance.

School officials said current MSA students have been adjustingwell to their new surroundings. Students take math, science andforeign language classes at Brookhaven High School, while socialstudies, English and arts-related classes are taught on the MSAcampus.

David Smith, MSA director of Student Services, said the schoolhas had a wonderful first month.

“There’s been a lot of activity going on and a lot of thingshappening,” Smith said. “It’s great to see the students fitting inso well.”

Almost all of the students live in the Student Life Center,which Wednesday saw the “Mississippi School of the Arts” lettersadded to a sign in front of the eight-story building. Smith saiddorm life has been an experience for students.

In addition to MSA academic benefits, Smith touted the benefitsof the “social education” students are getting living on campus andinteracting with other residents. He said that will give them anadvantage when they attend college.

“Their transition the college environment will be much easierbecause of the experiences they’ve had here,” Smith said.