Explore Student Life at Penrose Academy
At Penrose Academy, a well-rounded beauty education goes beyond academics and technical training. We believe in creating engaging experiences that challenge, inspire, and motivate our students, both inside and outside the classroom.
Campus Life at Penrose Academy
When you join the Penrose community, you’ll find a vibrant culture designed to foster connection and professional growth. From all-school assemblies and Food-Truck Fridays to friendly student competitions and class graduations, campus life is packed with opportunities to learn, lead, and celebrate.
- All-School Assemblies: Guest speakers, industry artists, and motivational leaders join us to share insights on trends and career success.
- Grad Night: We celebrate student achievement with a graduation event that brings together families, friends, and faculty.
- Charity of Choice, Homeless Youth Connection (HYC): Through fundraisers, donation drives, and awareness events, students support youth experiencing homelessness in Arizona.
Editorial Events & Shows
At Penrose Academy, students gain real-world editorial experience through creative styling events that showcase artistry in a professional, fast-paced setting.
- Wander + Wonder: Our signature annual editorial runway and styling showcase, built around a unique theme. Students, alumni, and educators collaborate to design hair, makeup, and nail looks, presented in a live gallery and runway environment. Past themes have included Halloween, Circus, Art, Elements, and Eras.
- Industry Events: Students also work behind the scenes at Phoenix Fashion Week, ASU’s annual fashion show, and other productions, gaining portfolio-worthy experience and exposure to the editorial styling world.
Career-Building Opportunities
A career in beauty requires more than technical skills, it demands business savvy, networking, and confidence. That’s why Penrose Academy integrates career-building into every program:
- Resume writing & interview prep.
- Business management training.
- Penrose Connect: A networking event connecting students directly with brand reps, distributors, product partners, and employers across the Valley. Many alumni credit this event as the reason they landed their first jobs.
- High Placement Rate: 90% of Penrose graduates secure jobs in the beauty industry.*
Expand Your Education with Our Study Abroad Program
“Study Abroad was the reason I chose Penrose! Going to France was one of the greatest memories I think I will ever have. Paris was magical, Nice was beautiful, and I will remember that trip forever.”
-Lena G., Cosmetology Graduate
Our Past Study Abroad Destinations
Destinations:
- Tokyo
- Sydney & Melbourne
- Barcelona
- Dublin
- Nice
- Amsterdam
- Bruges
- London
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Rome
- Paris
Student Council & Leadership Opportunities
Penrose students can run for Student Council, a peer-elected group that takes on leadership roles within the academy. Council members help plan campus events, organize charity initiatives like fundraisers for Homeless Youth Connection (HYC), and represent the student body.
This experience builds leadership, public speaking, and teamwork skills, valuable assets for both professional and personal growth.
Real Graduates & Real Careers
My favorite thing about Penrose Academy is their love and passion for the industry and mostly for each other. There is so much love and encouragement that it makes you feel much better about yourself. They are setting us up in real life scenarios and situations and bringing in outside professionals to give us a glimpse into the real world. Also, they are preparing us at the end with test out and mock interviews.
-Tim N., Cosmetology GraduateI’ve always had a positive reaction from potential employers when they hear of my attendance at Penrose. Even more so with my excellent grades and achievements after. I learned so many valuable things at Penrose that I’ve applied in the field and other areas of my life. I think what stands out the most is something Jill always said: “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. Oh man is that the truth! And of course, fierce conversations. Without learning that technique, I would not be where I am today.
-Rachael L., Esthetics and Laser GraduateEver since I was little I have LOVED hair and makeup and have always wanted to go into Cosmetology. I never had the guts to go for it until I toured Penrose and my husband pushed me to go after what I loved. What stood out about Penrose? The atmosphere! I loved the mini mission statement and the enthusiasm of the teachers and students. It seemed like an empowering place to be and I knew instantly it was the place for me.
-Audrey P., Cosmetology GraduateI had a friend that attended this school when it was Kohler and raved about how amazing the program was. Also, when I came in for my tour everyone was beyond welcoming and I felt like I found my place. I love the energy of everyone here: students, educators, and staff! I love knowing that everyone that works here genuinely loves their job!
-Alex G., Cosmetology GraduateI chose to pursue the Esthetics program to further my career in the beauty industry. Practicing esthetics is a great way to impact the lives of others in a productive and positive way. Penrose Academy not only prepares us to provide quality services to our clients after graduation, it prepares us to be successful on the business side of the beauty industry by instilling the importance of the 6 R’s.
-Heidi L., Esthetics GraduateI have always wanted to make people look and feel beautiful. I am a makeup artist and wanted to pursue my dreams of also doing hair. A cosmetology license will allow me to explore different areas of the beauty industry without limits. My hair dresser knew that I was interested in beauty school and recommended Penrose because she also attended the program and had a really positive experience and was able to find a great job right out of school.
-Angelica D., Cosmetology and Laser Graduate
Find Out With Our Career Readiness Quiz.
Take the Penrose Academy “Beauty Career Training Readiness Quiz.”
This fun, 3-minute quiz will give you a personalized report on your
strengths, social style, and best-fit beauty career path.