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No. in Series	No. in Season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
1	1	"Metamorphosis"	Bob Kelljan	Christopher Gore	January 7, 1982
Auditions introduce the School of the Arts main characters; oddball Julie Miller, funny Garcy, haughty diva Coco Hernandez, awkward misfit Montgomery McNeil, naïve loudmouth Doris Schwartz, reclusive Bruno Martelli and street smart Leroy Johnson. The teachers are dance instructor Lydia Grant, English teacher Elizabeth Sherwood and music teacher Benjamin Shorofsky. Songs: "Miles from Here", "Take Me", "Fame", "Red Light" Guest starring Fran Drescher (as Rhonda), Judy Farrell (as Mrs. Miller), and Tommy Aguilar (as Garcy). Co-starring Dallas Alinder (as Clerk) and Paul Joynt (as Michael). Featuring Rachael Orr (as Debbie), Eartha D. Robinson (as Phenicia), Lycia Naff (as Moira), and Ellia English (as Sheila).
2	2	"Passing Grade"	Nicholas Sgarro	Story by : Lee H. Grant Teleplay by : Lee H. Grant & William Blinn	January 14, 1982
Lydia's old boyfriend, Robert, offers her a part in a show and teaches Coco a lesson in the process when she applies for the "ethnic actress" part. Danny learns Johnny Carson is expected to dine at Danny's favorite restaurant, so he gets a job there. *The song "I Still Believe In Me", performed by Erica Gimpel and Debbie Allen and co-written by Gary Portnoy (co writer of "Cheers" theme song) was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Original Song. Songs: "The Show Must Go On", "I Still Believe In Me" Guest starring Carmine Caridi (as Angelo Martelli) and William Allen Young (as Robert Summers). Co-starring Frank Dent (as Stage Manager), John Bernaber (Maitre d'), Jacquelyn Houston (Miss Douglas), Holly Rutherford (as Singer), William Ward (The Producer), and Rose Lewis (Protege).
3	3	"Tomorrow's Farewell"	Thomas Carter	William Blinn	January 21, 1982
A school board evaluation involves observing and interviewing students about their priorities. Head inspector Melendez decides a gym is necessary, leading to a cardio contest between football players and the dancers. Leroy's estranged older brother Willard, just released from jail, moves in...bringing a gun, leading to Leroy's arrest while trying to dispose of it. Songs: "I Can Do Anything Better Than You Can", "Come What May" Guest starring Grand Bush (as Willard Johnson). Co-starring John Karlen (as Detective Kessler) and Vince Duke Milana (as Mr. Tipton). Featuring Gabriel Barre (as The Mime), Barbara Ann Grimes (Mrs. Polsdorfer), John Finn (Driver Cop), and Luis Avalos (as Mr. Melendez).
4	4	"Alone in a Crowd"	Robert Scheerer	Glenn Gordon Caron	January 28, 1982
The School of the Arts 7th annual benefit has Montgomery running the auditions and show. Coco tries unsuccessfully to get performance shy Bruno to perform at the event, so Mr. Shorofsky changes his student proficiency tests to be performed in front of the class and addresses Bruno's fear. Danny shows bad sportsmanship when he fails to earn a place in the performance while Leroy's academic grades eliminate his performing. At the benefit a brown-out gives elevator trapped Danny and Doris a deeper understanding of each other. Songs: "Alone in the Crowd", "We Got the Power To Be" Guest starring Carmine Caridi (as Angelo Martelli). Also starring Michael Thoma (as Gregory Crandell). Co-starring Larry Gilman (as Trainee Agent). Featuring Leslie Vallen (as Hotel Guest) and Lance Stevens (as Accordion Player).
5	5	"To Soar and Never Falter"	Harry Harris	William Blinn	February 4, 1982
Dance major Kathleen's audition for the Ran Tyler dancer troop causes Miss Grant to ask Bruno for an original piece, but Bruno and Kathleen can't agree on the music concept. Kathleen falls and her audition is postponed due to the minor injury. Her prior diagnosis of multiple sclerosis causes the insurance company to decide to remove her from the school. Doris tells Bruno about Kathleen's impending removal when Bruno and Kathleen become romantically involved. Leroy fills in for Kathleen, then fakes an injury to make a place for her return. Danny doesn't want to perform a love scene with tall Julie, so the kids stage the scene to get around Danny's height issue. Songs: "Be My Music", "Ballet for Kathy" (instrumental) Guest starring Carmine Caridi (as Angelo Martelli) and Connie Needham (as Kathleen Murphy). Also starring Michael Thoma (as Gregory Crandell). Co-starring Stanley Grover (as Marvin Rutledge), Marie Wallace (as Mrs. Murphy), Gregory Itzin (as Dr. Reston), and Garrison True (as David).
6	6	"The Sellout"	Thomas Carter	Gary Kott	February 11, 1982
Coco's authoritative teaching methods while instructing the dance class choreography mid-term upsets her peers. Mister Shorofsky chooses Julie to play in the ensemble for Coco's project, so jealous Coco torments Julie during rehearsals and blames it on astrology. Bruno promises an original lullaby for his cousin's birthday, but gets too busy. Mr. Martelli causes a small fire in one of Bruno's synthesizers, so he buys a new expensive synthesizer but must work extra shifts to pay for it, resulting in a fatigue injury. Bruno secretly gets a part-time job with a polka band and finishes the lullaby. Songs: "It's Sonata Mozart" (instrumental), "Could We Be Magic Like You", "Hi-Fidelity" Guest starring Carmine Caridi (as Angelo Martelli). Co-starring Estelle Omens (as Mrs. Goldman) and David Paymer (as The Salesman). Featuring Michael DeLorenzo (as The Student).
7	7	"The Strike"	Thomas Carter	Danny Jacobson & Barry Vigon	February 18, 1982
Montgomery is stage manager for the school production of "Othello," but a pending union strike makes faculty involvement questionable. Coco, believing she's the better actress, is upset when Julie gets the part of Desdemona. Mr. Shorofsky supervises the music, but he and Bruno disagree on the direction of the score. Both Mr. Shorofsky and Miss Grant are opposed to the strike, but all the teachers are expected to picket. Montgomery unites the students and Coco volunteers to help with choreography, but Leroy fears Shakespearian literature and drops his lead role. Bruno struggles with the music, an early rehearsal proves disastrous and Leroy's absence is a problem. Leroy gets private tutoring from Miss Sherwood, Mr. Shorofsky approves of Bruno's composition and the production is a success. Songs: "Desdemona", "Starmaker" Also starring Michael Thoma (as Gregory Crandell). Co-starring Ann Nelson (as Mrs. Berg) and Michael Jerry-Lee (as Poker Player).
8	8	"Street Kid"	Robert Scheerer	Story by : Marc Rubin Teleplay by : Marc Rubin and William Blinn	February 25, 1982
When Mr. Crandall's assignment requires an improv scene portraying a character far removed from themselves, Doris pretends to be a teenage prostitute to "research" her role. She discovers a real 16-year-old prostitute, Tracy, and convinces her mom to take Tracy in after their arrest. Doris convinces the staff to allow Tracy an audition that goes badly and then Doris convinces the runaway to call her parents and performs her enlightening improv piece. Mr. Shorofsky buys a classic car and asks Miss Sherwood to teach him to drive. Songs: "Life is a Celebration" Guest starring Madlyn Rhue (as Mrs. Schwartz) and Dominique Dunne (as Tracy). Also starring Michael Thoma (as Gregory Crendall). Co-starring Del Monroe (as Detective Dellinger) and Monica Francis Pegé (as Flashy Dressed Woman).
9	9	"But Seriously, Folks"	Alan J, Levi	Parke Perine	March 4, 1982
Danny's attitude and performance have dwindled and the staff discover he's been working early mornings as the stage manager at a late night comedy club. The club's star comedian gives Danny caffeine pills as a "gift" and the overwhelmed Danny turns to the drugs before performing. His work violates the no professional work clause of the school and endangers his education. Danny's father ignores the drugs until the kids intrude on his Saint Anthony Lodge event. Doris wins the part in a commercial for Hank Burgers, but detests both the director and the burgers. Songs: "Come What May", "Step Up to the Mike" Also starring Michael Thoma (as Gregory Crendall) and Ric Mancini (as Mr. Amatullo). Co-starring Lola Mason (as Mrs. Amatullo), Gregg Berger (as The Comedian), Stanley DeSantis (as The Director), Larry Miller (The Emcee) and Jack Murdock (The Club Owner). Featuring Bob Basso (as The Doorman), Liis Kailey (The Assistant), and Michael Perotta (Fiorino).
10	10	"Come One, Come All"	Robert Scheerer	Hindi Brooks	March 11, 1982
Montgomery's movie star mother is directing the school's variety show but wants to use it for herself. Songs: "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)" (instrumental) Guest starring Carmine Caridi (as Angelo Martelli). Special Guest Star Gwen Verdon (as Melinda MacNeill). Co-starring Ann Nelson (as Mrs. Berg).
11	11	"The Crazies"	Mel Swope	William Blinn	March 18, 1982
Doris and Montgomery agree to tell the truth for an entire day. Doris suggestion that Michelle has big hips makes her insecure and Doris reveals to Miss Sherwood that Miss Grant doubts her ability to perform an African tribal dance, resulting in the teachers trading places. Montgomery reveals to Mr. Shorofsky that the class didn't practice their assignment. Everyone puts their petty differences aside when Mr. Shorofsky is attacked by an intruder in the school and the show is reworked so as not to dishonour him. Songs: "I Was Only Trying To Help", "Carnival" Also starring Michael Thoma (as Gregory Crandall), Bronwyn Thomas (as Michelle), and Ann Nelson (as Mrs. Berg). Co-starring Will Jarvis (as Hall Monitor) and D.J . Sydney (as Nurse). Featuring Diana Long (as Night Nurse), Sandy Serrano (as Deidre), Barbara Ziff (as Nurse's Aide), Stephanie Williams (as Girl), and Michael DeLorenzo (as Michael).
12	12	"Exposé"	Harry Harris	Bruce Shelly	March 25, 1982
Julie's mom is apprehensive about job hunting, causing Julie to be replaced by a mannequin when she fails to attend rehearsal. Miss Sherwood's graduate student, Jeff Harris, has a hidden agenda and becomes romantically involved with Julie, claiming he's only writing an article about her move from Grand Rapids to New York City. Julie's mom learns after she's being hired her as a numbers' runner and Julie discovers Jeff is scheming to scandalize both Julie and the school, resulting in the two contemplating moving back to Grand Rapids. Songs: "Mannequin", "It's Gonna Be A Long Night" Guest starring Judy Farrell (as Charlotte Miller) and Brian Patrick Clarke (as Jeff Harris). Co-starring Martin Speer (as David Gibb).
13	13	"A Musical Bridge"	Robert Scheerer	Bruce Shelly	April 1, 1982
Miss Sherwood overhears Leroy asking Danny to let him copy his assignment and asks his parents to come in. She finally goes to Leroy's house to confront them and excuses him when she learns he lives in a meager apartment alone. Miss Grant chastises her and says to challenge him again for his own sake. Bruno composes a mindless song parodying Mr. Shorofsky to prove popular music is noise, but Montgomery secretly records the song and submits it to a local new wave band. With a flimsy record contract possible, the gang expresses its concern with Montgomery's exploitation of Bruno just when Mr. Shorofcky makes Bruno realize that he shouldn't compromise his integrity for money. Songs: "Sho Sho Sho Shorofsky", "Do The Gimme That" Guest starring Carmine Caridi (as Angelo Martelli). Co-starring Ann Nelson (as Mrs. Berg).
14	14	"A Big Finish"	Robert Douglas	William Blinn	April 15, 1982
After finishing her morning jog, Miss Sherwood discovers a dog in the school with the janitor Tim. When she asks him of the dog's whereabouts, he denies seeing a dog. We learn shortly that he is indeed aware of the animal. Doris' allergies act up in the presence of dogs or people who have been around them confirming Miss Sherwood's discovery of a dog in the school. Miss Sherwood confronts Tim who gets upset by the accusation of being a liar. Curious, Doris gets Bruno and Danny to try to find where the dog is being kept. They discover old Broadway dancer Birdie Whelan has been living in the janitor's quarters after falling short of his rent. He's the owner of the dog and old dance rival Tim has been hiding him there. The kids decide to keep their secret to spare Tim's job and Birdie's living space but of course in the school of the arts, that doesn't happen. They plan a benefit to raise money for the two. The kids arrange a benefit for Tim and Birdie but Miss Sherwood informs them that they would be expelled for courting favour for an employee. Determined to do the benefit, Doris revamps the benefit as a fundraiser for Clumpy, the dog. On a lighter note, Birdie is aware of Leroy's dancing talents and encourages him to listen to Miss Grant. Meanwhile, Mr. Shorofsky has order a table tennis table in which he plans to move into Miss Grant's classroom. Mr. Shorofsky creams Julie and Mr. Crandall and breaches his agreement to store the table against the wall. Miss Grant sets up a match between Mr. Shorofsky and Lang Peyton-Smythe, a neighbour of hers, and she defeats him. Songs: "We're A Couple of Swells", "You're the Real Music" Guest starring Art Carney (as Tim O'Bannion) and Ray Walston (as Birdie Whelan). Co-starring Bronwyn Thomas (as Michelle) and Lang Yun (as Lang Peyton-Smythe).
15	15	"Reunions"	John Patterson	Steve Kline	April 29, 1982
Mr. Shorofsky's old girlfriend, and survivor of the Holocaust decides to pay him a visit. Leroy wants his mother to be present for parents' day, but neither of them can afford to have her flown in from Detroit. The gang decides to surprise Leroy. Songs: "Hope" Guest starring Signe Hasso (as Frieda Grauer), Royce Wallace (as Mrs. Johnson), and James Purcell (as Wally Zawicky). Co-starring Ben Slack (as Store Owner), Bronwyn Thomas (as Michelle), E. Danny Murphy (as Pool Player), and Ann Nelson (as Mrs. Berg).
16	16	"A Special Place"	Robert Scheerer	Parke Perine	May 6, 1982
When Bruno learns that a famous composer stole his original music, he decides to find and confront him. Budget cutbacks call for the termination of one of the school's teachers: either Sherwood or Crandall. Crandall gets cut, but the teachers meet with city board representatives to offer putting off their raises in order to keep Crandall. The kids gather around Crandall at his goodbye party and sing "Starmaker." Crandall's job is saved for one year in exchange for the school not getting approved new lighting in the auditorium. To celebrate, the kids sing and dance to "Hot Lunch" (played in the original film). Coco does not appear in this episode. Songs: "A Very Special Place", "Starmaker", "Hot Lunch Jam" Guest starring Jeff Pomerantz (as Paul Forbes), Michael Thoma (as Greg Crandall). Co-starring Sam Weisman (as the composer), Ann Nelson (as Mrs. Berg) and Barbara Ann Grimes (as Mrs. Polsdorfer