Education Minister Peter Collier said more than 2600 Year 6 students across WA were competing for entry to the 2015 Year 8 course.
Specialist courses across Perth schools include academic, visual arts, dance, drama, music and language.
Mr Collier said there were 4181 applications, including students applying for ‘top-up’ places in years 8 to 11.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘The programs give students the chance to learn from specialist teachers alongside like-minded peers,’ he said.
‘The demand for places is competitive and the quality of applicants is of an exceptionally high standard.’
The Kalamunda Senior High School art program, held on Saturdays, is a big hit with Year 9 students.
Annabelle Jenkins (14) is using the program as a jumping board for a creative career.
‘The program is a lot of fun, I love the range of different art mediums we can choose, from painting and wearable art to sculpture,’ she said.
Successful applicants for the next course will be notified in August.