The Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theater, formerly known as School of the Atlantic City Ballet, started in 1982 in Northfield, New Jersey. Phyllis Papa founded the school to sustain the company. Dancers from the school are now involved in many major companies around the world, including The New York City Ballet, The American Ballet Theatre, The Israeli Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and many more. Many have performed in films, television, on Broadway as well as Las Vegas shows.

The students get their scholarships to major universities and quite a few students have their own professional companies and dance schools. Some became ballet masters to professional schools and firms while others are choreographers.

Papa was able to acquire the facility that the academy is now in. The academy sits on a 7.2-acre property and has an Olympic swimming pool and two studios with a landscaping that includes a pond with live fish and a stage. The facility is home to summer camps and is an ideal place for students who are really interested in a life of art and ballet. The camps include the Youth Summer Camp, International Summer Intensive, the Swim Academy and the Winter Camp.

The Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theater is an educational facility for acting, dance, voice, musical instruction and swimming. Miss Papa is the director and the main teacher. The faculty also includes some of the professional dancers and performers from the Atlantic City Ballet of New Jersey.

The Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theater Performing Arts Academy is the official institution of the Atlantic City Ballet, which means that students from the school are handpicked to be in productions that have children. The academy students are given high priority for acceptance as apprentices for the professional company.