High School versus Performing Arts High School

NotMamaRose
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:25:00 +0000

My D attended a public arts high school that offers a program similar to, though not the same as, britbrat’s son’s. Admission is by-audition only and draws candidates from all over the region and from to time, they even get a kid from out of state who either moves to the area to attend or boards locally in order to be able to attend. The day runs from about 8:15 a.m. to about 4:15, which the first half of the day (about 8:15 - 12:15) devoted to academic classes and then the second half of the day (12:15 to 4:15) devoted to arts classes, or vice versa. (Schedules switch depending on what year you are.) The academic teachers are certified teachers, but the arts teachers are working professionals who know about their area first hand.

I think that when people think of performing arts high schools, their minds automatically jump to Interlochen or Walnut Hill and places like that, which are, of course, private schools that charge tuition.

When people ask me about my daughter’s alma mater, I am always quick to caution them that that kind of school is not for everyone. It certainly is not for the kid who wants a well rounded, typical high school experience with a chance to work on the school newspaper and go to mixers and be in the pep squad and play on sports teams, because other than yearbook, there are no clubs and there certainly are no sports or teams. But for a kid who is focused on acting, singing, playing an instrument, painting or drawing (visual art), dance or theater tech, I’d say there is no better place.