Hi! Does anyone have kids at these performing arts schools?
LaGuardia PPAS Frank Sinatra Talent Unlimited Art and Design Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts
If so, I'm wondering how you and your kids like the schools. I do know some parents who have kids at LaGuardia so I'm getting feedback about that school, but I was wondering about the others. I'm doing some online research (e.g., GreatSchools.com, etc) and the academics seem mediocre to lousy at many of them. Thanks so much!
I have no experience with any of these schools.
But--as someone who works in the arts and had an arts education, I do have an opinion about "academics" at arts schools.
I think that an arts education is its own thing and you shouldn't really want it both ways. Your kid will not be a mathematician and a ballerina or a broadway actress. I know this is what a lot of parents want to see, but it's basically like wanting your child to be an accomplished auto mechanic who went to med school. Sure, there are a handful of people in the world that fit this description, but it's highly unusual.
Success in the arts is just as valuable as academic success. Both take tremendous time and effort, and there are 24 hours in the day.
I have a child in dance at Laguardia (sophomore) and I am thrilled with the experience she is having. The dance dept is exceptional and the academics are there if your child wants them - strong AP classes and 5 languages all four years with AP options. Laguardia does have the longest school day in the system, typically 8am-4:10pm. For us, it really has been an amazing experience, even in the time of covid. Have you researched with insideschools.org? They have good insights for public schools including performing arts schools.
I'm in this field too and teach HS in the DOE. I don't disagree. Laguardia is the only school that delivers both academics and arts at a high quality. Kids go to top schools from LaG not all go to conservatories.
I hear really good things about Sinatra! I also know someone with a DC at Art & Design and she is happy. Caveat - not a strong academic kid.
My daughter loves Talent Unlimited. The teachers and administration have been great.