Lights, Camera, Action! We are all familiar with that feeling when the orchestra begins their tuning, the lights go down and the curtain begins to go up. For me, it felt like butterflies running through my stomach. For my mother, it felt like “I spent a $120 per ticket for this?”. If you're anything like me, then you’re reading this article hoping to learn a few more things about applying to various performing arts high schools that can give you the tools to get up on that stage and do what you love to do. Be it dance, opera, theater, film, or any other art,  artistic training has always been an entry point into knowing, learning, and performing better in your desired art form.

The best performing arts schools are ones that nurture creativity in their students, giving them the ability to not only excel in their desired art form, but in any other sector of the work force, if they so choose. The performing arts schools below have been ranked based on their high college placement rates, notable alumni, and rich arts programming.

Best Performing Arts High Schools in Manhattan

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Music & Arts and Performing Arts

“Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is a world-recognized institution that nurtures and inspires the next generation of artists, visionaries, and global citizens.” Established in 1963, the “fame” school on the Upper West Side is the home to many notable alumni, some of which include Al Pacino, Nicki Minaj, Vanessa Williams and Timothee Chalamet. At 

, students can pursue dance, fine arts, technical theater, drama and music.

“Professional Children’s School is an independent day school enrolling up to 150 students in grades 6-12. Founded in 1914, Professional Children’s School provides a challenging and engaging college preparatory program for busy artists, athletes, and other young people who are serious about their studies.” Some notable alumni include Sarah Jessica Parker, Kieran Culkin, Jane Krakowski, and many more. Professional Children’s School emphasizes the importance of classroom learning while offering the option of a flexible schedule and distance learning, allowing students to balance time in the classroom with outside pursuits.

Located in the heart of NYC, Talent Unlimited School features prominent programs in arts such as dance,drama, music, and musical theater along with high academic standards. It has 489 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 92% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading. Students do internships with some of the city’s top arts organizations such as the Martha Graham Dance Center. Some extras include but are not limited to Hip‐Hop, Improv Comedy, and Gospel Choir.

“Located in the heart of the theater district in Manhattan, Professional Performing Arts School was created in 1990 to meet the needs of two groups of students - those demonstrating a strong talent and passion for the performing arts and those who were pursuing professional work in the arts.” Admission requires a performance-based audition designed and judged by the individual performing arts departments. This Hell’s Kitchen school counts Alicia Keys, Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, and Britney Spears among it’s glittering alums. It focuses on four programs: music, dance, drama, and musical theater. Students with parts in Broadway, TV, or film productions enjoy flexible schedules.

Repertory Company High School For Theater Arts

Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts is a small high school which offers a full academic program and comprehensive theatre arts classes. It is a program designed for students who aspire to work in the theatre arts field either as actors or behind the scenes. This lovely institution gives classes in writing, production, and movement, as well as providing four years of music and dance. Applicants must audition in one of three performance fields: acting, music, or dance.

Waldeigh Secondary School For The Performing & Visual Arts

“Wadleigh scholars have the opportunity to dedicate their elective credits towards a specific artistic discipline and earn an arts endorsed diploma. In order to reap the benefits of the arts programs, Wadleigh scholars are expected to major in one of the following, and make a commitment to consistent participation: music, theater, dance and visual arts. [ . . . ] Established in 1902, the legacy of Wadleigh is one of living history. Named for Lydia Fowler Wadleigh, the principal of the first public high school for girls, famous Wadleigh alumni include notable playwrights, actors, artists, scientists, and activists including anthropologist Gitel Poznanski Steed, actors Isabel Sanford and Jean Stapleton, artist Lady Bird Cleveland, and activist Evelina Lopez Antonetty.”

“Gramercy Arts High School prides itself in enrolling students and employing teachers that are committed to building a strong, equitable, purposeful, scholarly, and artistic community that prepares all students to succeed in a college of their choice and beyond.” Students will have the opportunity to major in either the visual arts or the theatrical arts.

Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts

Nestled in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, just steps from the historic Brooklyn Navy Yards and scenic Fort Greene Park, “McKinney Secondary School of the Arts focuses on a comprehensive education for each student driven by data to identify each individual’s strengths and challenges in the classroom.” Students are offered an array of art classes including drama, chorus, dance, and visual arts. Auditions are required.

“Brooklyn Arts is a dual-mission high school dedicated to providing aspiring artists and scholars with an academically rigorous pre-college course of study and a comprehensive, four-year pre-conservatory arts program.” Art studios include visual arts, music, dance and drama. Auditions are required.

Best Performing Arts High Schools in the Bronx

“Fordham High School for the Arts is a school that is housed in the Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus at 500 East Fordham Road, Bronx, New York 10458. The school is centrally located in Bronx County, across from Fordham University”. Fordham High School for The Arts offers a foundation in dance, drama, music, and studio art. It is weak on academics, however.

https://www.fordhamhighschoolforthearts.org/

Explore our curated list of the best performing arts high schools in New York City. Discover top-notch programs, renowned faculty, and exceptional opportunities for aspiring artists.

Best Performing Arts High Schools in New York City

The world of Advanced Placement (AP) exams is evolving, and one of the exciting developments is the recent introduction of digital AP exams. If you're planning to take an AP exam in May 2024, this might be a game-changer for you. Let's dive into how digital AP exams work and what you should keep in mind.

In May 2024, digital AP exam subjects will include:

AP African American Studies (2023-24 pilot schools only)

The digital AP exam is meant to mirror the paper-based versions very closely in order to ensure a fair experience for students, regardless of which format they choose. For one, they will be administered in school, following the same scheduling as the paper-based exam. They will also have the same number and types of questions and identical time limits.

To take a digital AP exam, students use the 

, which is compatible with a range of devices, from Chromebooks, Windows and Mac laptops, to iPads. You can choose which device you're comfortable using, making it easier for you to take the test. You'll also still be able to use scratch paper to jot down notes or do calculations during the exam.

Bluebook has a variety of useful features, such as highlighting text and making annotations. You can also move back and forth between questions within the same section, just like flipping through pages in a book. However, you can’t revisit past sections once completed, just as in the paper exam. Importantly, If you have special testing accommodations, such as extra time or breaks, your school can help you set this up within the app.

What are the main advantages of AP digital exams?

Depending on what you’re like as a test-taker, digital AP exams might offer you several important benefits.

. In some exams, such as AP European History or AP Literature and Composition, students often find themselves racing against the clock to write lengthy essays. However, in a digital exam, you have the ability to type out responses much more quickly. Plus, if you need to make changes, it's as simple as editing a document, which avoids the messiness of erasing, crossing things out, and rewriting.

. For example, students with disabilities who might be otherwise unable to travel and sit at other testing locations, or read small fonts on paper, can now be accommodated much more easily.

 that is generated from testing booklets that are needed for traditional paper-based exams. Who wouldn’t want to go with the more eco-friendly choice?

What are the main disadvantages of AP digital exams?

As much as there are upsides to digital AP exams, there are also a few downsides to consider.

One consideration when taking digital AP exams is the possibility of encountering 

. Whether you face poor internet connection or issues with your device, these types of problems can be stressful to navigate.

, given that you'll be looking at your computer for a few hours straight on exam days. If you’re someone who usually struggles with eye strains and headaches from screen time, digital formats can pose a challenge–especially if you have to take multiple AP exams in a single day.

As a student, you’ll be responsible for registering for your AP exams, whether they are digital or paper-based. This is typically done through your school's AP coordinator or guidance counselors. You can learn more 

Whether or not digital AP exams are easier ultimately comes down to personal preferences. For example, some students might find it easier to take a digital exam in subjects that require extensive essay writing. However, the choice between digital and paper ultimately depends on your comfort and preferences. It's a good idea to try practice questions in both formats to figure out which suits you better.

No, digital AP exams are not taken at home. Instead, they will be conducted at your school to ensure a standardized and controlled testing environment for all participants.

No, AP digital exams no longer require a camera. Originally, the College Board stated that these exams would require both a camera and an ID, but this requirement was removed. Proctors will instead use the Test Day Toolkit web application to manage digital AP exams.

Digital AP scores are usually made available between April and July, depending on the type of test you took.

Yes, your AP exam scores will be accessible online through the 

. In fact, score reports are no longer paper-mailed, and they will only be available online! To view them, simply log in to your College Board account using your username and password. Make sure you have either your AP number or the student ID you used on your answer sheet handy.

It’s also good to note that you have the option to digitally send your AP scores to colleges. Each year, you get one free score send to a college of your choice.  Keep in mind that you have to make this decision before seeing your scores. If you want to send your report to more colleges, or if you miss the free send deadline, you can still do this through your College Board account online.

If you're looking to improve your digital AP scores, there are a few places to start:

: These are excellent tools to identify your strengths and areas that need improvement, allowing you to focus your study efforts effectively.

: Familiarize yourself with the College Board's course and exam descriptions to understand the expected material and question types for your AP subject.

: At IVY, we will match you with the right tutor who aligns with your academic goals and can craft a custom study schedule. We strive to go beyond covering subject matter to also equip you with valuable test-taking strategies and techniques and boost your confidence.

Regardless of your stage in the test preparation process, Ivy Tutors Network is ready to assist you. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any inquiries or schedule a free consultation to start your path towards AP success!

The world of Advanced Placement (AP) exams is evolving, and one of the exciting developments is the recent introduction of digital AP exams. Let's dive into how digital AP exams work and what you should keep in mind.

AP Digital Exams

AP Digital Exams: FAQ

 Director of Admissions, Katherine Harrison, to gain more insight into what Walker offers students, and the details of their admissions process. 

Read on to learn all you need to know about what makes The Walker School so special, and stay tuned to Ivy Tutor Network’s blog so you can get the scoop on other Atlanta schools Linda will be writing about soon!

The thing that differentiates The Walker School from other independent schools in the area is that there is a nice healthy intersection of academic challenge and balance of wellness and the whole child experience. Director of Admissions, Katherine Harrison, thinks of Walker as a family school.

Currently their greatest competition are magnet schools in the area, but Katherine argues that these schools are unable to cater to the individual needs of all students and Walker has the freedom, like other independent schools, to do just this. She also shared that these past 2 years have been challenging not only academically, but also socially and emotionally for students as a result of the pandemic, and Walker has the resources and curriculum in place to rise to the occasion and support their students.

The students and their families are known well by the administrators and teachers, which leads to not only academic success but also to them becoming well rounded citizens of the world. At Walker students are making real world connections, learning from a lens of blending thoughtfulness and tradition. There is a three language requirement, which really sets them apart from other schools. As a result, students are inclined to choose experiences in other countries as graduates, or at the very least to be flexible in their thinking around learning opportunities.

Students are encouraged to “stretch all of their rubber bands”- to try every way of doing things, using different approaches.

Walker is also proud of their diversity, with 42% of students identifying as people of color.

Walker seniors achieve 100 percent acceptance to top four-year colleges and universities.

Walker has 950 students and 2 campuses, located in Marietta.

The Primary Campus houses Early Learners (3 years old) through kindergarten and the Main Campus houses grades 1 through 12.

One of the things that I took away from our conversation, and this came up a lot, is that location matters in the Atlanta area when it comes to schools and commuting.

The Walker School is located at 700 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062, just off the I-75, along the 45 bus line. Walker offers a two-way bus service with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Atlanta including Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Acworth, and considers requests to add additional pick-up locations, as well.

Walker School National, State, and Local Rankings

In 2023, The Walker School was ranked nationally as the 205th Best Private K-12 School out of of 2,594. Walker ranked 363rd out of 4,323 of the nation’s Best Private High Schools. Additionally, Walker ranked 409th out of 4,159 for Best College Prep Private Schools; 922 of 8,786 for Best High Schools for STEM, and 950 out of 7,010 for Most Diverse Private Schools.

In Georgia, Walker is the 8th Best Private High School out of 186 and the 8th Best Private K-12 School out of 155. Walker also ranked 10th Best College Prep Private High School out of 179, 24th Best High School for STEM out of 256, 35th Most Diverse Private High School out of 292, and 151st Best High School for Athletes out of 717.

In the Atlanta Area, Walker ranks as the 8th best Private High School out of 104 and the 8th Best Private K-12 School out of 82. Walker also ranked as the 9th Best College Prep Private High School of 101, the 21st Best High School for STEM out of 160, the 28th Most Diverse Private High School out of 159, and the 84th Best High School for Athletes out of 346.

Teachers at Walker use an inquiry-based approach. College preparatory curriculum is centered, and students have the freedom to explore subjects they find personally interesting.

I was excited to learn that Walker has created the 

 for students grades 1 through 5. These students are supported by their Orton-Gilligham certified teachers. This is such an important resource for families, particularly when they enroll their children in the school at kindergarten and younger and do not yet have a sense of what their learning challenges might be.

Along with a robust arts education and athletics programming, The Walker School offers the following academic programs in each of its schools.

 programs are used for phonemic awareness, which prepare students for Orton-Gillingham instruction. For Math, young learners are set up for success in Pre-K and Kindergarten Math in Focus/ Singapore Math, by learning one-to-one correspondence, grouping, and regrouping.

Early learners are immersed in lab-based science exploration, Spanish, T.E.C. (Technology, Engineering, and Creativity), library time, art, music, and physical education.

Additionally, a Primary School Counselor supports young students, teachers, and parents in navigating students’ overall growth, learning, and development.

At Walker’s Lower School, young learners begin on their path to becoming strong scholars. The New Avenues Dyslexia Program becomes fully immersive in grades 1-5. In addition to excellent programming in pedagogies such as Orton-Gillingham, Singapore Math, and Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, programming is well rounded with arts, music, library time, and fun extended day activities.

Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (Grades 3-5)

History: Social Studies and Global & U.S. History

Art: Painting, sculpture, drawing, collage, and printmaking

Technology: Digital Citizenship, Word Processing & Keyboarding, Microsoft Office, Robotics, Programming, Technology Fluency & Research Skills, Photography, and Creativity & Collaboration

In addition to core curriculum courses in English, Math, and Science, Middle School students are educated in World Languages (French, German, Latin and Spanish), Computer Science, Drama, Choir, Band, and Technology (Computer Science, Digital Media, Introduction to Engineering, Robotics).

Academic learning is rounded out by fun extracurricular activities, like podcast production, sports, and acting in Shakespearean plays. Walker even has an 

 is personalized based on students’ talents, strengths, and interests.

In addition to core curriculum subjects, students are offered:

26 College Board Advanced Placement Courses

Post-AP classes in all academic departments

Advanced courses in subjects such as Humanities, Drama, Psychology, Critical Thinking, Robotics, Cyber Security, Graphic Design, Film and Video

Internships in areas such as Epidemiology, Public Health

Walker uses Ravenna for their application process. They are test optional, and all students applying will have a campus visit. Applicants 2nd grade and up will have a shadow visit. There are no parent interviews at Walker. Admission decisions for Early Learners and Pre-k are made on a rolling basis, but all other grades follow the AAAIS notification and reply date guidelines.

 at Walker are 1300 (660 Math, 640 Reading).

Average ACT scores at Walker are 30 ( 29 Math, 31 Reading, 31 English, 29 Science).

How hard is it to get into The Walker School?

Walker's acceptance rate of 65% is lower than the national average private school acceptance rate of 81%, making it more difficult to get into compared to many private schools nationally.

Walker Schools 2023-2024 Tuition & Fees are:

Additional expenses may include books and supplies (for grades 6-12), fine arts trips, international travel, and extra athletic apparel (not including uniforms).

Dive into our expert review of The Walker School in Atlanta for 2023. Gain valuable insights into this prestigious institution's academic offerings, campus life, and community impact.

The Walker School in Atlanta (Expert Review 2023)

The Walker School in Atlanta [Expert Review 2023]

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