High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

This is a great school for balance. It has both great academics and fantastic art areas.
--Submitted by a student

Each department (music, art, dance, writing, drama) have its own system, but academics are same for all departments and are solid. The school stresses self discipline -- both for the students' classwork and art.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attends HSPVA for dance. The academics have been ok and the art area atrocious. We all know the evaluation of dance is subjective but one has to seriously question a department which finds 0% growth in a student whom outside organizations consistently give high marks. The dept. is more concerned with producing PVA-bots than well- trained dancers. The teachers tear down students self-esteem by telling them they are fat, are not cut out for dance, their choreography is horrible, have not shown improvement and by threatening to kick them out. Dance classes are like an episode Beverly Hills 90210 where groups of students have one set of rules and expectations and others another. I haven t yet figured out how students succeed in the dance department but I know it s not by dancing well. You d do better at Carver or the Houston Ballet.
--Submitted by a parent

The atmosphere is so nurturing for the talented kids who are fortunate enough to attend. The academics are pre-college and the arts training is stellar. HSPVA is simply outstanding on so many levels
--Submitted by a parent

Great school and wonderful students. It's a big family
--Submitted by a parent

Great school that needs financial help. Great arts and academics.
--Submitted by a parent

HSPVA is not only a professional arts school but an advanced academic school. Students are taught the business of the arts and prepares them for college by teaching them time management. HSPVA is more than a school, it's a family!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a blessing to the comunity...a center for nurturing all the best and the brightest, the most creative and positive young minds we have!

My eldest son attended HSPVA. The attitudes of the faculty were so empowering that his self image was boosted immensely. I am very grateful for the education he received there.
--Submitted by a parent

I used to attend HSPVA. It wasn't the school for me, but it was a fantastic school for the arts. I was in the visual section, and we spent half of our day with fantastic art teachers, great contacts, and we received a great art education. However, I agree with some of the other reviews that core academics could deal with a great amount of improvement. I had a number of teachers who just wanted to talk about their personal philosophy rather than the subject. There really needs to be some sort of physical education program implemented. The students are all very friendly, and it's a great atmosphere.
--Submitted by a student