Baltimore School for the Arts

Hello, Maryland families and aspiring artists! We're excited to introduce you to a truly unique and transformative educational institution right here in our state: the Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA). For decades, BSA has been a beacon for talented young individuals who dream of pursuing a career in the arts, offering an unparalleled blend of rigorous artistic training and a robust college-preparatory academic curriculum. If you or a young person in your life possesses a passion for dance, music, theatre, visual arts, or film, and is seeking an environment where that talent can truly flourish, the Baltimore School for the Arts is a destination worth exploring. This article will delve into what makes BSA a distinguished choice for students across Maryland, providing a comprehensive overview from a local perspective.

The Baltimore School for the Arts, established in 1979 as part of the Baltimore City Public Schools system, is one of the top public performing arts high schools in the entire country. Its mission is clear: to prepare its students for careers in the arts by providing intensive, pre-professional training in specific arts disciplines, seamlessly integrated with a challenging academic program. What sets BSA apart is its commitment to fostering not just artistic excellence, but also crucial life skills such as collaboration, time management, discipline, and grit. Students spend a significant portion of their day – typically four hours – immersed in their chosen art form, taught by working professionals in their respective fields. The other half of the day is dedicated to a rigorous academic curriculum that emphasizes core liberal arts values and prepares students for higher education. This dual focus ensures that graduates are not only exceptional artists but also well-rounded, capable individuals ready for college and diverse career paths, whether in the arts or other fields. The vibrant atmosphere, as noted by students, is filled with "lots of artists" and opportunities to "meet new friends that are cool and lots more," highlighting the supportive and inspiring community BSA cultivates.

The Baltimore School for the Arts is strategically located at 712 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. This central downtown Baltimore address offers excellent accessibility for students and families throughout Maryland. Situated in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, the school is well-served by Baltimore's public transportation network. Students can easily reach the campus via numerous bus routes, and its proximity to Light Rail stops adds another convenient option for those commuting from various parts of Baltimore City and surrounding counties. For families considering driving, the downtown location means a variety of parking garages are available in the vicinity, though some may require a fee. The school's iconic presence within the landmark Alcazar building and an historic brownstone provides a distinctive and inspiring setting for artistic and academic pursuit. This highly accessible location in a cultural hub of Baltimore makes it a practical choice for talented students across Maryland.

Baltimore School for the Arts offers a comprehensive array of services centered around its unique dual curriculum model, providing intensive arts training alongside a strong academic program.

• Pre-Professional Arts Training: Students receive specialized, pre-professional training in one of five arts disciplines:
  • Dance
  • Film & Visual Storytelling (launched in 2017)
  • Music (Vocal and Instrumental)
  • Theatre (Acting and Stage Design & Production)
  • Visual Arts
  • Rigorous College-Preparatory Academics: A full academic curriculum prepares students for higher education, including honors-level courses in English, Spanish, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, World History, and U.S. History. Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like American Government, English Composition, English Literature, Calculus AB, and Spanish Language & Culture are also offered.
  • Expert Faculty: Arts classes are taught by working professionals in their respective fields, providing students with authentic industry insights and high-level instruction.
  • Audition-Based Admission: Admission is based solely on an arts audition and interview process, ensuring that students are selected for their talent and potential in their chosen art form, with no academic criteria used for initial admission.
  • Extracurricular Activities: While focused on arts and academics, the school does offer some extracurriculars, including its official in-school newspaper, The Muse.
  • Academic Support System: An extensive academic support system is in place to help all students succeed in their college-prep curriculum once admitted.
  • Performance and Exhibition Opportunities: The school provides professional-level showcases for performances and venues for community exhibitions, allowing students to present their work to the public.

  The Baltimore School for the Arts stands out due to several key features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional institution for Maryland students.

  • Unique Dual Curriculum: The distinctive model of combining four hours of daily intensive arts training with four hours of rigorous academic coursework is a rare offering, providing students with a comprehensive education that balances artistic development and intellectual growth.
  • Talent-Based Admission: The audition-only admission process creates an equitable playing field, focusing purely on a student's artistic potential rather than prior academic performance, allowing diverse talents to shine.
  • High College and Graduation Rates: BSA boasts a high school graduation rate close to 100% and an impressive six-year college graduation rate of 81%, well above the national average, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing students for future success.
  • Experienced and Professional Faculty: Students learn directly from working professionals in the arts, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and mentorship that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
  • Development of Essential Life Skills: Beyond artistic mastery, the school actively cultivates skills such as collaboration, time management, discipline, and grit, which are critical for success in any field, as recognized by former students.
  • Vibrant and Supportive Community: As noted by a student, the school offers a fun environment where you "meet new friend that are cool and lots more," fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared passion among its artistic students.
  • Strong Community Connections: BSA maintains robust partnerships with leading local arts organizations like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Center Stage, the Hippodrome Foundation, and the Walters Museum, providing students with unique collaborative and performance opportunities.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Housed in landmark buildings, the school provides specially designed facilities including a recital hall, music practice rooms, art and dance studios, a film editing lab, costume and scene shops, rehearsal spaces, a performance hall, a black box theatre, and a visual arts exhibition space.

  For those in Maryland interested in learning more about or connecting with the Baltimore School for the Arts, here is their contact information:

  Address: 712 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

  Phone: (443) 642-5165

  Mobile Phone: +1 443-642-5165

  For Maryland locals, the Baltimore School for the Arts represents an extraordinary educational opportunity. Its suitability for residents across our state is multifaceted. Firstly, its prime downtown Baltimore location makes it highly accessible via public transportation, easing the commute for students from various neighborhoods and surrounding counties. Secondly, for families with artistically gifted children, BSA offers a specialized public high school experience that is otherwise rarely found, combining top-tier arts training with a strong academic foundation. This means students don't have to choose between pursuing their artistic passion and receiving a comprehensive education that prepares them for college. The audition-only admission process ensures that talent is the primary criterion, providing an equitable chance for all aspiring artists. Furthermore, the supportive and inspiring community, as attested by current students, creates an environment where young people can not only hone their craft but also build crucial life skills and forge lasting friendships with like-minded peers. For any Maryland family seeking a challenging, enriching, and deeply rewarding educational path for a young artist, the Baltimore School for the Arts is not just a school, but a launching pad for future success both within the arts and beyond, making it an invaluable asset to our local community.

Baltimore School for the Arts

712 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA