Mission & History - Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
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Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School

Mission & History

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of this extraordinary specialized high school is to provide all students with conservatory-level arts training coupled with rigorous academics

HISTORY

A Brief History of LaGuardia Arts: A Tradition of Excellence in Arts Education (The “Fame” School) High School of Music & Art


In 1936, New York City Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia established the High School of Music & Art (M&A). Mayor LaGuardia's vision was to provide a place where NYC's most gifted public school students could pursue their talents in art or music while completing a full academic program.

In 1948, the School of Performing Arts (PA) was established. PA provided performance training for those preparing for professional careers in dance, drama, or music.

In 1961, the two schools became one organization. This was in anticipation of both schools consolidating into one building.

In 1969, the Board of Education honored Mayor LaGuardia by naming the new building after him.  

In 1984, Music & Art and Performing Arts began the school year in their new facility at Lincoln Center. This marked the opening of The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts opened. We are a tribute to our two legacy schools.

New York City currently has nine specialized high schools. LaGuardia Arts remains the sole specialized school for the arts. We were also the first in the nation to provide a free, publicly funded high school dedicated to the arts. Our model has been replicated in other urban school districts throughout the country and the world.

Over the years, the school has earned an international reputation for excellence. Our alumni are creative thinkers, confident collaborators, culturally-engaged innovators, and open-minded citizens, and distinguish themselves in virtually every field of endeavor, including the arts and sciences as well as public service.
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