High School Hustle: And so, the search begins–with a movie
The first step in our family’s New York City public high school search did not involve delving into our growing piles of books, papers and test prep brochures, gathered at various information sessions.
We watched the movie “Fame,’’ that 1980 classic set at the old New York City High School for the Performing Arts, which became the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. It seemed like a better idea than shoving a pile of materials in front of my 12-year-old and pointing out that there are more than 400 high schools to choose from. “So, where do you want to go? Take a look and rank them from 1 to 12!’’ My musician son has thought very little about high school (didn’t we just choose a middle school?) but he does know about LaGuardia, even if we’ve never set foot in the place and can’t figure out when the next open house is.
“Fame” is a bit outdated. The students looked about 25, as far as we could tell, but we followed their hopes, dreams, and struggles with rapt interest. Afterwards, we talked a bit about competition, and about what auditions for LaGuardia might be like. We discussed the wisdom of entering high school with enormous focus and ambition at such a young age. Well, maybe ‘discussed’ isn’t the right word, I probably talked about the importance of combining passion for the arts with the strongest academic and college-preparatory curriculum possible; my son probably nodded and did his best to ignore me. It’s time to take the next step, so we’ll head to Brooklyn Tech on Saturday for the citywide high school fair. Even though there are more than 400 high schools to choose from, I have a feeling the crowds will gather in front of about 20 of the best-known. I doubt it will be as much fun as watching “Fame,’’ but at least it’s a start.
We’re happy to welcome back Insideschools guest blogger and school-search veteran Liz Willen. And for the record, LaGuardia has open houses for accepted students; the school does not offer public tours prior to admission.
Subscribe to 
Hi, I am a graduate of Performing Arts and was suppose to be in “Fame” the summer I turned 16 (I was out of state for the call back.) The kids that were in the movie (all the extras and one lead character) were actually from PA the year we all were about 16 or 17. Many of the kids, myself included, did not pursue a career in the field but became lawyers, social workers, a few behind the scene people,etc. Only one person in my class (drama) actually pursued acting and is quite successful now. I found having both academics and my major (drama)gave me a well rounded education.
Comment by wendy — September 19, 2008 @ 10:38 am
Contrary to the comment that LaGuardia does not offer public tours prior to admission, in mid October of each year, LaGuardia offers two evening “Showcases and Open Houses.” At these events, students from all of LaGuardia’s studios perform or otherwise show off their work. There is also a great film shown about what student life is like, and what the classes are like. You can see it on LaGuardia’s website, too (; click on “The Magic of LaGuardia”). We attended the Showcases for two years in a row (when my son was in 7th and 8th grade), and we were blown away by the performances, as well as impressed by the info on the school’s strong academics. And the facilities are wonderful. The principal and assistant principals give presentations on their respective areas, and also take questions afterwards. As I recall, you can also see the school facilities, such as science labs, art rooms, dance studios, music rooms, etc. Note to interested families: check the LaGuardia website for the date and time of the Showcases, and then get there early. The seats in the auditorium — which is huge — still fill up early, with late comers standing at the rear. To avoid this, try to arrive about 30 or more minutes early. I would note that school performances, by the Jazz Band, various orchestras, chamber groups, drama students, symphonic bands, dancers, choruses, the annual Musical, and art shows, are all open the public, and the dates of these are on the LaGuardia website. These are inexpensive and wonderful ways to see and hear what makes the school so special. It’s probably NYC’s biggest bargain, too. Enjoy!
By the way, my child was also accepted by Brooklyn Tech and Beacon. He chose LaGuardia, and could not be happier. He’s a sophomore in the instrumental music program, and is in AP Music Theory, as well as a class for composers. In terms of academics, he’s had some phenomenal teachers, and generally enjoys his classes. And the school environment is very warm. I do hope you’ll visit for a Showcase!
Comment by Ellen — September 20, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
Ellen, thanks for this information, and glad to hear your son is so happy at school - but it seems the school has changed its mind this year; repeated calls to LaGuardia confirm that they will not offer public Showcases/Open House evenings to interested families, but will extend visit-the-school invitations to accepted students. So there is no opportunity this year for families to visit the school before their children audition/apply.
Comment by Helen — September 22, 2008 @ 10:22 am
Although there will be no showcase this year, LaGuardia reps at the fair told us that there will be Q&A sessions about the audition process for each studio.
Check the dates for LaGuardia Q&A sessions here:
http://insideschools.org/index12.php?o=v&sid=789
For other school open houses and tours check here:
http://insideschools.org/index12.php?o=s
Comment by Insideschools — September 23, 2008 @ 11:54 am