Theater Arts Production Company School (TAPCo)

Theatre Arts Production Company (TAPCo), a combined middle and high school, offers a family-like environment for aspiring artists, musicians, singers, dancers and actors. Ron Link, principal since in 2012, has an inspiring vision and has gained the trust of both staff and students, according to school surveys.

While the school is still working to improve discipline and strengthen academics, TAPCo is a viable option for artistic students in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the Bronx. Class participation is high, and top students are challenged, according to the city’s Quality Review. 

The administration has done a good job finding extras resources for the school: It has a new rooftop garden and outdoor performance space, along with a renovated dance studio, full-sized auditorium, a theater-scene shop, a video production studio, two chorus rooms, and an art room. A scientist-in-residence works with students on experiments and projects.

Students may specialize in visual arts, dance (including hip hop), instrumental music, vocal music or theater. All students perform more than 12 times a year at events throughout New York City. Some students work in paid internships through Center for Arts Education, the 92nd Street Y, Sound Thinking NYC and the Police Athletic League with Tony Danza.

While school surveys show bullying does exist at the school, the staff helps students work out problems, starting with the administration. Some students freely approached Principal Ron Link during our visit, and he took the time to listen as they resolved a conflict. When a student came in without jacket on a brisk winter day, a staffer noticed and discretely took the teen into a room to select a coat. Instead of suspending students, teachers meet with teens in Restorative Circles, where they follow a series of steps to talk through conflicts before they escalate into fights. 

Dramatization is another tool the school uses to demonstrate the harmful impact of bullying. Gangs are a presence in the community but the staff has been trained to look for signs of trouble. TAPco also has a strong relationship with the local police precinct. 

An on-site medical and mental health clinic offers students a place “where you can learn from adults who can help you channel your anger and keep you focused,” according to the Quality Review.

For high-achievers, the school offers Advanced Regents Diplomas with Arts endorsement, or CTE (Career and Technical Education) endorsement for Television Production, and four Advanced Placement courses. 

The school has many partnerships including with Roundabout Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Hip Hop Conservatory, Elisa Monte Dance, Fred Dolan Art Academy, Reidi Dance, Hispanic Information Television Network, Broadway Bridges, and Bronx Borough Arts Festivals, among others.  

In 2016 and 2017 TAPCo was placed on the "Best Public High Schools in America" list at the bronze level in U.S. News and World Report. TAPCo shares a building with MS 391. 

College: There is a full-time college counselor. College Now is available at Lehman for students who opt in. Students are engaged in the college conversation as early as middle school, and, while some thought it was too soon, the high school seniors who did take advantage of those early opportunities said they were grateful. 

Special education: TAPCo takes pride in helping students with special needs and those still learning English through its arts program. Rehearsals are adapted to meet the needs of students with “severe dyslexia, social-emotional impairments, cognitive functioning below grade level, and those actively learning the English language,” according to the Comprehensive Educational Plan. The school serves students in self-contained classes as well as team-teaching classes. We saw an Advanced Placement seminar course in which students with special needs read an essay and worked in small groups with their peers. 

Admissions: Audition. Preference is given to students with good grades, test scores and attendance. There are more applicants than seats for 6th grade. However, the school adds seats in 9th grade. In recent years there has been room for every applicant in the high school. (Jacqueline Wayans, January 2019)