Lower Manhattan Arts Academy

The Lower Manhattan Arts Academy (LoMA) is a small, arts-focused high school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, notable for its unique approach of offering world-class instruction in Visual Art, Music, Theater, and Dance without requiring an audition or portfolio for admission. The school integrates arts into core academic subjects and provides extensive opportunities through partnerships with prominent local arts organizations, including the Henry Street Settlement, the Whitney Museum, and various Broadway stages, for student performances and enrichment. Parents consistently express high satisfaction with the school environment and teacher dedication. While the school boasts a strong English Regents pass rate, academic outcomes in math and science Regents are significantly below citywide averages, and the graduation rate (81%) is below the citywide 25th percentile. College enrollment (60.5%) is also below the citywide median. Student surveys indicate some concerns regarding conflict resolution and bullying within the school climate. The school benefits from a low student-teacher ratio and a high number of guidance counselors, aiming to provide a supportive environment for its diverse student body.