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

Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is a highly selective and renowned Specialized High School in Manhattan, distinguished by its audition-based admissions process rather than the SHSAT. The school is celebrated for its dual focus, offering conservatory-level pre-professional training in various arts disciplines alongside a rigorous college-preparatory academic curriculum. Students balance demanding artistic studies with a full academic course load, including numerous Advanced Placement (AP) options, which often results in long days and a heavy workload. Graduates demonstrate exceptional outcomes, with a 97% graduation rate, well above the citywide median, and over 80% enrolling in college, also significantly exceeding the citywide median. Parents and students generally praise the dedicated teachers, strong sense of community, and the unique opportunities the school provides. While the demanding schedule can lead to stress, many feel the experience fosters discipline and time management skills. The school is an iconic institution, often associated with the movie "Fame," and is known for its vibrant performing arts scene.