Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts

The Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts offers a unique college preparatory experience, blending rigorous academics with specialized training in theater, dance, music, and visual arts. It stands out for its non-audition admission policy, making arts education accessible to all students. The school benefits from strong partnerships with prestigious organizations like the Harlem School of the Arts, Epic Theatre Ensemble, and the Martha Graham Dance Company, providing students with exceptional opportunities for artistic and academic growth. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school, and the faculty is described as caring and dedicated. The school is located in the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Education Complex and features a renovated performing arts wing with a dedicated dance studio. While the four-year graduation rate of 87% is solid, it is slightly below the citywide median. A notable strength is the exceptional support provided to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with families reporting 100% confidence in IEP support. However, Regents pass rates across most subjects, particularly in math and science, are significantly below citywide averages, indicating areas for academic improvement. The college enrollment rate of 62% is also slightly below the citywide median, and some students express feeling underprepared for college due to limited advanced coursework.