Harlem School of the Arts

- 645 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural landscape. Founded in 1964 by the legendary concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, HSA has grown into a premier community arts institution, uniquely providing world-class arts education in music, dance, theater, and visual arts all under one roof. The school's mission is to empower young people and their families through direct exposure to and training in the arts, fostering creativity, discipline, and self-confidence. As a Black-owned organization, HSA holds a deep commitment to its community, ensuring that high-quality arts education is accessible to all.

HSA operates from its stunning, award-winning 37,000-square-foot facility, which has been thoughtfully designed to create an inspiring environment for learning and performance. From the beautifully renovated spaces to the professional and supportive staff, the school is built to provide an exceptional experience. This is not just a place for classes; it is a creative hub where students are motivated and happy to be together, as one parent noted. The training is "stellar," and the staff is "supportive and well trained," creating a positive atmosphere where young artists can thrive. The school also serves as a vibrant venue for community events, galas, and performances, making it a true gathering place for the arts.

For over six decades, HSA has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of students from the metropolitan area. The school offers a diverse range of programs for every age, level, and ability, from toddlers to adults. With a focus on nurturing the individual artist, student, and citizen within each person, HSA’s curriculum is designed to not only teach artistic skills but also to build the creative thinkers and innovative leaders of tomorrow. The school’s commitment to providing financial aid and scholarships makes its world-class training accessible to a wide variety of students, reflecting its deep-seated belief in the power of art to transform lives.

Harlem School of the Arts is conveniently located at 645 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA. Situated at the base of historic Hamilton Heights, the school is a prominent fixture in Central Harlem, making it a central and easy-to-reach destination for families throughout Upper Manhattan and beyond.

The school’s location is highly accessible by public transportation. It is just a short walk from the 145th Street subway station, which is served by the A, B, C, and D lines, providing a direct connection to many parts of Manhattan and the other boroughs. Additionally, a multitude of bus routes service the area, adding to the convenience for students and staff. HSA is also committed to accessibility for everyone, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet, ensuring that its programs and spaces are inclusive and welcoming to all.

• Advanced classes
• Beginner's classes
• Intermediate classes
• Painting
• Adult Lessons
• After School Programs
• Art & Design Classes
• Artist Workshops
• Arts Camp & Summer Programs
• Audition Preparation
• Classes For Children
• Classes For Toddlers
• Dance Academy & Lessons
• Digital Art & Media Classes
• Early Childhood Classes
• Fine Arts Programs
• Group & One-On-One Lessons
• Mentoring Programs
• Music Classes & Production
• Musical Theater Classes
• Performing Arts & Theatre Training
• Private Events
• School Arts Programs
• Summer Camp & Programs
• Visual Arts Classes

• Comprehensive Arts Education Under One Roof: HSA is unique in New York City for providing a full spectrum of arts education—music, dance, theater, and visual arts—in a single, state-of-the-art facility. This allows students to explore multiple disciplines and receive a well-rounded arts education without having to travel to multiple locations.
• World-Class Training: The school is known for its stellar training and professional staff. Many instructors have extensive professional backgrounds, and the school’s commitment to high standards is evident in its students' performances and success. HSA is also one of only a handful of schools in the world to offer the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum.
• Community-Focused and Inclusive: As a Black-owned institution, HSA has a deep connection to the Harlem community and a mission to provide quality arts education to a diverse student body. The school is also committed to accessibility, with features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating.
• Extensive Program Offerings: From after-school programs and summer camps to private lessons and a highly selective pre-professional scholarship program (HSA Prep), there are opportunities for students of all ages and aspirations. The inclusion of modern disciplines like digital art, animation, and cinematography shows a commitment to contemporary arts.
• Beautiful and Versatile Venue: The school’s recently renovated, 37,000-square-foot facility is not only a great place to learn but also a beautiful venue for events. With spaces like the Dorothy Maynor Hall and an outdoor garden courtyard, it can accommodate everything from performances and exhibitions to galas and private events.
• Supportive and Nurturing Environment: Reviews highlight the supportive staff and the positive atmosphere where kids are "motivated, skilled and happy to be together." This focus on creating a sense of community is a key feature that makes the school a welcoming place for all.

Address: 645 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA

Phone: (212) 926-4100

For New York families, choosing an arts school is about more than just finding a place for lessons; it's about finding a community that will nurture their child's passion and potential. Harlem School of the Arts stands out as an exceptional choice for several key reasons. Its unique position as the sole institution in Upper Manhattan to offer comprehensive, high-quality education in music, dance, theater, and visual arts under one roof is a major advantage for busy families who seek convenience and a holistic approach to artistic development. This single location model simplifies logistics and provides a cohesive learning experience that is truly unparalleled.

Furthermore, the quality of instruction at HSA is consistently praised. The staff is not only well-trained but also deeply supportive, creating an environment where children feel encouraged to take risks and grow. A glowing review from a parent emphasizes that the "training is stellar" and that the staff is "supportive and well trained," which are crucial factors for any parent. The fact that the students are "motivated, skilled and happy to be together" speaks volumes about the positive culture that the school has cultivated. This is a place where discipline and joy coexist, and the results are happy, confident, and skilled young artists.

Finally, HSA’s role as a community pillar cannot be overstated. As a Black-owned institution, it has a rich history of serving and empowering the diverse community of Harlem. Its state-of-the-art, wheelchair-accessible facility is a symbol of its commitment to inclusivity and excellence. From its flexible class offerings and robust after-school programs to its specialized pre-professional training and summer camps, HSA provides a wide array of pathways for young people to discover their artistic voice. It is a place that not only teaches art but also helps students develop critical life skills, making it a truly worthwhile investment in a child's future.

Harlem School of the Arts

645 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA