WELCOME TO THE ARTS ACADEMY
Excellent Educational Preparation for Careers or Future Study in
MEDIA - MUSIC - DANCE - THEATRE - VISUAL ARTS
Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts
The Junior National Honors Society inductees with Principal Covington and guidance counselor, Ms. Fisher.
Est. 1977 - Celebrating 40 + Years of
Arts in Education Excellence
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Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year at the Arts Academy. Throughout the seemingly endless challenges, we remain strong in our convictions to place the needs of our students at the forefront of our work. We want parents and students to know that we are here to service the “whole child” and to provide a comprehensive approach to ensure the success of every student.
If your child is in need of extra assistance with high school courses, our partners with Canisius College Academic Talent Search is available for tutoring. Please reference the tutoring schedule on the reverse side of the printed progress report, and/or you may find it posted at buffaloartsacademy.org Every student and their family has been linked with a school-based liaison to act as an advisor during these demanding times.
Our artistic and SPED teachers have taken the lead in this initiative. School counselors and Student Support Team (SST) members are available to provide individual and small group sessions to address a myriad of social-emotional and mental health needs. Our Arts Academy Wellness Team & physical education teachers promote healthy coping habits each month. P.E. teachers offer exercises and options for keeping safe during this COVID crisis. Check out our healthy videos on YouTube.
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A few years ago we celebrated our 40th year of serving the students of Buffalo. Our public school was born out of the desegregation order of 1976 to offer students an opportunity to pursue their talents in various art disciplines, while also completing a full academic program of instruction. Modeled after the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts in New York City, we offer students the finest studio training in music, visual arts, media communication, theatre, and dance.
Although we just celebrated a milestone year, each and every year features a new and ever-greater celebration of our proud heritage, our dedicated staff, successful alumni, supportive parents, and – most of all – our talented students. We honor the past, we celebrate today and we will build toward tomorrow!
Our entire school community is proud of the strides we have taken over the past several years. We grew into a School in Good Standing and continue to celebrate our 85% on-time graduation rate. Our students accomplished work in their various art disciplines and are continuously being recognized in the community for excellence. Our successful alumni are evidence of the good foundation we are laying here and they continue to support this school where they emerged as young artists.
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We will continue to strive for excellence with the finest pre-conservatory studio training in the arts disciplines in concert with our rigorous college preparatory coursework.
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After this visit to our website, we encourage you to come back for more – more information about the Arts Academy events, more photos, more news, and more Arts Academy excitement. On behalf of the entire Arts Academy community – students, staff, parents, and alumni –
I extend my wishes for another successful year.
Ms. Jody Covington, Principal & Alumna
Our Philosophy
The dual mission of the Arts Academy is to provide each student with professional preparation in a pre-conservatory arts education program and college preparatory academic education.
Inside the Arts Academy
Our History
The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts was founded as part of the desegregation plan in 1977. The goal was simple: provide an exciting college preparatory program for students in the arts and academics that will attract all races and ethnicities. Since our beginnings at 333 Clinton Street, the school has grown in numbers and in depth. In September 2007, we moved to our new state of the art facility, location at 450 Masten Avenue.Opened in September of 1977, the Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School. At that time, the Arts Academy was located on the site of the former Clinton Junior High School, which had been renovated with state-of-the-art studios, performance and exhibition spaces, to accommodate the specialized program offerings of: dance, theatre, music, visual art and television & radio.