Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts
Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) is a public magnet high school in Center City Philadelphia, founded in 1979 to provide intensive arts training within a college-preparatory academic program. Located on South Broad Street within the Avenue of the Arts cultural corridor, CAPA serves approximately 600 students who audition for acceptance in dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theater, visual arts, and creative writing. The school's graduates have achieved significant success in performing and visual arts while many continue to traditional colleges alongside conservatory-bound peers.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]CAPA opened in 1979 as part of Philadelphia's development of specialized magnet schools offering programs unavailable in neighborhood schools. The school initially occupied various facilities before moving to its current building on South Broad Street, placing it within the Avenue of the Arts cultural district. This location connects students to Philadelphia's performing arts institutions—the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, and numerous theaters—that serve as learning resources and employment destinations.[1]
The school's development paralleled growth of arts education nationally and expansion of Philadelphia's cultural sector. CAPA attracted students seeking intensive arts training within a public school context, offering alternative to private arts academies while maintaining the academic program required of all Philadelphia public schools. The school's success in producing professional artists while preparing students for diverse post-graduation paths demonstrated that arts magnet schools could serve multiple educational goals.[1]
Academic Programs
[edit | edit source]CAPA students pursue intensive training in their arts discipline alongside college-preparatory academics. Students audition for acceptance in their chosen discipline—dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theater, visual arts, or creative writing—and spend substantial portions of each day in arts classes, rehearsals, and performances. This concentration enables skill development approaching conservatory levels while the academic program ensures preparation for college and careers beyond performance.[1]
The school's emphasis on both arts and academics reflects understanding that most artists need broader preparation even if their primary career involves performance. Many CAPA graduates attend traditional colleges studying arts, humanities, or other fields; others pursue conservatory training; some enter arts professions directly after graduation. This variety of pathways distinguishes CAPA from schools focused solely on conservatory preparation.[1]
Facilities
[edit | edit source]CAPA's building on South Broad Street includes specialized facilities for each arts discipline—dance studios, music practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, art studios, and performance venues. The Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts shares the building, connecting students to Philadelphia's jazz traditions. The building's Avenue of the Arts location places students within Philadelphia's cultural district, with major venues and cultural organizations within walking distance.[1]
Performance spaces within the building host student productions throughout the academic year, with the larger productions drawing audiences from beyond the school community. These performances provide experience with production, audience, and the professional demands of presenting work publicly. The facilities' professional character prepares students for venues they may encounter in arts careers.[1]
Notable Alumni
[edit | edit source]CAPA has produced alumni who have achieved significant success in performing and visual arts. Questlove, drummer and co-founder of The Roots, graduated from CAPA's music program. Boyz II Men formed at CAPA. Numerous other alumni work in dance companies, orchestras, theater productions, and visual arts, demonstrating the school's effectiveness in preparing professional artists. Alumni networks provide mentorship and professional connections that extend the school's influence beyond formal education.[1]
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Avenue of the Arts
- Magnet Schools
- School District of Philadelphia
- Arts Education
- Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts