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Howard Middle School Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts
Posted on 01/06/2017
Howard Middle School

Howard Middle School Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts has once again been designated an Exemplary School by Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized arts schools. The school first received this designation in 2014 and will now keep the designation through 2018.

 

It was created to highlight a school’s commitment to excellence, this designation is presented to an Arts Schools Network member school in recognition of its efforts to evaluate strategically its purpose, operations, and educational programs. This honor signifies that Howard Middle School Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts has successfully completed a self-evaluation in the following areas:  strengths, areas for improvement, consistency with school-wide or program purposes, aspirations, and future challenges. 

 

Howard Middle School is a public arts magnet in Orlando, FL with both zoned and non-zoned students. Due to the explosive growth and popularity of the Visual and Performing Arts program it is slated to become a magnet-only school. The magnet program was created by the Orange County School board in 2011 and is the only middle school arts magnet in the district.

 

Howard provides a rigorous academic curriculum in addition to stellar arts programs with numerous partnerships in the Central Florida arts community. All magnet students are enrolled in advanced core courses that integrate the arts into the curriculum, providing enhanced opportunities for high school and college preparation. Students are able to explore exciting classes in Art, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Photography, Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Theatre, Dance, Guitar, Piano, and Music Theory. Students interested in Musical Theatre may participate in two grand performances a year. Students have many other opportunities to share their work and talent through various exhibits, concerts, recitals, and competitions as well as extracurricular programs in Show Choir, Dance Troupe, Art Club, Jazz Band, Electric Orchestra, Creative Writing, and Jr. Thespians. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Orlando near many arts venues and organizations, Howard’s beautiful historic building is a perfect setting for creative minded students to explore all the arts can offer.