Student Life
When alumni speak about their LIHSA school experience, the most common words are “awesome”, “amazing”, “transformational”, and “life-changing”
LIHSA students come from public school districts across Long Island, creating a highly unique community that represents a significant amount of diversity. To work with other artists on a campus designed for the teaching of the arts, is an unusual and remarkable way to study. In addition to the planned programs, the nature of study at the Long Island High School for the Arts develops from the character of the individuals, the chemistry of the group and the singularity of the environment. While it is a place of long-standing creativity and legacy, it is also a living community that is always changing and growing.
The learning at LIHSA is challenging and is meant to be so. We look for students who are not “usual”, who are not satisfied with the status quo; we look for passionate students who imagine vividly and want to create cool things.
My time at LIHSA was the most challenging I’ve experienced and one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever accomplished.
Why A Specialized School for the Arts?
Taking artistic coursework in a traditional high school does not prepare students in the same way a defined program of career and technical study in the arts does. LIHSA provides a highly disciplined and similarly skilled community of peers, critical mentors and potential networks of professional artists. Emerging professional artists benefit from a school and community members who identify and develop their interest and provide requisite professional training.
LIHSA’s resources of alumni and professional arts organizations is broad and savvy about the professional art world. Through projects, artistic residencies, field trips, participation in exhibitions and events, students have regular engagement with working professionals.
The creative journey is personal, but also shared, and the interactions that students have with staff and each other feed their learning.
LIHSA believes widening participation is essential to ensure that, regardless of background, people with creative potential can progress to the creative and cultural industry sector.