New World School of the Arts

The New World School of the Arts (NWSA) is a public magnet high school and college in Downtown Miami, Florida. It offers special programs where students can study both in high school and college together, focusing on arts.

Students can choose from four main areas of study: visual arts, dance, theatre (which includes theater and musical theatre), and music (with options in instrumental music and vocal music).

The school is run by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and the University of Florida. Students can earn an Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees from the University of Florida, and a high school diploma from Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

This special setup helps young artists grow their talents while also starting their college education early.

History

The New World School of the Arts started as an idea by Kendell Bently-Baker. He wanted a school where students could take regular high school classes in the morning and then attend art or performing arts classes in the afternoon at Miami Dade College.

In 1982, students began these special art programs at two college campuses. By 1983, the first students finished these classes. In 1984, plans started for a new school. After looking at other famous art schools like LaGuardia High School, Juilliard, and the North Carolina School of the Arts, leaders worked with the state government to create the New World School of the Arts. The school opened in 1987, and its first high school graduates got their diplomas in 1988. The school also began offering college classes, with its first college graduates in 1992.

Administration

The New World School of the Arts has special leaders for each art group. Daniel Lewis started the dance program when the school began and led it for many years. After he retired, Mary Lisa Burns took over.

John de Lancie was the first leader of the music program. After he left, several people led the program until Daniel Andai, a former student of the school, became the leader in 2014.

Richard Paul Janaro helped start the theater program. Jorge Guerra Castro later became the leader, and then Patrice Bailey took over. After Bailey’s passing, Alan Patrick Kenny became the new leader.

Campus

The New World School of the Arts is located at 25 NE 2nd Street in Miami. It also uses classrooms at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus. When the school first opened, classes were held in different buildings around downtown Miami.

Today, the main building (called the 5000 Building) is used for most high school classes. It also has dance studios, theaters, and art studios. Science classes are held in the MDC Wolfson Science building (the 2000 Building). Music classes happen in the Music Building (the 4000 Building) across the street.

High school admissions and enrollment

Getting into New World School of the Arts is very special. Students must show their skills through a performance or a portfolio review. This makes it different from other schools in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS).

In 2011, many students wanted to join—1,268 applied for only 140 spots. This made it one of Miami’s toughest public high schools to get into. In the school year 2009–10, about 35% of students were male and 65% were female. The students came from many backgrounds.

Notable alumni

The New World School of the Arts has helped many talented people succeed. Some famous graduates include Mollye Asher, who won an Academy Award, and Michael Aronov, a Tony Award-winning actor. Other notable alumni are Hernan Bas, an artist, and Robert Battle, the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The school has also produced recognized actors, singers, dancers, and filmmakers.