HISD’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) has been designated a 2015–2017 Exemplary School by Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized arts schools.

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 strategically evaluate its purpose, operations, and educational programs. This honor signifies that HSPVA 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.

Since its inception in 1971, HSPVA has been a model for subsequent magnet schools throughout the US and abroad. HSPVA is an inner city, public high school for grades 9–12. It is a richly diverse community of approximately 670 students, who are selected for admission by auditioning in the disciplines of theater, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, creative writing, and visual art.