Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) combines rigorous academics with exceptional training in dance, literary arts, music, theatre, and visual art.
Ranked #1 Best Public High School for the Arts in Wisconsin (Niche)
Grades
School Hours
8:00 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
Vision
Milwaukee High School of the Arts provides a high-quality high school program that develops the whole student, integrating the arts, creative expression, and college preparation. We develop students academically, artistically, and socially for success in higher education, post-educational opportunities, employment, and citizenship.
History
In 1984, Milwaukee High School of the Arts was created to provide artistic and academic training to students in Milwaukee. Over the years, MHSA has grown from an initial class of 120 students to a current student body of 1,000 students. Our artistic offerings now include Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theater & Film, and Visual Art & Design. MHSA alumni have gone on to prominent roles in the arts and academics throughout the country and the world. MHSA looks forward to providing another generation of students with outstanding artistic and academic opportunities.
The MHSA Difference
Students at MHSA audition for one of our five art programs: Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theater & Film, and Visual Art & Design. A student’s chosen program is like a major, and they will take classes in that discipline throughout their time at MHSA.
Our students explore the world by creating every day. They develop skills in collaboration, determination, and dedication—to their work, their classmates, and their own personal journeys. While some of our students have received formal instruction, many arrive at MHSA with little to no training. They leave with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their artistic passions and shape their futures.
“I have three music classes in my schedule. I have opera workshop, advanced choir, and vocal jazz. I mean it’s really like the thing that motivates me to go to school. And then I’ll go and I’ll do some Spanish and then I’m singing and then I’ll do some history and then I’m singing. It’s just… it’s so fun.”
Previous Guest Artists and Collaborators
- Jamey Aebersold, American jazz artist and renowned jazz educator
- Carl Allen, American jazz drummer
- Peter Bernstein, American jazz artist
- Ray Blue, American jazz artist
- Eric Church, American country music singer-songwriter
- Harry Connick, Jr., American singer, composer, actor, and television host
- Geoffrey Gordon, American classical composer
- Marvin Hamlisch, American composer and conductor
- Al Jarreau, American singer
- Shania Twain, Canadian singer and songwriter
- Chris Vadala, American jazz artist
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
- Berkley Fudge
- Jack Grassel
- Don Linke
- Prometheus Trio
Our Students
Data from our most recent state report card
- Black or African American 55.4%
- Hispanic or Latino 19.7%
- Asian 11.8%
- White 8.1%
- Two or More Races 4.4%
- American Indian or Alaskan Native 0.5%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.1%
Number of Students
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English Learners
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