Welcome to Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA), a school that truly believes in the power of an arts-integrated education. As someone who personally benefited from public school music instruction in Milwaukee Public Schools, I know firsthand the incredible value of making the arts a core part of a student’s educational journey. It’s a great responsibility—and an even greater privilege—to provide these opportunities for the students and families of our community.

At MHSA, we believe that art isn’t just an elective; it’s a way of learning. Our academic environment seamlessly weaves art instruction into the educational experience. This helps students develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in any field.

While our focus on the arts is a point of pride, it’s only part of what makes our school so special. We offer a rigorous academic program that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-credit opportunities so our students can earn college credits while still in high school. This frees them to focus more on their goals, whether it’s their art or other passions, after they leave us.

Students come to our school from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This rich tapestry of different perspectives enhances every aspect of the educational experience at MHSA. Our diversity is our strength, and I am proud of the truly accepting and inclusive school culture that exists here.

Beyond our vibrant community of talented students and teachers alike, the MHSA building itself is another of our greatest assets. Thanks to recent building renovations, our instructional spaces have been transformed to meet the needs of the 21st-century artist. These new facilities provide the perfect setting for creativity to flourish, and I can’t wait to see what our current students create this year.

For those who are considering our school, I invite you to visit us and explore everything we have to offer. The MHSA community warmly welcomes you, and we hope to see you soon.

Larry Farris
Principal, Milwaukee High School of the Arts