CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS HIGH SCHOOL (CAPA)
At a Glance
Mission & Approach to Learning
The mission of the High School for Creative and Performing Arts is to nurture the creative talents and aspirations of its students within an academic/ arts college preparatory program. In a multicultural environment, we provide a comprehensive and sequenced program of study in seven arts disciplines, as well as rigorous pre-college academic instruction across the curriculum. Our graduates will demonstrate a mastery of defined skills that enable them to be productive, self-directed, lifelong learners, who appreciate and respect diversity.
Points of Pride
- Annual participation in the Channel 6 Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Annual participation in Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, DC
- Instrumental students participate in district, state and regional orchestras and bands
- 99% graduation rate
- 97% college acceptance rate
- Vocal music students perform during annual holiday events and special celebrations throughout the city and region. Theater students provide interactive, literacy-focused theater activities for elementary students
- Award-winning visual artwork produced for School District annual art displays and at various prominent venues around the city
- Dance students win annual scholarships at national/ international dance competitions
- Recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the “Top City Schools.”
- Among the eight School District of Philadelphia high schools named on the “Best High Schools in Pennsylvania” ranking by U.S News and World Report, ranking third among all district schools in the city.
Courses & Program Highlights
- Approved CTE Program: Digital Media Production
- Advanced Placement Courses:
- Biology
- English Language and Composition
- English Literature and Composition
- Environmental Science
- Music Theory
- Psychology
- World History, American History, Government, and more
- Art Majors: Theater; Dance; Instrumental Music; Vocal Music; Visual Arts; Creative Writing, Media Arts
- Honors Courses: Offered in all core subjects beginning in ninth grade
Extracurricular Activities
- Student Council
- Relationships First Ambassadors
- Student Advisory Committee
- Community Service
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- GSA
- Mock Trial
- Skills USA
- WHYY Media Lab
- Theater Tech Crew
- My Vision Theater Co.
- National Honor Society
- Yearbook Staff
- Haunted House Club
- Black Student Alliance
- Black History Show
- Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Sports Teams
- Girls’ Volleyball
- Football
- Softball (varsity/JV)
- Basketball
- Baseball (varsity/JV)
- Cheerleading
- Track and Field
- Lacrosse
- Cross Country (co-ed)
- Boys’ Volleyball
- CAPA partners with surrounding schools for sports not offered in house.
Partnerships
- The Block Church
- The Kimmel Center
- Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
- Philadelphia Department of Recreation
- Philadelphia Orchestra
- Philadelphia Theater Company
- The Rock School
- Temple University
- Young Playwrights, Inc.
Admission Criteria
- Grades: As and Bs with one C
- Attendance: 90%
- Standardized Test: 50th Percentile in ELA and
50th Percentile in Math
- Additional Requirements: Audition – Successful audition in the chosen art field.
Last modified: September 10, 2024