Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, high school in Pennsylvania, United States
Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts is a public arts high school in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, housed in a restored former library building on South Broad Street. Students specialize in one of seven areas: creative writing, instrumental music, visual arts, theater, dance, vocal music, or media design.
The school was founded in 1978 by John R. Vannoni and moved several times before settling into the historic Ridgway Library building in 1997. That building had been at risk of demolition before it was saved and converted for arts education.
The school's mascot, the Pegasus, is visible on signage outside and throughout the building, giving the place a recognizable identity. Inside, student work lines the walls and performances are woven into the daily rhythm of the school rather than reserved for special occasions.
The school sits on South Broad Street, one of Philadelphia's main thoroughfares, and is easy to spot by its Pegasus sign on the facade. Since it is an active school, it is worth checking ahead for public performances or exhibitions before planning a visit.
Several well-known artists attended this school, including the group Boyz II Men and members of The Roots band. The school's vocal ensemble performed at President Obama's inauguration and shared the stage with artists such as Barry Manilow and Paul Simon.
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