United States
English original
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts reaches twenty-five years
The public high school that Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto helped open in 2001 combines academic study with specialist arts facilities in Astoria, Queens.
Twenty-five years after Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto helped open it in 2001, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts combines academic study with specialist studios, theatres, a film lab and a concert hall in Astoria, Queens. The public high school began in temporary quarters with space for 250 students.
The school opened through work with the New York City Department of Education and local leaders. After starting in temporary premises in 2001, it moved to its permanent building at the Kaufman Astoria Studios complex in 2009.
Students audition for admission and choose an arts specialisation. Exploring the Arts says they can major in dance, drama, film, fine art, vocal music or instrumental music. Arts training accompanies academic subjects, and the school's mission statement describes a four-year curriculum designed to prepare students for competitive colleges and conservatories.
The project was part of Bennett and Benedetto's effort to expand access to arts education in public schools. They also established Exploring the Arts, which supports arts programmes and provides opportunities including internships and scholarships.