High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) is a public charter high school located in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. The school pioneered the concept of connecting with at-risk students through a hip-hop music program, hence the nickname "Hip-Hop High." There are no tuition fees.
History
The school opened in 1996 as a pilot program for at-risk students with interest in a music career. It is located in a former factory and operates within and around two professional recording studios, providing students opportunities for individualized hands-on learning.
Academics
The school's academic structure combines daily mandatory courses in Language Arts and Mathematics with innovative, interdisciplinary courses and projects that connect traditional academics with dynamic, real-world learning. HSRA features both project-based learning and classroom learning. A personal learning plan is developed for each student. HSRA graduates must meet all state requirements for graduation, create and present a portfolio comprising summaries of learning in twelve core areas, prepare a college acceptance letter, document their post-school plans, and submit samples of their work.
Demographics
Gender: 59% male, 41% female
Average age at enrollment: 17 years
Income: 92% of students live at or below the poverty level. 92% of students qualify for free or reduced fee lunches. 30% of students are currently or have recently been homeless. Ethnicity: 86% Black, 6% Non-Hispanic White, 4% Hispanic, 4% Native American, 0.3% Asian. Geographic Reach: 29% from Minneapolis, 52% from St. Paul, 19% from other Minnesota Cities including Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and Maplewood.
Notable alumni
Christopher Dotson, better known by his stage name, Chrishan or Prince Chrishan is an American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and record producer
References
External links
High School for the Recording Arts Minnesota
Los Angeles Times video profile of 'Hip-Hop High'
Star Tribune article on stay-in-school video "Dropping Out" created by Hip Hop High students