Huntington UFSD Provides New Opportunity at LI High School for the Arts

The Huntington School District is expanding its academic program and the opportunities it provides to Huntington High School students by affiliating with the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset.

New Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Brenden Cusack and Director of Guidance and Testing, K-12 Jeannette Alomia presented an overview of the new program during a public meeting of the Huntington School Board earlier this month.

“At this program, emerging artists have the opportunity to explore and refine their talents in a one-of-a-kind master/apprentice arts-centered community,” said Mr. Cusack during the presentation. “The program will complement our current BOCES offerings for students.”

Huntington students will be able to apply for the dance, drama and musical theatre programs only. An audition is required. Those accepted can choose to attend either the morning or afternoon session. Participants will attend classes at Huntington High School during the remainder of the school day.

Physical education course credit is also awarded to students participating in the program. Huntington students participating in the program are still able to join Huntington High School clubs and play on Blue Devil sports teams.

The dance program includes courses in ballet/modern dance, jazz/contemporary dance, dance composition, dance wellness, dance repertory and audition techniques.

The drama and musical theatre program features classes in theatre history and repertoire, theatre production, theatre dance, verbatim theatre and acting for TV and film.

Points to consider include:

• The new program is open to Huntington High School juniors and seniors with enrollment capped at eight students annually.

• The program is designed for students whose post-secondary plans include studying and/or pursuing a career in dance, drama or musical theatre.

• The program will provide an opportunity for performance instruction not currently offered at Huntington High School.

• Candidates must have a positive attendance and academic record that is subject to periodic review.

• Students must have prior experience and successfully completed any related Huntington High School coursework.

• Students and parents are advised that scheduling may preclude students from participating in some Huntington High School programs. An effort will be made to minimize scheduling conflicts.

The application process is as follows:

Step 1: Visit https://www.longislandhighschoolforthearts.org/pathways/performing-arts/ for information about open house events during sophomore year.

Step 2: Students who are interested will contact their school counselor to discuss the program and any potential impact upon the following year’s schedule. All aspects of a student’s educational program must be considered including graduation requirements, academic coursework, elective scheduling and extracurricular activities. If deemed a viable option, students will complete the LIHSA “Expressing Interest Application Form” on the LIHSA website: https://www.longislandhighschoolforthearts.org/admissions/apply/. All preliminary discussions regarding LIHSA are held with Huntington High School faculty to determine eligibility.

Step 3: Once eligibility is established with Huntington High School guidance staff, LIHSA will contact students regarding the audition process. Auditions will be submitted to counselors via YouTube and will be reviewed prior to submission to LISHA.

Step 4: Once auditions are reviewed and evaluated by LIHSA, a final determination will be made by Huntington UFSD regarding each student and families will be notified.