The Professional Performing Arts School, colloquially known as PPAS, is a public middle and high school specializing in the performing arts, located in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Serving 515 students in grades 6-12, Professional Performing Arts High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 515 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Professional Performing Arts High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Professional Performing Arts High School's student population of 515 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
515 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Year Founded
1990
School Rankings
Professional Performing Arts High School ranks within the top 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Professional Performing Arts High School is 0.72, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1496 out of 4346 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
10%
Hispanic
29%
30%
Black
22%
15%
White
38%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Professional Performing Arts High School's ranking?
Professional Performing Arts High School is ranked #1496 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Professional Performing Arts High School often compared to?
Professional Performing Arts High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Talent Unlimited High School, Fiorello H Laguardia High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Professional Performing Arts High School?
The graduation rate of Professional Performing Arts High School is 95%, which is higher than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend Professional Performing Arts High School?
515 students attend Professional Performing Arts High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Professional Performing Arts High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 22% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Professional Performing Arts High School?
Professional Performing Arts High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Professional Performing Arts High School offer ?
Professional Performing Arts High School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Professional Performing Arts High School part of?
Professional Performing Arts High School is part of New York City Geographic District # 2.
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