Mission

Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts believes in the importance of the arts and academics for all humanity.  We encourage self-motivation and creativity in students and staff by advocating expression of beliefs and opinions in a democracy.  We promote community responsibility by supporting a respect and appreciation for diversity in a multi-cultural America, and urge staff and students to be lifelong learners in our increasingly global society.

Vision

The vision of Rosa Parks High School is to promote the intellectual, social and personal growth of every student to his/her fullest potential using the fine and performing arts as a catalyst for self-motivation, creativity and achievement in the academics.  Through an environment that is nurturing, personalized, thematic, yet academically rigorous, we maintain a culture that supports optimal student development and learning.

Throughout its nearly 30 year history, the Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts (RPHS), a Paterson Public School, has garnered statewide and national accolades for outstanding achievement in both the arts and academics. We serve a predominantly low-income, culturally and ethnically diverse school population of approximately 300 students, grades 9-12, who attend RPHS through a rigorous audition process. The school’s mission is to promote the intellectual, social and personal growth of every student to his/her fullest potential using the arts as a catalyst for self-motivation, creativity and achievement. RPHS offers a traditional academic learning experience in an environment where creativity and the arts serve as the bridge to all disciplines and a window to the human condition.  In addition to a competitive college preparatory curriculum, RPHS furthers the special talents of its students by providing comprehensive training in one of the following disciplines: commercial art, fine art, dance, drama, vocal music, instrumental music, piano, and communication arts. For three decades, the Rosa L. Parks School of Fine and Performing Arts (RPHS) students share a passion for fine arts, performing arts and a reputation for outstanding academic achievement. In fact, based on the number of RPHS students who successfully graduate and go on to college, US News and World Report named RPHS as one of the nation’s best high schools! Graduates have attended prestigious institutions including Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Princeton University, University of the Arts-Philadelphia, and many more.  Over the past 2 years, RPHS has received the PCCHC Grant to conduct the Careers in the Arts and Beyond Series, which allows for extensive coaching for our ARTS department beyond the school day.

Recognitions

• One of 10 Star Schools selected by the NJ Department of Education
• Ranked 3rd best academic school in Passaic County by NJ Monthly Magazine
• 85% of graduates attend college each year
• Graduates earn an average of 1.4 million dollars in scholarships
• Academic Decathlon Gold Medal winner in the Language & Literature category
• 2006 WABC-TV Above & Beyond Award Recipient
•Performed at West Point, the Rotunda in Virginia, Morehouse, Disney World, Hershey Park and Carnegie Hall
• Performed with Bucky Pizzarelli, Rufus Reid, the Mighty Sparrow, and Patti Labelle
• Guest appearances by Joe Budden, Maino, DJ Poun, and Just Blaze!
• Recipient - Bronze Recognition - One of our nation’s best high schools. US News & World Report

Community

Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts believes in the importance of the arts and academics for all humanity. We encourage self-motivation and creativity in students and staff by advocating expression of beliefs and opinions in a democracy. We promote community responsibility by supporting a respect and appreciation for diversity in a multicultural America, and urge staff and students to be lifelong learners in our increasingly global society.
• Extra Curricular Activities include Interact Club, Debate Society, Chess Club, Anime Club, Tri-M-Music Honor Society, End Racism and Sexism Everywhere (ERASE), Thespian Society, Sisters are Serious (SAS), Dance Society, Future Teachers Club and the National Honor Society.
• Community Outreach Programs have included PS # 26, St. Joseph’s Hospital, North Jersey Development Center, Federation Senior Citizen Apartments, and William Paterson University.
• RPHS has established partnerships with: The Greater Newark Youth Orchestra, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Y.M.C.A. of Paterson, Westminster Choir College, Papermill Playhouse, Vissi Dance Troupe, VFW Post #7165, Ladies Auxiliary of Clifton, N.J. Federation Arms Apartments, Riverside Fire Station-Paterson, Juvenile Division-Police Department, Bergen County Veterans’ Hospital, Passaic County Freeholders, Dr. Frank Napier, Jr. Scholarship Committee, Hillcrest Neighborhood Association, Epitome of Soul, Storytellers, Inc., United Way, PCCHC, PCCC Dual Enrollment Program, Garden State Opera, Just for Kids, Paterson Music Project.