Boston's public high school for the arts was created in 1998, a relative latecomer among similar schools else where, especially given the richness and distinction of our higher education in the arts. Advantageously located in a former factory in the Fenway Cultural District, BAA is one of the best-equipped and most technologically advanced public schools in Boston: three dance studios, visual arts studios, a photography dark room, instrumental practice and ensemble rooms, a "black box" theatre, computer and media-arts labs, video editing rooms, and an intranet connecting every room in the school. The 400 students are chosen solely on the basis of artistic potential, and 80% of freshmen need extra academic support to catch up to their grade levels. Students pursue a full college-preparatory curriculum AND a demanding arts program: 12 class hours weekly, with out side work for performances and presentations. Since 2002, 95% of BAA graduates have gone on to college (as against 55% for the district) at leading institutions. Graduates include a dancer with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, and two others with Urban Improv (Cat’05). In 2004, BAA launched its String Outreach Program in three schools, recruiting students to take free violin or viola lessons several times per week; today 145 students are in the program. BAA was one of 12 Breakthrough High Schools designated by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and one of 15 Essential Schools funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They need your support.