High School for Recording Arts

They say the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. High School for Recording Arts operates with this notion each day. HSRA is dedicated to transforming students’ lives through creative project-based, experiential learning. Our students are encouraged to use the world as their classroom to develop relevant, 21st century professional and life skills.

In this spirit, the HSRA MN to NYC group has been studying the history and cultural contributions of New York City. Every week students build their reading, researching and critical thinking skills through student-centered activities. Topics have included the origins of breakdancing, the experiences of homeless New York citizens throughout time, and the five boroughs of NYC. Our group has been meeting and raising funds for almost 2 years, and now that COVID infection rates have decreased in the last few months, we will be flying out on October 5. The goal of this trip is to make history come alive by giving students the opportunity to be in the very spaces that they are studying. More importantly, our students are studying history that includes the voices, experiences, and innovations of African-Americans. During this journey, students will also be creating a documentary and photo journal to share their knowledge with others. Although we are dedicated to our students, our resources are limited and we cannot always serve the full needs of our students without the help of our community. Thanks for the students' hard work and the generosity of the community, we have raised over $8,347 to date! This amount will cover lodging, transportation and food. However, we are still in need of funds for the activities we have planned, including seeing Lion King on Broadway. Help nine young people create an unforgettable learning opportunity and together let’s galvanize their ingenuity!

Want to join the High School for Recording Arts in making a difference?  We are raising money to send our Social Justice Travel club to Montgomery to visit the Equal Justice Initiative.  These students read Bryan Stevenson's "Just Mercy" and are eager to dig deeper into the history of Social Justice activism and refine their skills as leaders.  Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our amazing young people.

More information about High School for Recording Arts: HSRA is dedicated to providing all young people a chance to realize their full potential, despite any previous setbacks. As we engage students through music and projects addressing real world problems, we demonstrate that core academic and 21st century skills can be acquired at the same time. More than just earning a high school diploma, HSRA prepares students for a positive post-secondary education and life.

The High School for Recording Arts is a public charter school in St. Paul, MN that dedicates ourselves to providing all young people a chance to realize their full potential, regardless of previous setbacks, with a focus on engaging students through experiential learning. Many of our students have been shut out by the public school system, and we aim to create a space where they can flourish as learners. 

We will be taking 7 students to Canada to participate in a five-day bike trip from Montreal to the Eastern Townships, a route along picturesque villages and towns that will take their breath away. We'll be lead by Two Wheel View, an organization that takes students on bike trips to teach them resiliency and self-confidence, provide them with an explorative experience, build peer and adult relationships, and to promote environmental awareness and conservation. 

Two Wheel View has generously given us a grant to cover the costs of the experience -- food, bikes, lodging, bike leaders, etc. We are raising money to help defer costs of buying  planet tickets to Montreal, and passports for our students--something that will give them freedom to travel and learn past this experience. Any donation is welcome!!

**Photo of HSRA student Torrie in Montreal, Canada! He was part of the Keepin' It Wheel crew, a group of students dedicated to environmental responsibility and the use of bicycles.