Philippine High School For The Arts

The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) is a public, non-sectarian, non-profit special school established by Presidential Decree 1287 on June 11, 1977, and attached to the Department of Education. It sits inside the CCP-owned National Arts Center on Mt. Makiling, on land occupied by the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna. PHSA is a residential school for artistically gifted junior and senior high school students, with a small student body of roughly 130 to 145 scholars at any given time, all living on campus in dormitories. Admission is through a nationwide talent search and audition process, and every accepted student receives a full scholarship covering tuition, board and lodging, a monthly stipend, and individualized instruction from master teachers. PHSA offers five specializations: Dance (Ballet and Folk), Creative Writing, Music, Theater Arts, and Visual Arts, combined with the regular DepEd academic curriculum. Scholars also get opportunities to represent the Philippines in international competitions, arts festivals, and exchange programs. The campus, set in mountain rainforest, is open to the public for hiking and sightseeing on weekends for a small entrance fee.