Our Background
The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts opened its doors for its first students in August 2009. The development of the school began in 2001 when Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Morgan commissioned a study group which proposed a school for the arts as a priority. The elected School Board formally accepted the recommendation in 2002. In 2003 Mr. Vincent Groh donated the former Henry’s Theatre on South Potomac Street in Hagerstown to the Washington County Public Schools in memory of his late wife, Barbara.
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The Washington County Chamber of Commerce contributed funds for a feasibility study in 2004. In the following two years, community partnerships were formed and program and capital planning ensued. In 2007, the School Board secured funding for restoration and renovation of the building, which serves as the center for the arts programs. In 2019 the school was expanded with an academic building between the existing school and the Maryland Theatre. BISFA offers rigorous arts instruction and training in eight different areas of concentration and collaborates with other neighboring institutions in downtown Hagerstown. The school is a comprehensive high school experience with the ability to study one of the eight major areas: Theater, Dance, Creative Writing, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Visual Arts, Computer Game Design and Animation, and Photography and Cinematography. The school serves as the center of arts programs for County schools and has been recognized as one of the top arts schools in the state.
Mission & Vision
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is to provide every student with a rigorous, comprehensive, college preparatory curriculum rooted in intense, pre-professional training in the arts that encourages excellence and success in their personal development as students, artists, and cultural leaders.
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VISION STATEMENT
The Vision of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is to provide a world class academic and arts education as the first arts magnet high school in Washington County and Western Maryland. The superior teaching and learning environment will enable students to study the arts for their intrinsic, aesthetic, cognitive, and cultural value. Through a program of individualized attention and personalization, students will be motivated to achieve in a challenging and supportive atmosphere that emphasizes a disciplined attitude and personal responsibility. Supportive parents, distinguished faculty, cultural institutions and university partnerships will
collaborate to ensure that, upon graduation, students will possess the necessary skills to choose a career in any field.
