Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
Combining rigorous academics with professional-level training in the arts, the school stands as a beacon for students who aspire to express themselves through creativity while pursuing academic excellence. With a holistic approach to education that cultivates both intellect and artistry, APM Conservatory prepares its students for success in college, the arts, and life.
A Legacy of Education and Transformation
Originally opened in 1951 as Mays High School, the institution was initially a segregated school serving Black students in the southern part of Miami-Dade County. Over the decades, it evolved into Mays Middle School, and eventually, in 2013, it was rebranded as Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts—a name honoring local educators who made significant contributions to the community.
This transformation into a full magnet school reflected Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ commitment to creating specialized academies where students could pursue their passions. Today, APM Conservatory serves grades 6 through 12 and is known for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists, scholars, and community leaders.
A Magnet for the Arts
At the core of the APM Conservatory experience is its magnet arts program, which offers intensive, pre-professional training across several disciplines:
1. Dance
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Ballet
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Modern dance
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Jazz
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Hip-hop
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Choreography and performance studies
Students participate in local and national dance competitions, and many are accepted into prestigious summer intensives and conservatories across the country.
2. Music
Music students can specialize in:
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Instrumental music (band, strings, percussion)
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Vocal performance
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Music theory and composition
The program emphasizes both solo and ensemble performance, and students have opportunities to perform at school concerts, district showcases, and even Carnegie Hall.
3. Theatre: Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
The Theatre Arts Department immerses students in all aspects of stagecraft:
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Acting and character development
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Scriptwriting and dramaturgy
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Stage direction
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Set design and technical theatre
APM's theatre program stages multiple productions each year and regularly competes at the Florida State Thespian Festival.
4. Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program cultivates talent in:
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Drawing and painting
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Sculpture
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Mixed media
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Photography and digital arts
Students build robust portfolios, exhibit their work in galleries, and compete in district and national art competitions.
5. Media Arts
Media students explore:
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Digital storytelling
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Film production
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Graphic design
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Animation
These skills prepare students for careers in media production, marketing, and communications.
Each arts program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes critique, portfolio development, and capstone projects, ensuring students graduate with both experience and professionalism.
Academic Excellence: Preparing for College and Beyond
Though celebrated for its arts programs, APM Conservatory also delivers a strong academic foundation. The school offers a wide range of academic courses, including:
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Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like English Literature, U.S. History, Biology, and Psychology
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Dual enrollment opportunities through Miami Dade College
With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, students receive personalized instruction tailored to their academic and artistic goals.
College Preparation
The school maintains a high college acceptance rate, with many graduates attending prestigious institutions such as:
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University of Florida
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Florida State University
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New World School of the Arts
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Berklee College of Music
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Juilliard School
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Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Counselors work closely with students on college applications, FAFSA, scholarships, and audition preparation. Workshops, university tours, and alumni panels are all part of the college-readiness culture at APM.
A Diverse and Inclusive Community: Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
APM Conservatory serves a richly diverse student population from across Miami-Dade. This cultural diversity enhances the school’s creative atmosphere and provides a deeper lens through which students can explore art and the human experience.
Students are admitted through an audition-based application process.
Student Life: Leadership, Clubs, and Events
In addition to arts and academics, student life at APM is vibrant and enriching. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and leadership programs, including:
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National Honor Society (NHS)
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Student Government Association (SGA)
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Drama Club
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Dance Ensemble
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Visual Arts Society
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Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
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Environmental and Wellness Club
Signature Events and Performances
The calendar is packed with artistic showcases and community events, such as:
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Winter and Spring Dance Concerts
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Annual Art Gallery Night
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Theatre Productions and Musicals
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Music Recitals
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Black History Month Celebration
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Senior Showcase and Portfolio Review Night
These events are often open to the public and serve as a bridge between the school and the wider Miami arts community.
Faculty and Instruction
The APM faculty is composed of certified teachers, many of whom are working artists, musicians, and performers. This real-world experience enhances the classroom environment, allowing students to learn from professionals who bring practical insights and passion to their instruction.
Faculty collaborate across disciplines, creating interdisciplinary projects that combine visual art with performance, or music with storytelling. These projects mirror what students might encounter in college or in the creative workforce.
Community Partnerships: Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
APM Conservatory has developed strong ties with local and national arts organizations, which enrich the educational experience and expose students to opportunities beyond the classroom. Partners include:
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New World Symphony
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Miami City Ballet
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Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
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Perez Art Museum Miami
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Miami Film Festival
These relationships provide masterclasses, internships, mentorship, and performance opportunities that further students’ growth and professional networks.
Mental Health and Student Support
Understanding the pressures of balancing academics with a demanding arts curriculum, APM places a strong emphasis on student wellness and mental health. The school offers:
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On-site counseling
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Academic intervention services
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Peer mentoring
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Workshops on time management, stress reduction, and mindfulness
Teachers and counselors maintain an open-door policy, fostering a supportive environment where students feel seen and valued.
Facilities and Campus Life: Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
The APM campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to support both academic and artistic learning:
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Dance studios with sprung floors and mirrored walls
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Black-box theater and auditorium for productions
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Digital media labs and soundproof recording studios
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Visual art classrooms with kiln and printmaking equipment
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Outdoor art garden and green spaces
Students also enjoy dedicated lunch areas, Wi-Fi access, and access to library resources and online academic platforms.
Alumni Success Stories
Graduates of APM Conservatory have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields. Notable alumni include:
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Broadway performers and touring artists
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Independent filmmakers and animators
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Professional dancers and choreographers
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Art gallery curators
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Music producers and studio engineers
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Award-winning visual artists
Many alumni return to the school to mentor students, judge auditions, or present masterclasses, strengthening the bond between past and present.
Recognitions and Achievements
The school and its students have received numerous awards and accolades, including:
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Superior ratings at Florida Vocal Association and Florida Bandmasters Association
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First-place awards at Miami-Dade County Art Exhibitions
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Recognition at National YoungArts Foundation
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District titles in Thespian and Dance Competitions
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Scholarships awarded by The Kennedy Center, College Board, and Florida Bright Futures
These honors highlight the school's success in merging high academic standards with artistic excellence.
A Commitment to Equity and Access: Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
APM Conservatory is committed to ensuring that every student has the tools to succeed, regardless of background. The school provides:
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Free audition workshops for prospective applicants
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Transportation for students across Miami-Dade
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Free breakfast and lunch programs
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Access to technology and online learning tools
These supports help remove barriers to entry and empower all students to pursue their dreams.
Conclusion: Where Passion Meets Purpose
Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts stands as a shining example of how education can be transformative when it nurtures both the mind and the soul. By blending rigorous academics with world-class training in the arts, APM is helping students turn passion into purpose and talent into opportunity.
As the arts continue to play a vital role in shaping society and culture, schools like APM are essential to developing thoughtful, creative, and confident young leaders. Whether students dream of Broadway, Hollywood, a university campus, or the world stage—APM Conservatory equips them with the skills, mindset, and vision to get there.
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