High School for Recording Arts is a public charter high school located in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. The school pioneered the concept of connecting with at-risk students through a hip-hop music program, hence the nickname "Hip-Hop High." There are no tuition fees.
Serving 181 students in grades 9-12, High School For Recording Arts ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21-39% (which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 181 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 30-34% (Btm 50% in MN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
School Overview
High School For Recording Arts's student population of 181 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has declined by 26% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
181 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Year Founded
1996
School Calendar
School Motto
The mission of HSRA is to provide youth the opportunity to achieve a high school diploma through the exploration and operation of the music business and other creative endeavors.
School Rankings
High School For Recording Arts ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of High School For Recording Arts is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1631 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
46%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)<50%
45%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
2%
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
10%
12%
Black
73%
12%
White
3%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
30-34%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
27.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
87%
34%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is High School For Recording Arts's ranking?
High School For Recording Arts is ranked #1631 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are High School For Recording Arts often compared to?
High School For Recording Artsis often viewed alongside schools like Global Arts Plus Lower, Global Arts Plus Upper by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 21-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
What is the graduation rate of High School For Recording Arts?
The graduation rate of High School For Recording Arts is 30-34%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 84%.
How many students attend High School For Recording Arts?
181 students attend High School For Recording Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of High School For Recording Arts students are Black, 13% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are White, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of High School For Recording Arts?
High School For Recording Arts has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does High School For Recording Arts offer ?
High School For Recording Arts offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is High School For Recording Arts part of?
High School For Recording Arts is part of High School For Recording Arts School District.
In what neighborhood is High School For Recording Arts located?
High School For Recording Arts is located in the Union Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN. There are 5 other public schools located in Union Park.
School Reviews
Review High School For Recording Arts. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
