Boston Arts Academy, founded in 1998, is Boston’s only public high school for the performing and visual arts. At Boston Arts Academy, students with a strong interest in the arts receive specialized training, while taking a full schedule of college preparatory academic classes. Boston Arts Academy’s unique blend of arts and academics motivates students to succeed in high school and go on to college. The school serves students from all over Boston. The majority of its 415 students (67%) are from low-income families. The highest percentage of students (38%) come from Dorchester. Forty percent are African American; 39% are Hispanic; 14% are white; 4% are Asian; and 3% are of mixed race. An average of 94% of BAA graduates go on to college and most are the first in their families to do so.