Tara Performing Arts High School

A nonprofit organization

A high school like no other, Tara invites students to embark on a transformative journey where their sense of belonging is nurtured and their spirits ignited.

Testimonials

“I've worked closely with teenagers for over 30 years, and the most impressive group I ever sat with was a senior class at Tara. ... They're clearly doing some things at that school that others are not.

  • Michael Vladeck, Owner, Conscious Parenting in the Digital Age

 

“College has shown me how much my education at Tara, especially the performing arts, has prepared me to be able to effectively work with others – as both a leader and a follower – and to collaborate to solve problems. The collective focus that Tara students have in order to create something meaningful and beautiful is truly special, and I aim to carry it with me through the rest of my life.”

  • Maggie Lynch, Class of 2023

 

Travel at Tara is exciting, eye-opening, and profoundly humbling. From the striking awe of the San Juan River, to the rich culture and history of the Native Americans, to the impactful and ever-surprising theater, art and music we were exposed to in New York and Europe – these experiences shaped who I have grown to be today, and I am forever grateful.”

  • Alum, Class of 2019

 

An exceptional school that embraces the individual … Encourages young people’s growth in mind and spirit … And promotes the welfare of all humanity –”

  • Sue and Joe Williams, Friends of Tara 

 

“Some might balk at the idea of giving a teen choir Mozart’s Coronation Mass, but the lessons contained in this brilliant piece and others like it served my musical understanding and fed my soul. If we are not shown the best of what human beings are capable of then we may never dream of what we ourselves can aspire to.

  • Natalie Simpson, Tara Vocal Director, Class of 2006

Mission

Our mission is to awaken students' minds and hearts, to foster their sense of connection to each other and the world, to engage them in meaningful work and activities, and to excite them about life itself. Accordingly, we provide an educational path that asks students to step into the light as individuals and to learn to take the kind of risks involved in being truly human.

Tara is dedicated to providing opportunities for emotional growth and renewal through deep involvement in the performing arts and celebration of the cycle of the festival year. In addition to supporting lively intellectual development through a demanding experiential Waldorf academic curriculum, the school cultivates world citizenship through travel and immersive study. At Tara, students engage in life in full consciousness, free of substance use and addictive distractions, which allows them to be truly present for their education and to participate in artistic process as a way to explore the challenges of living in our complex age.

Background Statement

Since 1994, when Tara began an as after-school musical theater program while the founders prepared the curriculum and planned what we believe is the only Waldorf performing arts high school in the world, Tara’s rich offerings – in drama, music, travel and cultural exchange in addition to immersive, experiential academics – have been refined and enhanced while remaining true to the original belief in what Steiner's curriculum enriched by the performing arts could offer young people. This vision shines on in the brave educators who are carrying the school into the future, bringing their individual talents to this unusual and compelling program.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Tara Performing Arts High School

other names

Tara Performing Arts High School, Tara

Year Established

1994

Tax id (EIN)

84-1274823

Category

Education

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

4180 19th Street
Boulder, CO 80304

Headquarters

4180 19th Street
Boulder, CO 80304

Service areas

Boulder County, CO, US

Phone

303-440-4510

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