At a Glance
Updated July 22, 2026Original research by SchoolDecision.com that you won't find anywhere else.
How to read this page
How School Decision builds this page
Every fact above and in the tables comes from an official page or a cited source, gathered July 22, 2026 and reviewed before publication. We focus on best fit rather than ratings, because a single score can mislead: the right school for one child is the wrong school for another. We go beyond the numbers into what matters for parents, families, and students: how a school actually works, what it costs, who it serves, and the questions worth asking. Where sources disagree, we show every version. Where we corrected a detail after review, a note travels with that fact.
Terms used on this page
- Organization Type
- Single School is one campus. Network means multiple campuses run by one operator. Platform means the organization supports independently run schools rather than operating campuses itself.
- ESA Funds
- Education Savings Accounts are state programs letting eligible families direct public education money to approved options. "Accepted" means sources confirm this school takes ESA funds in the states listed; the full list may be larger than what sources confirm.
- Funding Stage
- How the operating organization is financed. Founder Funded means the founders finance it. Series A, B, C are rounds of outside investment. Nonprofit means it is organized as a nonprofit. This describes the organization, not what families pay.
- Accreditation vs. Membership
- Accreditation is a formal external review of the school. Membership means the school belongs to an association, which is not a review.
- Announced and Other Campuses
- Locations described in sources as announced, planned, paused, closed, or withdrawn rather than currently operating.
- School-Reported
- A figure the school states about itself that has not been independently checked by a third party.
- Disputed Claims
- Points where credible sources say different things. We show each version with its source instead of choosing one.
- Source Links
- Every "source" link opens the page a fact came from, so you can check it yourself.
Recognitions: Yass Prize (2021 Semifinalist) (Membership) source; Minnesota Department of Education School Finance Award (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021) (Membership) source.
Active campuses (1)
| Campus | City | State | Grades | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) | Saint Paul | MN | 9-12 | source |
HSRA is a tuition-free public charter school. Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, HSRA also launched 'HSRA Online' - a fully online, fully accredited program offered alongside the on-campus program for students seeking greater flexibility or a fresh start.
Founders: David T.C. Ellis (Founder / Program Founder (still actively involved)) source; Tony Simmons (Co-founder and Executive Director) source. Current leadership: Tony Simmons, Executive Director source; David T.C. Ellis, Program Founder source; Matthew Brown, Director of Operations source; Fatima Womack, Dean of Culture source; Maureen Foss, Director of Educational and Institutional Effectiveness source; Phil Winden, Studio Director (also Director of Studio Facilitation, 4 Learning) source; Norbert Kreuzer, Director of Diverse Media Institute source.
Parent or operator: Pillsbury United Communities (charter school authorizer/sponsor since 2008).
Affiliated brands: Studio 4 Enterprises, 4 Learning (4Learning). Notable partnerships: Pillsbury United Communities (Charter school authorizer/sponsor since 2008) source; Designs for Learning (Charter school development/support partner since 1995) source; St. Paul Family Learning Center (Pilot-program partner (1997)) source; Studio 4 Enterprises (Founding studio and ongoing management/pedagogy partner) source; Hill-Freedman World Academy (Philadelphia) (Cross-community music collaboration (joint anthem release)) source.
High School for Recording Arts: Parent Guide to a Recording-Arts Pre-Professional Public Charter School
The High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) is a tuition-free public charter school in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1998, the school centers its educational model on recording arts, music production, and creative industries, using hip-hop culture and project-based learning to re-engage students who have struggled in or been pushed out of traditional school settings 1. The school operates within and around professional recording studios, where students develop academic and life skills through hands-on creative work 1. HSRA is authorized by Pillsbury United Communities and registered with the Minnesota Department of Education as Independent Charter School District 4039-07 36.
HSRA describes itself as serving "mostly out of school youth," many of whom were expelled or pushed out from traditional schools, with an average enrollment age of 17 1. The school reports that 92% of its students live at or below the poverty level and that 40% are currently or have recently been homeless 1. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, HSRA also launched HSRA Online, a fully virtual program offered alongside the on-campus option 57.
Snapshot facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | High School for Recording Arts |
| Operating status | Active |
| Founded | 1998 (disputed: pilot program began December 1996 under Studio 4 Enterprises; charter approval granted July 1998 by the Minnesota Department of Education; some secondary sources state "founded 1998") |
| Founders | David T.C. Ellis (Founder / Program Founder, still actively involved); Tony Simmons (Co-founder and Executive Director) |
| Current leadership | Tony Simmons (Executive Director); David T.C. Ellis (Program Founder); Matthew Brown (Director of Operations); Fatima Womack (Dean of Culture); Maureen Foss (Director of Educational and Institutional Effectiveness); Phil Winden (Studio Director); Norbert Kreuzer (Director of Diverse Media Institute) |
| Primary location | 1166 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104 |
| Grades served | 9-12 |
| Public/charter/private status | Public charter school; authorized by Pillsbury United Communities since 2008 |
| Tuition or funding model | Tuition-free; nonprofit |
| Admissions model | Open enrollment with lottery if oversubscribed 8 |
| Educational model | Project-based, arts-pre-professional with recording-arts focus and competency-based validation 12 |
| Evidence confidence | School-reported outcomes; MDE records confirm organizational status 16 |
What it is
HSRA is a single-site public charter school that integrates recording arts and music industry operations into a full high school curriculum. The school was founded by David T.C. Ellis and Tony Simmons, with Ellis described as the program founder and Simmons as the co-founder and executive director. The school's mission 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 3. HSRA operates as Independent Charter School District 4039-07 under authorization from Pillsbury United Communities, a nonprofit organization that has served as the school's authorizer since 20086. Prior to 2008, the charter was sponsored by the St. Paul School District and renewed in 2001 and 2004 3.
Educational model
HSRA's educational model is built on three layers 2. The first layer requires mastery of Minnesota content standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies 2. The second layer consists of six school-defined "validations" that students must complete: Social Justice/Citizenship and Community, Entrepreneurialism and Career Readiness, Life Skills, Philosophical/Spiritual and Emotional Development, Creativity and Imagination, and Communication, Literacy, Inquiry, and Technology 2. The third layer is portfolio development, in which students curate work demonstrating mastery across twelve core areas through performances, recordings, visual arts, written work, and multimedia projects 2.
The school calls its signature learning experiences "Creative Learning Productions," which are student-interest-driven, authentic, and interdisciplinary projects designed to develop multiple competencies simultaneously 2. Each quarter ends with "Excellence Week," a dedicated period for documentation, reflection, and one-on-one advisor conversations about student progress 2.
Another Level Records (ALR), described as the nation's longest-running student-operated record and production company, allows students to explore the music industry firsthand by discovering and recording artists, negotiating contracts, publishing and copyrighting music, and engaging with streaming platforms 1. The school also operates a weekly radio show and podcast called Studio 4 Tha Air, which has featured major artists 2.
Student experience
HSRA serves a student population that the school describes as primarily "out of school youth" who were expelled or pushed out from traditional schools 1. The average age at enrollment is 17 1. The school reports that 86% of its students are Black, 52% come from Saint Paul, and 29% come from Minneapolis 1. Self-paced progression allows flexible timelines of 3 to 6 years to graduation 2.
The school provides comprehensive wraparound services, including food throughout the day, housing referrals, childcare for teen parents, healthcare collaboration, and public transit passes 2. Full-time, in-house social workers and therapists are available to respond to student needs 9. Non-teaching advisors help design personalized learning plans and connect students with resources 9. The on-campus program emphasizes a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment built on strong relationships and real-world experiences 10.
Curriculum, assessment, and progression
To earn a high school diploma, an HSRA student must master Minnesota's content standards, complete all coursework required for graduation, and accomplish the six HSRA validations 1. In addition, graduates must create and present a portfolio summarizing learning in twelve core areas, present a college or post-secondary acceptance letter, complete the FAFSA, and document their post-high school plans 9.
Progression is self-paced, with flexible timelines of 3 to 6 years to graduation 2. Students do not receive traditional letter grades as the sole measure of progress; instead, the portfolio system makes learning visible and portable, capturing what students learn through unconventional pathways 2.
Public, charter, private, nonprofit, program, network, or platform status
HSRA is a tuition-free public charter school organized as a nonprofit entity. It operates as Independent Charter School District 4039-07 1. The school is authorized by Pillsbury United Communities, which has served as its charter authorizer and sponsor since 2008. A board of directors, consisting of staff, parents, and community members elected by staff and parents, guides the school, with members serving three-year terms 1.
The school's sibling brands include Studio 4 Enterprises and 4 Learning (4Learning). Studio 4 Enterprises served as the founding studio and ongoing management and pedagogy partner. The founding dispute over the school's origin date remains: some sources indicate a pilot program began in December 1996 under Studio 4 Enterprises, while the charter was officially approved in July 1998 by the Minnesota Department of Education, and some secondary sources simply state "founded 1998".
Locations and availability
HSRA's single campus is located at 1166 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104. The facility houses three professional recording studios, a photo and video studio with industry-standard equipment, and an NCAA-regulation basketball gym 2.
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, HSRA launched HSRA Online, a fully virtual program registered with the Minnesota Department of Education as organization 4039-07-020, classified as 100% Virtual Online Learning 57. HSRA Online enables students to study audio production, video editing, graphic design, and the business of music from anywhere, supported by dedicated advisors and wraparound services 5. The online program is described as suited for students seeking flexibility, a fresh start, or a school that values creativity 5.
Tuition, admissions, and eligibility
HSRA is a free public charter school. There are no admission tests, mandatory contracts, or auditions necessary for admission 8. Parents or guardians must fill out a registration form and other documents required for attending a public school 8. If the school has reached its enrollment limit, prospective students may be put on a waiting list and subject to a lottery, with exceptions made for siblings of students already attending 8. The school's admissions page references an enrollment lottery policy for the 2025-2026 school year 4.
Credits, transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and accreditation
- HSRA issues a high school diploma upon completion of Minnesota content standards, required coursework, and the six HSRA validations 1.
- The verified facts block does not list any independent accreditations held by the school.
- The school describes its HSRA Online program as "fully accredited" 5, and as a Minnesota public charter school authorized by Pillsbury United Communities, it operates under the state's public school framework 6.
- The school has received the Minnesota Department of Education School Finance Award in 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
- HSRA was also named a Yass Prize semifinalist in 2021.
Evidence and outcomes
HSRA reports that approximately 90% of its seniors have graduated over the last five years (school-reported) 1. The school also reports that 100% of its graduates have been accepted into college with fully completed FAFSA applications over the last ten years (school-reported) 1. Additionally, the school reports that 60% of students enrolled have already been in contact with the criminal justice system, and that this percentage drops to 11% by the time students graduate (school-reported) 29.
Enrollment figures vary across sources: the school's own facts page states enrollment stabilized at 250 students 1, the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools directory lists 181 3, and an external profile estimates approximately 200 to 220 students annually 2. The Minnesota Association of Charter Schools also references approximately 350 students in a narrative description 3. These figures likely reflect different time periods and data collection methods.
Best fit
HSRA may be a strong fit for students who have struggled in or been pushed out of traditional school settings and who are interested in music, recording arts, and creative industries. The school's project-based, competency-based model and wraparound services are designed for students who need a non-traditional approach to earn a high school diploma. The self-paced progression model, with flexible timelines of 3 to 6 years, accommodates students who may need additional time. The new HSRA Online option may suit students who need a fully virtual format, though the program is newly launched and its track record is not yet established.
Questions parents should ask
- What is the current enrollment, and how does the lottery process work for both on-campus and online programs?
- How does HSRA's competency-based validation system translate to traditional transcripts for college admissions?
- What specific wraparound services are available, and how are they accessed?
- For HSRA Online: what is the expected level of daily engagement, and what support is provided for students who struggle with self-directed learning?
- How does the school handle students who enter significantly behind in credits, and what is the typical timeline to graduation?
- What does "fully accredited" mean for HSRA Online, and is this distinct from the charter authorization held by the on-campus program?
Research notes and open questions
Outcome data is primarily school-reported; Minnesota Department of Education records confirm charter status and organizational details.
- Enrollment figures vary across sources (181 to 350); families should confirm current enrollment with the school directly.
- The verified facts block lists no independent accreditations; the school describes its programs as 'fully accredited,' which families should clarify.
- HSRA Online launched in 2025-2026 as a new program; its operational maturity and outcomes are not yet established.
Sources
[1] "School Facts & Curriculum," High School for Recording Arts, https://www.hsra.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?type=d&uREC_ID=455596, accessed July 22, 2026. [2] "High School for Recording Arts," AmericaSucceeds, https://americasucceeds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/RPC-HSRA-School-Profile.pdf, accessed July 22, 2026. [3] "High School for Recording Arts | MN Association of Charter Schools," Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, https://mncharterschools.org/directory/location-detail.php?ID=495, accessed July 22, 2026. [4] "Home - Admissions," High School for Recording Arts, https://www.hsra.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?type=d&uREC_ID=455656, accessed July 22, 2026. [5] "HSRA Online," High School for Recording Arts, https://www.hsra.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?type=d&uREC_ID=613484, accessed July 22, 2026. [6] "High School for Recording Arts 4039-07," Minnesota Department of Education, https://stage.pub.education.mn.gov/MdeOrgView/organization/show/4706, accessed July 22, 2026. [7] "HSRA Online 4039-07-020," Minnesota Department of Education, https://pub.education.mn.gov/MdeOrgView/organization/show/36415, accessed July 22, 2026. [8] "Charter School & Learning Structure," High School for Recording Arts, https://www.hsra.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?type=d&uREC_ID=455654, accessed July 22, 2026. [9] "High School for the Recording Arts," Education Reimagined, https://education-reimagined.org/sites/high-school-for-the-recording-arts/, accessed July 22, 2026. [10] "HSRA On-Campus Program," High School for Recording Arts, https://www.hsra.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?type=d&uREC_ID=623030, accessed July 22, 2026.