BISFA Magnet Arts Program
The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) is an academic and arts Magnet school located in downtown Hagerstown.
The school provides students with a rigorous academic education and intensive pre-professional training in one of the following eight areas: Computer Game Design & Animation, Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Photography & Cinematography, Theater, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music
The school offers students training in these eight areas of concentration with a rigorous, comprehensive, college preparatory curriculum rooted in intense, pre-professional training in the arts that encourages excellence and success as students, artists, and cultural leaders. BISFA, a U.S. News and World Report Gold Medal school, is ranked eighth among Maryland schools.
BISFA has a unique admissions process designed to identify students with a passion for the arts; no academic criteria are used. However, once students are admitted, they must pursue a rigorous academic curriculum. Students can access free tutoring and test preparation to meet academic and artistic benchmarks. BISFA student test scores are consistently among the highest in the county and state.
The school offers rigorous arts instruction and training in 8 areas of concentration:
- Computer Game Design & Animation
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Instrumental Music
- Photography & Cinematography
- Theater
- Visual Arts
- Vocal Music
[click the + below to expand sections]
HIGH SCHOOL
MAGNET TIMELINE FOR THE
2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR
- HIGH SCHOOL INFO NIGHT:
October 2026 - APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Early December 2026 - INTERVIEWS & AUDITIONS:
January & February 2027 - PLACEMENT NOTIFICATION:
Early March 2027 (letters mailed) - ACCEPTANCE DEADLINES:
Mid-March 2027