About Us
"Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts is a private day school that provides a unique opportunity for its students in Grades 4 to 12 to pursue excellence in both the Performing Arts and Ontario Ministry of Education elementary and highschool curriculum."
We offer a specialized Art program in a supportive environment that strengthen the development of artistic abilities in Classical Ballet, Music, Vocal, and Drama. Our extra curricular and leadership programs focus on organizing cultural events to allow our students to share their talents with the local community. Our qualified, experienced, and caring teachers guide the students to achieve their academic goals and appreciate high-level education.
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts is the proud recipient of the 2010 Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Diamond Award for the Best Arts School in Hamilton.
Our Vision
To be the premiere school that fosters artistic and academic excellence. 
Our Location
T
he Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts is located in Dundas, on the west side of Hamilton Ontario. Quiet tree-lined streets, historic 19th century buildings, arts, culture and recreation and over 100 shops, restaurants and services nestled in the heart of picturesque Dundas Valley provides a unique charm and ambiance. A rich arts community exists in Dundas with organizations like the Dundas Valley School of Art, The Carnegie Gallery, DLT Theatre and many arts studios.
One can hike or cross country ski on the trails through the Dundas Valley or visit Webster’s Falls in the Spencer Gorge. Located in the Golden Horseshoe, Hamilton is home to McMaster University, the Arts Gallery of Hamilton, Theatre Aquarius, a professional Theatre Company, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hamilton Opera Company and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Niagara Falls and Toronto are within driving distance and Go Train service is available between Hamilton and Toronto.
Academics
Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts is a registered school with the Ontario Ministry of Education. Ontario elementary and secondary curriculum effectively combines rigorous studies of Arts with Academic subjects. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is well recognized worldwide, and Ontario graduates are accepted into universities and colleges across Canada and the globe. Our programs stimulate creativity and imagination that helps students in developing strong cognitive skills vital for academic success. HAPA offers a curriculum that provides the students with a choice for post secondary education at university, college Art program, or a professional career in the Arts.
Elementary School
Students are taught by subject specialists who are qualified to teach both elementary and secondary school. Small class sizes stimulate student learning and class participation. Teachers provide personalized attention to address the individual needs of each student. At HAPA we offer an enriched curriculum in Mathematics, English, French, Science and Social Studies. Studies of Mathematics are based on the best practices from traditional Canadian and Russian schooling. Our French language studies are based on Accelerated Integrated Learning Method with a focus on oral communication and fluency.
Secondary School
The Ontario Secondary School Curriculum allow students to effectively combine compulsory academic courses with elective Art courses. We provide the best combined Art and university/college preparatory program. A strong academic background will provide our students with better options for post secondary education, and expand their horizons. Our experienced teachers offer HAPA students high quality education. Small class sizes will foster student participation and allow teachers to provide an individualized approach to meet students’ needs. Comprehensive university/Art College counseling will be offered to each student throughout high school. Students’ courses are carefully selected to ensure that requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education, university, as well as an individual post secondary Art program are met. The school offers assistance in university/college application and scholarship process.
The Arts
Elementary School
At Grades 4 to 8 our students take various performing arts courses for 3 hours every day. The students are offered courses in Ballet (Vaganova Method), Modern Dance, Historical Dance, Drama, Music, and Vocal classes with our experienced and highly professional instructors. The courses are designed to help every student discover and develop her/his talents.
Throughout the year, our students will have performance opportunities as well as participating in community events. The students focusing on Ballet are also given the opportunity to perform with the Hamilton City Ballet school’s Junior Division.
Secondary School
At HAPA our students will take credit courses in Dance, Music, Drama, and Vocal that are part of the Ontario Ministry of Education Arts Curriculum in Grades 9 to 12. Our specialized art programs provide an opportunity for the students to specialize in their chosen art field by offering more hours of training courses in arts history.
Under the supervision of our guidance counselors each student will select art courses that best prepare students for the chosen university, college Art program or a professional career in dance, music, drama or vocals. Our qualified and experienced teachers will guide the students in preparation of exams, performances, competitions and art portfolios required for the admission into post secondary art programs.
Our students specializing in Ballet work closely and perform with the Hamilton City Ballet school’s Senior Division.