Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts

The Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, also known as BAVPA, is a magnet performing arts high school and part of Buffalo Public Schools. The current principal is Mr. Darren Brown, and the current assistant principals are Ms. Judy Covington and Dr. Eileen Czarnecki.

Academics
The school holds classes from grade 5 to 12 and requires students to apply (as if for a job) in the field of their desired "major concentration". Majors taught in the school are Visual Art, Television and Film Production, Dance, Theater, and Music (vocal or instrumental).

Usually near the end of the school year, the TV/Film Production Department has a film festival at Delaware Park. The film festival shows the work the TV/Film Production students have throughout the year.

History
BAVPA was founded in 1977 and was originally located at School 187 located 333 Clinton Street in Buffalo. Due to size constraints, the school moved to its current location in 2007. The new building, located at 450 Masten Avenue in Buffalo, is the former home to Woodlawn Junior High School and Buffalo Traditional School.

Selected former principals
Previous assignment and reason for departure denoted in parentheses
 * Mr. David W. Hess–?-1991 (unknown, name Acting Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education for Buffalo Public Schools)
 * Ms. Barbara W. Schnell (unknown, named Principal of Buffalo Vocational Technical Center)
 * Mr. Ronald Meer
 * Ms. Deborah Smith–?-2000 (unknown, named Principal of Buffalo Vocational Technical Center)
 * Mr. Kevin E. Kazmierczak–2000-2008 (Director of Music Programs - Buffalo Public Schools, named Principal of Tonawanda High School)

Selected former assistant principals

 * Mr. Thaddeus W. Weselak–?-2000 (Assistant Principal - Kensington High School, retired)
 * Mrs. Ramona Y. Thomas-Reynolds–?-2002 (unknown, named Principal of West Hertel Academy)
 * Ms. Wendy Richards–?-2005 (unknown, named Assistant Principal of Grover Cleveland High School)
 * Mrs. Patricia J. Welch-Thomas–?-2005 (unknown, named Principal of South Park High School)
 * Mr. Larry J. Hunley–?-2006 (unknown, retired)

Famous alumni

 * Ani DiFranco (Class of 1986)
 * Jesse L. Martin (Class of 1987)
 * Robert Jones (Class of 1995)
 * Jerry May (Class 0f 1996) Film Producer, Film Director, Writter and Editor.