Mission 

Harrison School for the Arts provides an opportunity for talented students to develop their artistic and academic abilities to the fullest extent, instilling in each student self-discipline, self-esteem, and a working knowledge of and greater appreciation for the arts.

Harrison School for the Arts fosters creativity for a lifetime.  Our graduates are prepared to enter college programs in the arts.  Many Harrison alumni successfully undertake an academic field of study at the college or university level.  A few are privileged to embark on professional careers in the performing or visual arts.  As our students pursue their various life goals, the strong arts foundation provided at Harrison enables them to utilize a wide range of skills and techniques, including time management, goal setting, self-discipline, and, of course, creativity.
 

History

The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts was founded in 1989.  Harrison School for the Arts opened with an enrollment of 154.  The students are from communities throughout Polk County.

Lois Cowles Harrison, of Lakeland, has garnered a statewide reputation as arts advocate due to her many years of notable contributions to the arts. Her outstanding presence in the arts community is attributed to her selfless service while serving as a member of the Florida Arts Council from 1972-1980.  She led the drive for Legislative and School Board funding for construction of the Polk Museum of Art and the Harrison School buildings.  Additional credits include president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, president and member of the Board of Governors of the Polk Museum of Art, president of Planned Parenthood of Central Florida, and the Board of Directors of the Florida Endowment of the Humanities.

Mrs. Harrison is married to Homer Hooks. Mr. Hooks, a former president of the Florida Phosphate Council and former Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus, is past president of the Polk Museum of Art and former chairman of the Florida Arts Council.  In 1994, Secretary of State Jim Smith honored Hooks and Harrison with the Florida Arts Recognition Award.

Principals/Directors
Tom McDonald          Founding Director
Frank Howes             1989 to 1995
Mike Westbrook         1995 to 2001
Dr. Craig S. Collins   2001 to Present

Nondiscrimination Statement
The School Board of Polk County, Florida, prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment. To file concerns, you may contact the Office of Equity & Compliance, Human Resource Services at 863-534-0513.