Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts

Miller South School for Visual and Performing Arts integrates a standard core curriculum with programs in:

• Visual art
• Dance
• Theatre
• Vocal and instrumental music (orchestra and band)

Students receive daily instruction in their core art interest area as well as outside opportunities to perform or showcase their work. Students who would like to audition for Miller South must first open enroll during the district’s designated open enrollment period (November- the first part of December) the year prior. Auditions are held in the spring.

Our School

Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts is rated Excellent With Distinction, one of only 12 schools in Summit County with that rating. Our teachers average 17 years of experience; 84% hold a master’s degree or higher. Our diverse student body comes from districts outside of Akron as well as from Akron – 125 students are open enrolled from suburban communities. The school is equipped with six fine arts studios including a dance studio, art studios equipped with graphic arts computers, a 900-seat newly renovated auditorium, Little Theatre and a 25-unit Yamaha keyboard lab. Miller South has strong parent and community support.
 
Academics

Miller South’s OPT scores range from 86-100%, consistently the highest in the city and are comparable to surrounding school districts. In addition to a strong academic curriculum, Miller South offers in-depth study in visual art, vocal and instrumental music, dance and drama. Miller South receives recognition from numerous universities and arts organizations in the region, including the International Network of Visual and Performing Art Schools, Ohio Arts Alliance and the Kent State Stark campus and Keep Akron Beautiful.

History

The Miller South building was constructed in 1956 and originally opened as South High School. Additions were completed in 1971 (the Lakeshore Annex) and 1975. The school closed in 1980 but reopened as Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts in 1993, following a parent, student and staff interest survey which indicated community support for a visual and performing arts school. The school first became the South Education Center, but was renamed George C. Miller South Education Center in honor of Akron’s first African-American principal, George C. Miller.