Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is one of the leading specialist performing arts high schools in Australia enjoying a national and international reputation for excellence in the creative and performing arts. Each year the school auditions students from all over NSW in dance, music and drama for intakes in Year 7 and 11 as well as enrolling in-area students. All members of the school community are committed to the core values of the school which are creativity, excellence and equity.
The school is committed to excellence in student education by providing a challenging curriculum and a range of cocurricular and extra-curricular activities that enhance the talent of its students. Co-curricular programs are an extension of the curriculum in the performing arts. The school runs approximately 50 co-curricular activities with companies or ensembles in dance, music, drama and visual arts. Students are also offered a range of opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities such as debating, mock trial and a range of sporting events. The school aims to develop skilled, creative and self-motivated students who thrive in a tolerant, supportive and creative school environment.