Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy
| William A. Wirt/Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy Wirt-Emerson VPA HAA | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
210 North Grand Boulevard , , 46403 United States | |
| Coordinates | 41°36′36″N 87°15′45″W / 41.609959°N 87.262374°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public high school |
| Established | 1982 |
| School district | Gary Community School Corporation |
| Principal | Mary O. Ward |
| Faculty | 39 |
| Grades | 6-12 |
| Enrollment | 612 (2013-2014) |
| Website | Official website |
Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy, is a currently operating, seven-year (6-12) middle/high school for the visual and performing arts in the Gary Community School Corporation in Gary, Indiana. For reference to the historic closed facility that originally housed Emerson VPA, and previously Emerson High School, see Emerson High School (Gary).
History
Emerson High School closed in 1981 due to underpopulation. Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts launched in 1982 after the closure of the high school.[1] Emerson VPA was one of the first of its kind in the state of Indiana.
In 2008 the Emerson building was shuttered due to mold issues. The district moved its visual and performing arts program first to the former Kennedy King Middle School, and in 2010 into the former William Wirt High School building in Gary's scenic Miller Beach community.
In 2009, the district renamed the school "Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy." Its current location is 210 N. Grand Avenue.[2]