Harlem School of the Arts was founded in 1964, by soprano Dorothy Maynor in the basement of the St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem at a time when the community suffered severe physical blight, high levels of poverty, and few cultural resources for its young people.

Maynor was succeeded by mezzo-soprano Betty Allen as President in 1979, when a new 37,000 square foot facility designed by Ulrich Franzen was completed.

[3][4] Despite the Great Recession of 2010, the Harlem School of the Arts stabilized its fiscal position following a $6 million gift.

In addition to theater classes, the visual art department offers courses that include sculpture and photography (digital and film).

[7] The school also offers private lessons in various disciplines, including multiple instruments along with dance, digital art, animation, cinematography, and acting.