The Vision of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is to provide a world class academic and arts education as the first arts magnet high school in Washington County and Western Maryland. The superior teaching and learning environment will enable students to study the arts for their intrinsic, aesthetic, cognitive, and cultural value. Through a program of individualized attention and personalization, students will be motivated to achieve in a challenging and supportive atmosphere that emphasizes a disciplined attitude and personal responsibility. Supportive parents, distinguished faculty, cultural institutions and university partnerships will collaborate to ensure that, upon graduation, students will possess the necessary skills to pursue a career in any field.
This project began in 2001 when Dr. Elizabeth M. Morgan commissioned the First Generation Study Group. The School was recommended as one of their priorities. This project took flight when Mr. Groh made the generous donation of the former Henry's Theatre on Potomac Street to create a school in honor of his late wife. The school offers five specialized programs for high school students, grades 9-12: instrumental music, vocal music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
The school opened in August 2009 in the heart of downtown Hagerstown's Arts and Entertainment District.