Who should fill out the online application, the student or the parent?

  • The application will be completed using student credentials to sign in. We recommend the student and parent complete together and proof carefully for errors.

Can a student apply and audition for more than one department?

  • A student can apply for up to two departments.

Can a student be in more than one department?

  • A student cannot be in two departments – students accepted to two departments must choose one.

Is bus transportation provided?

  • PCPS bus transportation is provided to residents of Polk County.

Where do the students eat lunch?

  • Students can eat lunch in the LHS cafeteria or the HSA courtyard.

How does the schedule work with Lakeland High School classes?

  • We work together with LHS when planning the master schedule during the summer to minimize scheduling conflicts.

Do Harrison students take classes separate from Lakeland students?

  • HSA students take academic classes at LHS jointly with LHS students.

Are students at Harrison required to wear uniforms?

  • No, but students must follow PCPS dress code policies.

What time does school start?

  • All PCPS high schools begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m.

What is the difference between the Theatre, Theatre Tech, and Musical Theatre departments?

  • Theatre students study traditional acting, technical theatre students are working on the behind-the-scenes elements, and musical theatre students are expected to sing, dance, and act.

What happens if I am accepted for my second choice but on a wait list for my first choice?

  • The student would need to decide whether they want to take the spot in the accepted department and come off the waitlist for the other, or decline the spot in the accepted department and stay on the waitlist for the other.

How late do you accept students from the waitlist?

  • We accept students from the waitlist throughout the summer and up until October 1 as seats become available.

If a student is not offered a spot from the waitlist, do they have to re-audition again next year?

  • Yes.

Do you accept students entering grades 10, 11, and 12?

  • Yes – although students with a successful audition for grades 10-12 are typically placed on a waitlist until a seat opens up in the respective department.

If a student is accepted who is entering the 10th grade or higher, do they have to earn all 10 Harrison credits to graduate?

  • No.

Can I be home-schooled and enrolled at Harrison?

  • No – students must be dual-enrolled at LHS to be considered a Harrison student.

What happens if I am accepted to another choice program and on the wait list for Harrison?

  • If a student is accepted to another PCPS program, they are not removed from our waitlist unless requested by a parent via email.

Do you accept incoming 9th grade students with high school credits? Will I be able to graduate early?

  • Many of our incoming 9th grade students will have earned high school credits while in middle school. Harrison is a four-year program, so students cannot graduate early.

I really like multiple departments equally. Is there any way to take classes in another department at Harrison?

  • Students are unable to take classes across departments at Harrison in most cases. However, we do have several classes which can be taken as additional electives.

How should we bring our recorded accompaniment for a music audition?

  • It is recommended that students have the recorded accompaniment downloaded on their personal phone or a flash drive in MP3 format.

Do you look for students who already have a strong ability in a particular art discipline or students who are just starting out in one?

  • In general, Harrison is designed for students who already demonstrate a talent in a particular art discipline rather than someone just beginning.

Can out-of-zone students apply to attend?

  • Students can apply and audition regardless of their physical address. We've even had students and families relocate from other states and countries to attend Harrison after being accepted.

If we are put on the waiting list, will we know what number we are in the line?

  • After a specified date, we will gladly share that with the parent listed on the application.

Does the resume need a photo embedded of the student?

  • Yes, this is to help the adjudicators when reviewing info during the ranking process due to the volume of applicants.

How do I know if my application was received?

  • A confirmation email will be sent to the email address on the application.

If I have problems with the application or additional questions, who should I contact?