About Frank Sinatra School of the Arts

About In 1999, the great American singer and painter, Tony Bennett, and his wife Susan Benedetto, a public school teacher, were inspired to start a public high school for young artists. They dreamt of a school that would integrate the arts with rigorous academics, require a commitment to community service, and help students cultivate a lifelong love of, and dedication to, their artistic passions and crafts.

Over the next years, Tony and Susan received invaluable assistance from the NYC Department of Education and local leaders as they endeavored to turn their dream into reality. In 2001, the school opened in temporary quarters for 250 students. The school was named Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a tribute to the memory of Tony’s best friend and colleague.

With the help of many friends and supporters, in 2009 Frank Sinatra School of the Arts opened its new extraordinary home, located at the vibrant Kaufman Astoria Studios complex, in Astoria, Queens, Tony Bennett's cherished hometown. The school receives ongoing support from Exploring the Arts, the nonprofit organization founded by Tony and Susan, which helps provide funding for the school’s arts program as well as external internship and scholarship opportunities for its students.