History

Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia was created in 1984 at the same time the two legacy schools merged.  New York City finances still were reeling in the wake of the fiscal crisis of the late 1970s and concerned alumni, working with the school’s leadership, wanted to do what they could to assure the arts education of current students was of the highest quality.

They also wanted to assist in the integration of the new school into the dynamic art and music world of the city, both to expose our students to the opportunities within this community and to build support for the school among arts organizations.

At that time there were few models for an endowment funded by private donors to support a public high school when A & F was started. Mostly, wealthy funders would be approached by school leaders to meet a specific need. Money would be raised and the process was repeated when the next funding crisis arose.

The intent of the A & F was to create a permanent organization that would coalesce support within the broad community of those committed to the success of the school. It allowed for large or small donations, so that people could express their appreciation for the education they received and recognize the importance of helping today’s students at a level at which they felt comfortable. Further, the A & F provided an alumni association which assisted in reunions, encouraged attendance at school performances and let people keep in touch with what is happening at this incredible and unique school of the arts.

A & F was formed by graduates of the two legacy schools without regard to which school they came from and assistance was provided similarly, recognizing need and talent, wherever it was found. It has become the focal point for those who want to help and those who want to participate.

In its early years, with its endowment and membership base still small, A & F’s contribution to the school was limited. As it has grown and since it moved, on 1998, into its current office on the 8th floor of the school, it has solidified its relations with the leadership of the school and the broader support network of LaGuardia.  While an independent 501 (c)(3) organization in structure, the mission and commitment of A&F is to suppport the school and its gifted students so that future generations receive the same high quality arts education that was provided to its alumni.