The Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) implements a special arts curriculum apart from the Basic Education subjects prescribed by the Department of Education:
Creative Writing - fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction conversations on issues in contemporary culture, seminar in cultural studies, writing for theater and film and graphic literature
Dance - fundamental dance steps and rhythm,
dance notation and interpretation,
choreography and composition,
modern and contemporary dance,
dance production and research,
Philippine music and instrumentation,
basic production design and production management
Music - applied music (voice/instrument),
music theory,
chorus,
chamber music,
music literature,
large ensemble (jazz),
foreign language
Theater Arts - acting,
directing,
ensemble building,
theater theories,
technical theater,
stage and production management,
theater and performance skills,
musical theater,
machinating performances
Visual Arts - visual perception,
art appreciation,
studio painting,
materials and techniques,
film cinematography