My next stop on this trip to the USA was LA County High School for the Arts (LACHSA). LACHSA offers a specialised program combining college-preparatory academic instruction and conservatory-style training in the visual and performing arts.
Founded in 1985, the tuition-free public school is run by the Los Angeles County Office of Education in partnership with and on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). So this school sits within the campus of a university which has a tremendous affect.
Recognised as the premier public arts high school in the western U.S., LACHSA is the recipient of numerous awards, including: California Distinguished School for academic excellence, Golden Bell Award (visual arts program), Grammy Signature School (music program) and Bravo Award (Music Center of Los Angeles County) for excellence in arts education.
The school serves over 570 culturally and socioeconomically diverse teens from more than 60 school districts in the region.
During my visit I was looked after by the wonderful and inspirational Ms Suzanna Guzaman (who might I add is an amazing opera singer with a Grammy Award Nomination!) and one of LACHSA’s vocal students, Rhodri.
A much smaller High School than La Guardia, LACHSA has approximately 600 students and the major art courses offered are Dance, Music (vocal and instrumental), Theatre and Visual Arts. In addition students in any of those arts areas may also study Television, Film, and/or Musical Theatre.
Once again I found myself in the company of student who were totally focused and had a complete desire to learn and excel. This was undoubtedly reflected in the school’s graduation rates which is 100%. Compare to the nearest local state run high school to LACHSA which as a graduation rate of 20%, this is exceptional and a try testament to the pupils and teachers.
I learnt so much about LACHSA, most of which of course you’ll read about in my final report, but below are a few bullet points:
- LACHSA actively recruits students to attend through a variety of out reach programmes
- It is a feeder school for many of the top and Ivy league colleges in the US
- The school has access to ALL of the university’s facilities including the library, labs, research facilities and medical centre
- The students typically travel at least one hour to attend school which starts at 8am and ends at 4pm
- Each day consists of three academic classes of 1.5 hours each and then an afternoon of arts tuition.
- All students have to have a tangible talent and have reached the school’s set standard before they can attend.
The highlight of my visit to LA (apart from the fantastic weather and trying Boba tea for the first time) was definitely having the opportunity to sit in on both academic and arts classes and witness the students’ passion for their work first hand. Have a look at some of the pictures and footage below:
My next stop will be Booker T High School in Dallas.
Thanks for the info.
I will keep coming back for more.
I hope you update often.
Cheers,
Mozak