Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
Name	Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
Established	1985
Type	Public, Magnet
Principal	Tony Sandoval
Campus	Urban
Enrollment	~600
Location	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
District	Los Angeles County Office of Education
Colors	Purple & Silver

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. It is a public magnet school operated by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, providing a rigorous arts and academic curriculum for students in grades 9-12. Founded in 1985, the school is located on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles in the Eastside region of the city. It is consistently ranked among the top performing arts schools in the nation, preparing students for careers in the visual and performing arts within a conservatory-style environment.

History

The school was established in 1985 through a pioneering partnership between the Los Angeles County Office of Education and California State University, Los Angeles, with the mission of creating a premier public arts high school for the county. Its founding was influenced by the success of other specialized arts institutions like the North Carolina School of the Arts and was championed by County Supervisors and arts advocates. Initially housed in temporary facilities, the school moved to its permanent home on the university campus in the 1990s, solidifying its unique educational model. Key figures in its development include former Superintendent Stuart Gothold and founding principal William L. Thomas.

Academics and curriculum

Students pursue a dual curriculum of intensive arts training and comprehensive college-preparatory academics, following University of California and California State University admission requirements. The arts curriculum is divided into six conservatories: Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Cinematic Arts, and the Musical Theatre program. Academic coursework includes advanced classes in subjects like AP English Literature, AP Calculus, and AP United States History. The school maintains a strong relationship with the host university, California State University, Los Angeles, allowing for shared facilities and some advanced coursework opportunities for qualified students.

Campus and facilities

The school is situated on the 175-acre campus of California State University, Los Angeles, utilizing several dedicated buildings alongside shared university resources. Key facilities include the state-of-the-art Luckman Theatre, the Fine Arts Building, dedicated visual arts studios, music practice rooms, a black box theatre, and dance studios. Students have access to the university's John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, athletic fields, and other amenities. The campus is located near the San Gabriel Valley and is served by Metro Los Angeles bus and rail lines, including the nearby Metro A Line.

Student life and culture

Student life revolves around the conservatory structure, with each department producing numerous public performances and exhibitions annually at venues like the Luckman Theatre and university galleries. The school does not have traditional athletic teams, but students often participate in activities like the National Honor Society and various clubs. The annual student-produced Winter Art Show and spring musical are major cultural events. The student body, drawn from across Los Angeles County, is notably diverse, fostering a collaborative yet highly disciplined environment focused on artistic excellence.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved significant success across the entertainment and arts industries. Notable graduates include actress Jenna Ortega, singer and actress Katharine McPhee, actor Cory Michael Smith, and jazz pianist Gerald Clayton. In cinema, alumni include Oscar-winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry and producer Megan Ellison of Annapurna Pictures. Theatrical alumni include Broadway performers like Daisy Eagan and set designer David Korins. The school's alumni network is active, with many returning for master classes and the annual LACHSA Alumni Awards.

Governance and administration

The school is governed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education under the oversight of the elected Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. Day-to-day administration is led by the principal, with each arts conservatory headed by a department chair. A board of advisors, including representatives from institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, provides guidance. Funding is derived from the state of California, the Los Angeles County budget, and private support through the affiliated LACHSA Foundation.

Category:High schools in Los Angeles County, California Category:Performing arts high schools in the United States Category:Magnet schools in California Category:Educational institutions established in 1985