Valley LAUSD Schools Among Those Honored by State Education Department

The ArTES (Arts, Theatre, Entertainment School) Magnet at César Chávez Learning Academies in San Fernando, and CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts – Multimedia and Performing in Van Nuys, are among the six Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools honored by the state Department of Education with an Exemplary Arts Education Award for 2021 for advancing achievement in arts instruction for all students.

“We are proud to be acknowledged for providing what we know is a key to student success: rigorous, sequenced arts instruction that promotes engagement, emotional wellbeing, confidence and academic achievement,” ArTES principal Anne Maschler said. “We are grateful for our amazing students who graduate ready to engage with their communities with the unique perspective of artists.”

“Congratulations to our schools receiving the State’s California Exemplary Arts Education Award, particularly ArTES Magnet and CHAMPS Charter in Board District 6,” Board President Kelly Gonez said.

“These opportunities for students to pursue music, visual arts, media arts, dance, and theatre benefit their creativity, wellness, and even boost achievement in traditional academic subjects. Thank you to all the educators, parents, and students for all your hard work that led to this impressive recognition.”

Exemplary Arts Education Award winners include traditional comprehensive schools, magnet schools, and district and independent charters. These schools serve diverse demographic populations of varying sizes, from a large urban school with 3,700 students to a much smaller school with 250 students.

In addition to meeting the Arts Standards eligibility criteria, schools must offer instruction to all students in a minimum of three of the five disciplines identified in the state Arts Standards: Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

The other LAUSD winners included the Renaissance Arts Academy, Ramón C. Cortines, Grand Arts High School of Visual and Performing Arts, (ICEF) View Park Preparatory Charter High School and 32nd Street USC Performing Arts and Engineering Magnet.

A total of 33 California schools were recognized for an Exemplary Arts Education Award by state Superintendent Tony Thurmond, who commended the schools “for recognizing that this is a time when the arts are more critical than ever.”

An awards ceremony will be held later in the year.