California School Receives National Creative Ticket Awards

The Orange County High School for the Arts in Santa Ana, CA., is one of five schools honored with the Creative Ticket National School of Distinction award for the 2004-05 school year. Administered at the State level by the California Alliance for Arts Education (CAAE) and at the national level by the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN), the creative ticket award honors schools doing an outstanding job of making the arts an essential component in their school curriculum.

The KCAAEN is a coalition of 34 statewide, non-profit organizations (among them CAAE) collaborating to ensure the arts are an integral part of American education. The coalition brings together educators, school administrators, parents, cultural leaders and citizens from across the nation.

To be considered for the Creative Ticket School Awards Program, the schools’ arts education program is evaluated on several selection criteria: the ways in which arts education is an essential component of the school curriculum; how the program creates and uses imaginative learning environments for teaching in the arts; the ways in which administration encourages parental involvement; how the program provides students opportunities for learning about other cultures; and the ways which the program links arts education to the community and provides cultural connections beyond the classroom.

The mission of the Orange County High School of the Arts is to provide a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment that offers bright and talented students unparalleled preparation for higher education and a profession in the arts

We encourage our students to develop their own artistic voices
Barbara O’Connor, Principal, Orange County High School of the Arts

As one of the premier arts schools in the nation, the Orange County High School of the Arts embraces and encourages artistic creativity and academic excellence. Serving grades 7-12, this innovative public charter school provides a unique environment focused on individual growth, opportunity, and diversity.

Students
Comprised of more than 1,250 bright and talented students, the student body is driven to succeed both artistically and academically. Now in its 19th year, the Orange County High School of the Arts is the place for aspiring young artists to refine their skills and flourish in one of 11 arts conservatories, including Ballet Folklorico, Classical & Contemporary Dance, Commercial Dance, Creative Writing, Film & Television, Integrated Arts, Instrumental Music, Music & Theatre, Opera, Production & Design, and Visual Arts.

Whether a dancer, designer, painter, producer, singer, videographer, or writer, students are moved to new and exciting heights through quality instruction and group participation. Students are encouraged to work together with their peers who share their excitement and commitment for the arts. The school produces more than 100 performances, concerts, readings, and art shows each school year, offering an abundance of opportunities for students.

Faculty
The Orange County High School of the Arts’ faculty nurtures the individual talents of each student and is committed to serving the diverse population of students from throughout Southern California. The academic staff is fully credentialed, and the majority of the 200 arts and academic teachers hold advanced degrees. They are dedicated and supportive professionals who help students develop the skills necessary for higher education or a profession in the arts. Guest artists and industry leaders also share their expertise and creativity with students through lectures, presentations, and hands-on training.

Academics
Based on the belief that creative artistry is fueled by intellectual insight, the Orange County High School of the Arts provides a rigorous college-preparatory academic program that produces high achieving, motivated scholars.

Offering one of the more demanding and intensive academic programs in Southern California, the school has been ranked in the top ten percent of high schools in the State of California, and is ranked fifth out of 69 high schools in Orange County, based on an Academic Performance Index (API) test score of 863.

The dual arts and academic programs produce creative students capable of thinking “outside the box” in real world and scholastic endeavors. These programs help students to be successful in today’s challenging and competitive marketplace and ensure their acceptance into higher education.

Filled with creative energy, the Orange County High School of the Arts prides itself on providing a safe and nurturing environment that offers students the freedom to develop their skills and express themselves artistically. By cultivating their talents, students have a unique opportunity to contribute to the local and national artistic community.

For additional information, visit www.ocsarts.net
Link to Creative Ticket Awards page