OCSA School Overview Brochure

EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVE THINKERS, LEADERS, ARTISTS, AND INNOVATORS.

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Founded in 1987 and currently led by President & CEO Teren Shaffer, the nationally recognized Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) offers a dynamic school culture that enables students to flourish as artists and scholars in a uniquely challenging and nurturing environment, celebrating creativity, individual growth, and opportunity. As one of the premier arts schools in the nation, OCSA embraces and encourages academic and artistic excellence, preparing students to reach their highest potential and thrive in the 21st century. The U.S. Department of Education and National Endowment for the Arts have recognized OCSA as a model arts education program. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). OCSA’s rigorous academic education coupled with advanced arts training has impacted thousands of students — molding generations of creative thinkers, leaders, artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

STUDENTS & FACULTY

OCSA currently serves a diverse student body of nearly 2,300 students in grades 7-12 from more than 100 cities throughout Southern California. The academic faculty is fully credentialed, and the majority of the 350 arts and academic teachers hold advanced degrees. They are dedicated and supportive professionals who guide students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in higher education and/or a career in a field of their choice. Guest artists and industry leaders share their expertise and creativity with students through OCSA’s Master Artist Series, exposing students to oneof-a-kind master classes, lectures, presentations, and hands-on training. Additionally, OCSA’s counseling department is the first 7th-12th grade program in California to be named as a nationally Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP). OCSA also offers a comprehensive special services department that is designed to support students with unique learning needs in accessing the curriculum and instruction found within the school’s academic and conservatory programs. The National Association of Special Education Teachers named OCSA an Exceptional Charter School in Special Education.

We provide an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment to a diverse group of students who are passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.

LOCATION & FACILITIES

OCSA is located in a redevelopment district in midtown Santa Ana, California. The urban campus features more than 350,000 square-feet of instructional space, spread across 11 commercial and historic buildings. State-of-the-art classrooms and equipment support the specialized needs of arts and academic instruction. Performance spaces include a 500-seat theatre, a 350-seat theatre, a recital hall, an event center, and a black box studio theatre. Rehearsal spaces include 14 large dance studios, three acoustically designed instrumental music and choir facilities, and 16 individual practice rooms. Additional resources for students include a carpentry workshop, two commercial instructional kitchens, two film and television sound stages, two professional recording studios, 10 visual arts studios, three computer labs, eight science labs, and more.

ADMISSIONS

OCSA is committed to serving all students who have demonstrated a passion and interest in the arts. After becoming familiar with the various conservatories and the skills characteristic of those conservatories through OCSA’s Preview Day, prospective students are invited to fill out an application and, for most conservatories, are required to participate in a Placement Activity. OCSA admits all applicants on a space-available basis. Should the number of applicants exceed space available, a lottery is conducted, by conservatory, to determine which students are admitted.

DONATION DEPENDENT

OCSA is a donation-dependent public charter school. No student is offered or denied admission based on family financial capacity.

FUNDING

The State of California provides approximately $27.5 million each year to fund the academic instructional program. The school must privately fundraise $12.5 million – about $5,400 per student – each year to fund the 17 arts conservatory programs. The school relies on the generosity of parents, individual donors, the business community, and foundations to continue offering a comprehensive arts program.

OCSA FOUNDATION

Through a variety of fundraising, marketing, and community outreach initiatives, the OCSA Foundation is dedicated to supporting the school’s donation-dependent arts conservatory programs, as well as capital improvement, endowment, and additional needs related to the academic program. The OCSA Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of prominent business, educational, and cultural leaders.

OUR SISTER SCHOOL

Founded in 2017 with the goal of serving more bright and talented students with a passion for the arts, California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) is an expansion of OCSA, located in the city of Duarte. CSArts-SGV currently serves approximately 1,200 students in grades 7-12. CSArtsSGV is a donation-dependent school made possible through a unique public-private partnership with the Duarte Unified School District. While approximately 10% of students reside in Duarte, CSArts-SGV draws students from more than 100 cities within and outside of the San Gabriel Valley, creating a diverse culture of academically and artistically focused students.

ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS

OCSA provides a rigorous academic program aligned with the California Common Core State Standards. Students attend approximately five hours of academic classes in addition to two-and-a-half hours of arts instruction daily. Students maintain a schoolwide Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3, with the senior class averaging a 3.8 GPA. More than 50% of the senior class earns a 4.0 GPA or higher. The school offers 24 Advanced Placement (AP) courses in addition to a variety of Honors classes. OCSA has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally by various prestigious organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education, California Department of Education, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and Niche, for providing one of the most demanding and intensive academic programs in Southern California.

OCSA is so much more than just an arts school. It is a place for well-rounded, creative scholars to find a home.

Xochitl Luna OCSA Alumna Matriculated to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

COLLEGE READINESS

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE

Last year, 98% of the school’s graduates were accepted into institutions of higher education, and the remaining went on to pursue a professional career in the arts upon graduation. Over $15 million in scholarship funds were offered to OCSA’s Class of 2022. OCSA graduates continue to be recruited by the nation’s top universities and conservatory programs, and the school has successfully launched the careers of some of today’s most successful artists, creators, and innovators.

COLLEGE FAIR

Each year, OCSA hosts a two-day College Fair on its campus, enabling students in grades 9-12 to meet and network with college representatives and decision-makers from across the country. Students and parents alike are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the following opportunities:

• Information booths with representatives from more than 150 colleges and universities

• Academic-related panel discussions with information on majoring in various subjects

• Arts breakout panels, workshops, and master classes presented by colleges across the nation

• Information sessions on financial aid, writing personal statements, placement tests, college basics, and the Cal State/UC application process

OCSA invests in its students by giving them opportunities that they wouldn’t have elsewhere. The impact that OCSA had on my life is part of the reason why I got into all eight Ivy League universities.

Cassandra Hsiao OCSA Alumna Matriculated to Yale University

ARTS

ARTS

OCSA is the place for aspiring artists to refine their skills and flourish in one of 17 arts conservatories, housed within five schools of study: Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music, and Theatre. The school’s world-class arts programs provide an opportunity for students to participate in enriching classroom instruction, life-changing master classes and field trips, and unique performance opportunities in prestigious arts venues. These once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences combined with high-caliber arts instruction ensure a successful future for talented artist-scholars.

PERFORMANCES

Each year, our driven and highly motivated students present more than 200 performances, presentations, and exhibitions at a variety of venues in Orange County and throughout the world, including Carnegie Hall, Musco Center for the Arts, Sydney Opera House, and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. These performances, including the annual Season Premiere, Gala, and Season Finale, encompass all aspects of the arts and afford students the opportunity to experience the audition process, work with industry professionals, learn the various aspects of each performance, build their confidence and self-esteem, and improve their technique and stage presence.

THE POWER OF ART

“

OCSA taught me a lot of what I know. I don’t think I would be where I am if it wasn’t for this school. Being in class every day and working that muscle over and over really helped give me the confidence I needed to go out and work.

Justice Smith OCSA Alumnus Paper Towns, Netflix’s The Get Down, Jurassic World 2, Pokémon Detective Pikachu

CONSERVATORY PROGRAMS

School of Applied Arts

THE MEKJIAN FAMILY CULINARY ARTS & HOSPITALITY CONSERVATORY Grades 9-12

The Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory offers students advanced training in both culinary arts and hospitality. The program is designed to embrace, nurture, and expand students’ passion for food, creativity, and excellence through a challenging, hands-on curriculum based on leading industry standards and collegiate culinary programs.

School of Dance

BALLET & CONTEMPORARY DANCE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Ballet & Contemporary Dance Conservatory offers intensive pre-professional training in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern, pointe, variations, composition, choreography, dance history, and movement. Ballet technique encompasses pointe, men’s technique, pas de deux, and variations, while modern technique emphasizes improvisation, release technique, and choreography composition.

BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DANCE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

Student dancers in the Ballet Folklórico Dance Conservatory expand their understanding of choreography, history, and culture by learning repertoire from the various states and regions of Mexico and Spain. The conservatory offers comprehensive training in ballet folklórico and a variety of other dance styles, including flamenco, ballet, modern, contemporary, and Spanish folk dance.

BALLROOM DANCE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Ballroom Dance Conservatory is designed for ambitious dancers who desire comprehensive training in the art forms of ballroom and Latin dance. Students explore the diverse rhythms, techniques, and characteristics of the five international Latin dance styles, the five international ballroom dance styles, and the American smooth dance styles.

COMMERCIAL DANCE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Commercial Dance Conservatory offers pre-professional training in a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, modern, and tap. This conservatory is specially designed to develop well-rounded dancers with the technical skills, discipline, and commitment necessary for a professional career in the dance industry and admittance into prestigious university dance programs.

School of Fine & Media Arts

ARTS & ENTERPRISE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Arts & Enterprise Conservatory is a multidisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity to explore a variety of foundational art disciplines and a broad introduction across creative industries. Through classes and community engagement projects, students with all levels of arts experience will learn about fields such as entrepreneurship, arts management, and business of the arts.

CREATIVE WRITING CONSERVATORY Grades

9-12

The Creative Writing Conservatory is an MFA-modeled course of study that offers a flexible concentration of classes and writing opportunities, including coursework in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. Multiple workshops, literature classes, and genre studies classes are offered each semester, allowing students to reflect on the qualities of excellent writing.

DIGITAL MEDIA CONSERVATORY Grades

9-12

The Digital Media Conservatory offers students a challenging and innovative environment where they create new worlds, develop fantastic characters, and tell stories that have never been told before. The conservatory focuses on combining and expanding students’ skills in animation, concept design, drawing, and game design across a variety of digital and analog platforms.

FILM & TELEVISION CONSERVATORY Grades

9-12

The Film & Television Conservatory offers comprehensive training in film and television production, editing, screenwriting, sound design, cinematography, directing, and producing. Students are encouraged to use their work to demonstrate visual invention and curiosity, collaboration and individual expression, solid technical craftsmanship, and captivating storytelling.

INTEGRATED ARTS CONSERVATORY Grades 7-12

The Integrated Arts Conservatory offers a high-caliber program where students are exposed to a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, voice, drama, creative writing, dance, production and design, and more. This program is designed to provide aspiring artists with an opportunity to explore and actively participate in a multitude of arts classes in a stimulating, creative, and nurturing environment.

VISUAL ARTS CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Visual Arts Conservatory offers students the opportunity to learn fine art studio techniques and improve upon existing skills in a stimulating environment. Students explore both traditional and innovative art practices in a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, ceramics, and photography. Through classes and showcases, students gain confidence, craftsmanship, and a personal narrative body of work.

School of Music

CLASSICAL VOICE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Classical Voice Conservatory offers a collegepreparatory program focused on vocal arts, ideal for young singers interested in learning about the fundamentals of classical singing and those who may someday choose to pursue a career in singing or teaching music. Modeled after well-established collegiate vocal arts programs, the curriculum is balanced between performance-focused classes and academic music courses.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONSERVATORY Grades 7-12

Serving talented student musicians, the Instrumental Music Conservatory houses four specialized programs: the Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program, The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program, the Pianist Program, and the Strings & Orchestra Program. These well-rounded programs train students to have a breadth of experience in repertoire from various eras and genres, while fostering technical and creative development.

POPULAR MUSIC CONSERVATORY Grades 7-12

The Popular Music Conservatory is a commercial and contemporary music program that provides a nurturing and empowering environment, promoting musical creativity, collaboration, and innovation within the popular music industry. Students learn the art of performance, production, arranging, and songwriting through a detailed curriculum enhanced by state-of-the-art technology.

School of Theatre

THE EL-ERIAN FAMILY ACTING CONSERVATORY Grades 7-12

The El-Erian Family Acting Conservatory offers comprehensive acting and movement training to students who aspire to achieve a career onstage or in film and television. Tailored for young actors interested in advancing their skills, the conservatory encourages its students to develop healthy technique, experience a variety of styles, learn about the history of the craft, and prepare for the future.

MUSICAL THEATRE CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

The Musical Theatre Conservatory offers a rigorous, nurturing, and comprehensive course of study for students who aspire to achieve a career on or off the stage. Middle school students experience an introduction to acting, musical theatre, and performance technique, while high school students receive an innovative education similar to that of a collegiate arts program that balances performance, content creation, and technique.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN CONSERVATORY Grades

7-12

For every performer onstage, there are several artists working behind the scenes. Under the direction of industry professionals, students in the Production & Design Conservatory are transformed into these behindthe-scenes artists, taking courses in scenery, costumes, makeup, lighting, audio, props, stage management, theatre history, acting, and more.

EXPOSING STUDENTS TO THE BEST

Students have the unique opportunity to study with internationally renowned guest artists in master classes, workshops, performance experiences, interactive career discussions, panels, and more. These leading industry professionals have a profound impact on our students’ education and often serve as their mentors and inspiration as they advance to higher education and professional careers in the arts.

MASTER

ARTISTS HAVE INCLUDED

Actor,

Five-time

DEBBIE ALLEN

Three-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer of the television series Fame DANTE BASCO

poet, and producer; known for Hook and Avatar: The Last Airbender RUTH E. CARTER

Academy Award-winning costume designer for Black Panther

MISTY COPELAND Ballerina and activist; first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter of The Godfather KENDAL CRONKHITE Production designer for DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Madagascar series

PAUL FRANK

Renowned artist, fashion designer, and cartoonist; founder of Paul Frank Industries

JASON FREESE

Drummer, songwriter, and composer; performed with Guns N’ Roses, Sting, and more SUSAN GRAHAM

Grammy Award-winning and internationally distinguished mezzo-soprano

ALEX GUARNASCHELLI

World-renowned executive chef at Butter in New York City and The Next Iron Chef winner

MEGAN HILTY

Broadway actor and singer; starred in Wicked and 9 to 5: The Musical

YO-YO MA

Internationally acclaimed cellist and recipient of 19 Grammy Awards

WYNTON MARSALIS

Nine-time Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpet player and composer

GEORGE R.R.

MARTIN

Author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which was adapted into Game of Thrones

RICHARD SHERMAN

Academy and Grammy Award-winning songwriter; best known for Mary Poppins

ZENDAYA

Emmy Award-winning actor and singer; known for Euphoria and the Spider-Man movies

UNIQUE SCHOOL CULTURE

OCSA offers a unique school culture that enables students to flourish as artists and scholars in a creative and nurturing environment. The school fosters a spirit of leadership, entrepreneurialism, and community service by encouraging students to make a positive difference in their school and community. Students receive opportunities to participate in a variety of traditional schoolsponsored activities, special events, clubs, and organizations that enhance leadership skills, develop confidence, and form meaningful memories.

“

OCSA truly is a home away from home for so many of us. Each day, we get to walk onto campus knowing we will be loved, supported, and encouraged by our peers and teachers as we embrace our passions and strive toward our goals.

— R.J. Higton OCSA Alumnus

Received a full scholarship to University

of Michigan

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

AWARDS & PARTNERSHIPS

AWARDS

OCSA has been recognized for its dual academic and arts programs locally, regionally, and nationally.

Best Charter High Schools Niche (2015-2023)

Best High Schools in America

U.S. News & World Report (2008-2022)

Arts Schools Network Exemplary School Arts Schools Network (ASN) (2006, 2010-2011, 2013-2017, 2018-2022)

California Exemplary Arts Education Award California Department of Education (2021)

Exceptional Charter School in Special Education National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) (2017-2021)

Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) American School Counselor Association (ASCA) (2017-2021)

Charter School of Excellence in Special Education El Dorado Charter Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) (2020)

PARTNERSHIPS

OCSA has formed partnerships with institutions of higher education and professional arts organizations, including:

Aquarian Drumheads

Arts Orange County Audio By the Bay Bowers Museum Chapman University Culinary Institute of America DeVos Institute for Arts Management Dragon Kim Foundation

El Sol Academy Glorious eSports

Hilbert Museum

International Association of Professional Music Teachers Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz at Lincoln Center Johnson & Wales University Max H. Gluck Foundation Montage Hotels & Resorts Orange Coast Community College Orange County Department of Education Orange County Educational Arts Academy

Best Music School Parenting OC (2014-2019)

California Gold Ribbon School California Department of Education (2017)

GRAMMY Signature School GRAMMY Foundation (2016)

America’s Top Public High Schools Newsweek (2007-2010, 2013-2014)

Top 10 Charter School University of Southern California (2013)

California Distinguished School California Department of Education (2005, 2009, 2013)

National Blue Ribbon School U.S. Department of Education (1998, 2006)

National School of Distinction Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and the California Alliance for Arts Education (2004-2005)

Orange County Museum of Art Orange County Music & Dance Pacific Symphony Philharmonic Society of Orange County RED Relámpago del Cielo, Inc. Santa Ana College Santa Ana Police Activities and Athletic League Segerstrom Center for the Arts South Coast Repertory

Swiss Education Group

The Frida Cinema

The Pacific Club

Think Together

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

University of Southern California Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club Yamaha

PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Foundation Board of Directors is a volunteer board comprised of prominent community members who provide expertise in the fields of real estate, property development, construction, law, education, arts and entertainment, business, banking and investments, marketing and public relations, retail, health and human services, government relations, strategic planning, and technology. Members of this governing body serve as community ambassadors for the school, identify and provide connections to donor prospects, cultivate and steward donors, monitor school finances, and personally support OCSA fundraising events and campaigns.

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

President’s Circle is an advisory membership group that plays an integral role in shaping OCSA’s future, providing guidance and resources for strategic planning, key priorities, and important schoolwide initiatives. This non-governing council is comprised of parent and alumni parent leaders who collaborate closely with OCSA’s senior management team.

ENCORE

Encore is a fun, social membership group that provides opportunities throughout the year to meet and socialize with other OCSA families. Members participate in exclusive pre-performance receptions and unique events, select Master Artist Series programs, and adult arts classes. Various membership levels provide families with an opportunity to join with the benefits that best fit their individual needs.

PEOPLE SUPPORTING OCSA (PSO)

PSO provides an opportunity for families to stay connected to what’s happening at OCSA by providing the school community with a supportive and collaborative organization for families, teachers, and staff. PSO helps to: provide resources to the school in order to further enhance students’ academic, artistic, physical, and emotional growth; organize OCSA volunteer efforts; keep families informed; and solicit input regarding school policies. PSO also makes contributions each year for teacher grants in support of schoolwide initiatives.

PARENTS ARTS COUNCIL (PAC)

PAC creates volunteer opportunities for parents within their child’s arts conservatory. Each conservatory has its own PAC, managed by the director of the conservatory.

OCSA IN THE COMMUNITY

CSARTS ACADEMY

CSArts Academy provides extracurricular introductory and pre-professional arts training to children throughout the community. Programs are open to students ages 8-16 in the fall, spring, and summer. Under the guidance of OCSA’s renowned educators and master guest artists, CSArts Academy offers unique educational opportunities in a variety of fields for students of all levels.

DRAGON KIM FOUNDATION MUSIC PROGRAM

The Dragon Kim Foundation Music Program provides free, after-school vocal and instrumental music instruction to economically disadvantaged children in Santa Ana. Each year, the program runs for a total of 16 weeks and serves 50-70 students in grades 4-6. These elementary school students come to OCSA to learn the basics of classical music from professional musicians, teachers, and OCSA student mentors.

CAMP OCSA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Camp OCSA Scholarship Program allows students in grades 4-6 who live or attend school in Santa Ana to participate for free in the unique extracurricular arts classes available through CSArts Academy. This scholarship provides young people who are interested in the arts with the opportunity to discover and develop their talents in a positive, nurturing environment.

GLUCK COMMUNITY SERVICE ARTS FELLOWSHIP

This program provides free artistic performances and activities for underserved and underrepresented individuals in various Orange County community venues, such as youth centers, schools, nursing and retirement facilities, health centers, parks, and family festivals. Soloists, ensembles, and performance groups present concerts and performances that often include interaction with the audience and discussion about technique, musical motifs, or other educational lessons. OCSA is grateful for the generous support of the Max H. Gluck Foundation.

BRING OCSA TO YOU

OCSA proudly offers a wide range of professional-level performance groups, comprised of talented student artists from all of the school’s arts conservatories. Bring OCSA to You allows members of the community to feature a select group of bright and talented OCSA students at their private, corporate, and charity functions. OCSA’s many performance groups provide an extensive and customizable repertoire to select from, sure to meet the needs of any event or budget!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Throughout its history, OCSA has produced some of the finest minds in the

alumni have gone on to lead important and impactful careers

recognition throughout the world. Here is just a small sampling of

now!

and

arts

academics. OCSA

in a diverse range of industries, receiving

what some of OCSA’s impressive alumni are doing

Stephanie J. Block

Tony Award-winning Broadway actress; 9 to 5: The Musical and Wicked

Pedro Pascal Film and television actor; Game of Thrones, Narcos, and The Mandalorian Brooke Averi Radio City Rockette

Elsa Chang Character designer at Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Disney

Melissa Yates GYN surgeon and fertility specialist

Susan Tony Award-nominated Broadway actress; and the Beast and Modern Andrew Cedar Grammy and Golden Globe Award-nominated composer and producer

Holly Catania Walt Disney Imagineering

Matthew Morrison Recording artist and Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor; Glee and Finding Neverland

Susan Egan Award-nominated actress; Beauty and Thoroughly Modern Millie

Brett Egan President, DeVos Institute of Arts Management

Krysta Rodriguez Television and Broadway actress; Smash, The Addams Family, and Halston

Sean Lee

Violin soloist; recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant

Keith Hancock 2017 Grammy Music Educator of the Year