Six schools in Los Angeles Unified are among 33 that were honored by the state Department of Education with an Exemplary Arts Education Award for 2021 for advancing achievement in arts instruction for all students.

The announcement was made last week by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who commended the schools “for recognizing that this is a time when the arts are more critical than ever.”

“I am delighted these schools are being recognized for their artistic achievements,” LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said.

The winners are: ArTES (Arts, Theatre, Entertainment School) Magnet at César Chávez Learning Academies; CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts – Multimedia and Performing; Ramón C. Cortines, Grand Arts High School of Visual and Performing Arts; Renaissance Arts Academy; (ICEF) View Park Preparatory Charter High School; and 32nd Street USC Performing Arts and Engineering Magnet.

“Congratulations to our schools receiving the State’s California Exemplary Arts Education Award, particularly ArTES Magnet and CHAMPS Charter in Board District 6,” LAUSD board President Kelly Gonez said. “These opportunities for students to pursue music, visual arts, media arts, dance and theater 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, Theater and Visual Arts.

“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 well-being, 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.”

“Thank you to the California Department of Education for this honorable award,” Grand Arts High School Principal Lori Gambero said. “Our talented students and teachers truly represent the artistic value and spirit that embodies our school. We are excited to be highlighted and featured amongst this distinguished group of schools.”

“It is an honor to have our school recognized for this year’s Exemplary Arts Education Award,” said Matthew Waynee, 32nd Street USC Performing Arts and Engineering Magnet, CTE video production and animation teacher. “Even with the limitations of remote learning this past year, our young artists have been thriving and taking advantage of career-ready opportunities, including one student selected to participate in a virtual mentorship with Nickelodeon Studios, one receiving a full tuition to attend the upcoming UCLA Game Lab Summer Institute, our middle school film class partnered with USC’s Critical Media Project, eight students participated in a paid virtual internship with BAFTA and the House of Blues, and two students showcased their art accomplishments at the state-wide Educating For Careers Conference. We look forward to continuing to prepare our young artists with 21st Century skills in the arts and technology.”

An awards ceremony will be held later in the year.

For information, visit lausd.net.