About Us

ArTES MAGNET INTRODUCTION

HISTORY

ArTES was founded in 2011 by a team of dedicated teachers seeking the autonomy to open an innovative, model arts school. As a part of LAUSD’s Public School of Choice reform measures, ArTES was approved to open as a teacher-led Pilot school and given the autonomy to innovate and offer a first rate education in the arts. In 2014, the district acknowledged the growing demand our school was generating, and we converted to a magnet school, open to anyone living in the district’s enrollment zone. We are the first school in Los Angeles to be governed as an autonomous Pilot school while enrolling as a magnet school.

STUDENTS

ArTES Student Learner Outcomes

ArTES Students will be able to…

Demonstrate numeracy across all content areas by critically examining and utilizing data and numbers
Take an active role in choosing and preparing for their post-secondary goals
Demonstrate critical thinking by evaluating multiple viewpoints, the reliability of sources, and developing their own arguments, and supporting their own assertions
Take initiative, persist to achieve mastery, and reflect on their learning process and growth

ArTES Citizens will be able to…

Develop cultural awareness, empathy, and respect by working collaboratively in and out of the classroom
Demonstrate personal integrity and responsibility for decisions and actions by utilizing restorative justice and growth mindset

ArTES Artists will be able to…

Collaborate with peers through different artistic and academic mediums
Showcase their artistic talents and growth through performances, exhibitions, and integrated projects

LOCATION

ArTES Magnet is located on the Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies (“CCLA”) complex in San Fernando. In addition to ArTES, three other small, innovative high schools are in residence at CCLA: the Social Justice Humanitas Academy, the Academy of Scientific Exploration, and the Technology Preparatory Academy. The four schools run separate, individualized programs, but together we are the CCLA Eagles, offering a full complement of athletics, clubs, dances, and other campus-wide activities. Students at ArTES get the benefit of a small, personalized experience and all the offerings of a large comprehensive high school. For more information about CCLA, go the website: http://ccla-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com/

DAILY LIFE AT ArTES

ArTES serves 500 students per year who learn not only to be artists, but to think like artists, to see the world in all its shades of gray, and to address those complexities using art and highly developed communication skills. Sequenced arts courses engage students in deep exploration of their chosen pathway, and various partnerships and collaborations leverage our ability to offer an unparalleled arts education. Additionally, the arts are integrated into all areas of our curriculum, and as 21st century learners, our students know how to collaborate, communicate, think critically, and create art and meaning. An ArTES student is a lifelong learner who embodies multiple roles within the community and fulfills our motto as a STUDENT, CITIZEN, ARTIST.

Student/Parent Testimonials

My experience at ArTES was amazing! My first year was terrifying. I was actually going to transfer but I gave ArTES another chance and it was the best decision I have ever made. The teachers and my classmates grew to be like my family.

Ernesto Moron Class of 2015 - UC Davis student
ArTES is a welcoming environment where one is encouraged to pursue our interests. Whether it’s drawing, dancing, acting, or anything in between, the development of creativity is always welcomed.The teachers, all talented, each bring something unique to the school, creating a place unlike others.

Zeltzin Angon Class of 2015 - UC Berkeley student
Our daughter’s financial aid counselor was very impressed that ArTES had a mandatory workshop to complete the FAFSA application. At our daughter’s college orientation, and I was absolutely stunned to hear that some parents had no clue when it came to financial aid and had not even started the process or their housing application when we completed ours months ago!

ArTES parent
Thank you for all your hard work, reminders, emails, and workshops to assist us in applying for college and then financial aid to pay for it. It was never more clear how important it was than when I heard the other parents moan about what to do!

ArTES Parent
My experience at ArTES is something I will never forget. It taught me that it is okay to step out of your comfort zone as well as discover things I didn't know I was capable of doing such as acting and drawing. One of the most important aspects of ArTES was knowing wonderful teachers who were there to support you even through the darkest times of high school.

Karla Mercado Class of 2015 California State University Los Angeles Student
Last week I attended my daughter’s Award Night presentation, and I was overwhelmed by the talent and most importantly the guidance given by the instructors in this academy. It is an utmost honor for my daughter to attend such an inspirational school. Education is seen through a much more sophisticated glass in the eyes of the imagination.

ArTES Parent
Principal John Lawler, the administration, and teachers have exhibited an enthusiasm that can only be described as unusual at the high school level. All are extremely professional and are focused on preparing the students for college. We have been welcomed and encouraged to fully participate in our child's education. We are elated to report that our daughter is doing wonderfully at ArTES.

ArTES Parent