- Los Angeles Unified School District
- GATE Program Options
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A Supplemental Instructional Program for Talented Students, Grades 3-12
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The Conservatory of Fine Arts is a Saturday morning supplemental instructional program that is open to third through twelfth grade LAUSD students who have been identified as talented in the performing arts (dance, voice, drama), visual arts or recommended by their regular schools. The program returned to the campus of California State University, Los Angeles for the 2022-2023 season after being offered virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please see flyer in English/Spanish.
Both District arts instructors and professionals from arts fields stretch students' abilities in their selected disciplines. Instructors provide differentiated instruction with a broad and varied curriculum aligned to the California Visual and Performing Arts Framework. Vocabulary and historical context of the arts are emphasized. Students focus on the skills and techniques needed to be ready for a career in the arts.Instruction
Instruction is provided on select Saturdays for each academic year.
- Performing Arts Division
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Offers instruction to students who have talent in drama, dance, and/or voice.
Performing Arts Division
The Performing Arts Division offers courses in dance, drama, and vocal music. Students participate in one course in two different disciplines each Conservatory season to become more well-rounded performers who are prepared for college coursework and career opportunities in the performing arts.Links
- Visual Arts Division
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Serves students talented in drawing and painting.
Welcome to Visual Arts!
Students in the Visual Arts Division learn a variety of artmaking techniques and fundamentals, including:
- Elements of art
- Color theory
- Perspective
- Three-dimensional art
- Digital art
- Photography
- Art from various cultures and time periods
Students participate in cohorts of students with similar ages and ability levels, and receive instruction from different professional artists (instructors) every 4-5 weeks.
Links
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How to Apply
Each year the Conservatory of Fine Arts accepts applications from June 1st to August 31st at http://apply.lausd.net. Please note that students who are identified as talented through the semi-annual talent audition/demonstration process have first priority in enrolling, but are not guaranteed a space. If there are more identified applicants than spaces available, a lottery will be held with those students. Non-identified students who are returning from past seasons have second priority in the program, and new, non-identified students will be enrolled by lottery as space is available. All applications will be processed after the stated deadline and applicants will receive more information about the Conservatory in early September.Final Gala Events
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Parent Testimonials
"My son is a quiet boy. Since he has attended the Conservatory he is more confident and participates in school plays. He feels he can take on the world. I THANK LAUSD for this program."
"The Fine Arts program has taught my daughter to be confident, focused, creative, and to be creative with non-verbal communication. This program is a very structured and tailored program. I am very satisfied as a parent."
"This is a safe educational space where both my children are able to explore, develop, and create their art... Here you can take your time and observe details and get into the process. Safe place! Conservatory is very important to us."
"We see great value in this program... Kids are developing their talents in visual arts through your creative arts program. It's very important... we see the development and love it. Really appreciate you having this program in place for us to come to... This is an amazing program and we hope to do all 10 years of it, from 3-12th grades."
"My daughter suffers from anxiety and this program has helped tremendously to help her overcome some of her fears. It's invaluable for her self-confidence and I greatly thank you for letting my daughter be a participant."
Charter Schools
Due to state restrictions, the administrator of an LAUSD authorized independent or affiliated charter school must contact the Charter Schools Division to coordinate payment through the fee-for-service process for each new student to participate. The fee for new students to participate from charter schools is $200 per student. A charter school is not obligated to agree to the fee.Transportation
Please note that transportation is not provided for this program; parents are expected to furnish transportation when the program is offered on-site.
