Join the next generation of visual storytellers, content creators, media innovators and digital disruptors. Experience the power and beauty of dance as a universal language with our conservatory-style training program. Discover the unparalleled training and performance opportunities offered to LACHSA Music students.
Multi-dimensional, dynamic characters come to life on stage through exciting, purposeful storytelling. Explore the intersection of creativity and technique within a diverse range of mediums from LACHSA artists. The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) offers a specialized program combining college-preparatory academic instruction and conservatory-style training in the visual and performing arts.
Multi-dimensional, dynamic characters come to life on stage through exciting, purposeful storytelling. Explore the intersection of creativity and technique within a diverse range of mediums from LACHSA artists. The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) offers a specialized program combining college-preparatory academic instruction and conservatory-style training in the visual and performing arts.
Services
LACHSA provides and preserves a unique space for diverse, young artists to learn, create, and thrive, inspiring them to discover who they are, their place in the world, and how their creative passion benefits humanity. All students will be given an academic foundation that can adequately prepare them for a higher level of education.
In November of 1984, Michael Antonovich and Caroline Ahamanson create the LACHSA Foundation with the aim of supporting a new public high school for the arts. LACOE Superintendent Stuart Gothold is named Board president. Gothold offers to run the school through LACOE's Division of Alternative Education while CSU Chancellor Ann Reynolds offers the school a home at CSULA.
LA County High School for the Arts is a specialized, tuition-free public school open to aspiring young artists throughout Los Angeles County. LACHSA was founded in 1985 under the direction of the LA County Office of Education, and is located on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles.
As a public arts school, LACHSA embraces and celebrates social and cultural diversity. Guided by a belief that our doors are open to young artists regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, or disability, our efforts to reach out to the diverse population of L.A. County are aided by partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, middle schools, community leaders, and local elected officials.
Shared decision-making is a joint planning and problem solving process that provides stakeholders a voice in decisions that affect student success and the school environment in accordance with LACOE Board Policy 2250. The Shared Decision-Making Council (SDMC) is composed of representatives of LACEA teachers, school administration, SEIU, the Parent Council, student leadership, and senior program specialists.
Reviews (15)
Tomek A.
Oct 08, 2021
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I sent my biological daughter here for 5 years and boy oh boy, let me tell you- she drank up every minute of it like the thirsty little rascal she is !! Despite falling into a bit of a metaphorical gray tronk hole during the quarantine (if you know what I mean ), she was sustained and endlessly inspired by her art classes, for which she actually received numerous third degree urns! One time, when she was in a bad way and was simply refusing to try and touch paint to canvas, her teacher sent her to sit alone in the audience of the "North Carolina Loft" as I believe they call it, and after
Asal Gillies
Jun 05, 2018
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JannJann
Jun 12, 2017
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I am in 8th grade right now. I am looking into high schools. I am very passionate about the arts. Theatre and Music but I am a rookie. I play piano. I have played and would like to continue playing cello and maybe even take on violin. When I get older I plan to be a musician/actor. Is this the school for me?
Laila Stewart
Sep 25, 2016
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As I a student at LACHSA I can say with absolute certainty that this is a great school! I love everyone here they're all so nice and the people here are all unique and we all feel like we fit in. The academics are strong and the teachers really want to teach us and help us learn. The Arts teachers in each program are fantastic. I'm in theatre and all my theatre teachers are the best. I love this school it's perfect and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
Alma Quintero
Jun 17, 2016
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Cella Mariani
Sep 11, 2014
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Annmarie M.
Jul 14, 2014
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My daughter worked incredibly hard and aced the difficult interview and audition to MAKE IT IN. I am so proud of her!!
Can you tell I am thrilled to be a LACHSA Mom :)
We know a couple of local kids who went here and graduated recently. They are uber-talented and got the arts education they needed. I just wish every community had a high school option like this for the arty kids.
Can you tell I am thrilled to be a LACHSA Mom :)
We know a couple of local kids who went here and graduated recently. They are uber-talented and got the arts education they needed. I just wish every community had a high school option like this for the arty kids.
Eli S.
May 25, 2013
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This school's new campus (Lot F of California State University, Los Angeles) is built to house some wonderfully talented young students. This high school has been named one of the best high schools in the country. Did you know they achieved that mark before even getting their own permanent space? For decades (I guess 1985 is decades now) it operated out of basements and latch-key type systems within CSULA buildings.
So what does it offer? A really comprehensive education that functions a little more like a small magnet school with a lot of influential and talented teachers who expect the
So what does it offer? A really comprehensive education that functions a little more like a small magnet school with a lot of influential and talented teachers who expect the
Andrew W.
Nov 09, 2012
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Great school.
A Bit small, but if you want to get the whole package in a small area, this is the college to go to.
the fact that parking is nearly impossible to find doesn't even detour me from the fact that this is a great college.
it's worth checking out, even if you have no interest in going there.
A Bit small, but if you want to get the whole package in a small area, this is the college to go to.
the fact that parking is nearly impossible to find doesn't even detour me from the fact that this is a great college.
it's worth checking out, even if you have no interest in going there.
Sharr K.
Jul 26, 2011
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Yup yup....I went here and so glad I did! Only thing I regret is going to a regular high school for my freshmen year, boo! Most artists are right-brained (myself included) and they are very unique individuals. They're definitely NOT suited to function at a regular high school.
Positives:
+You share the campus with Cal State LA. You are hanging with the adults yeah! You are treated like an adult!
+Four specialized programs: Fine Arts, Theatre, Dance and Music
+It's free. BUT you do need to have talent in one of these 4 areas because they will interview and look at your portfolio in
Positives:
+You share the campus with Cal State LA. You are hanging with the adults yeah! You are treated like an adult!
+Four specialized programs: Fine Arts, Theatre, Dance and Music
+It's free. BUT you do need to have talent in one of these 4 areas because they will interview and look at your portfolio in
Mrs. J.
Feb 04, 2011
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Claudia C.
Sep 02, 2009
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I tried out for this school three times, I never made it in. My area was performing arts. I had a invitation workshop session with one of the teachers after I didn't make the cut the first try, and the teacher was really nice, no unique methods of teaching though. I've also shadowed a friend there once, and I probably will shadow one or two more times this coming year. I absolutely love the atmosphere and getting to know cool eccentric people. When you're here, you see people of every race and ethnicity possible. There's no one dominant ethnicity, which I love about it. The
Drew M.
Mar 29, 2009
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Extraordinary art training in visual arts, theater, music, dance (What am I forgetting) on the Cal State LA campus. But it's a high school!
LACHSA uses a number of floors of college buildings. Of course, Cal State ain't Harvard so don't expect an intellectual vibe. CSU is all about the immigrant work ethic. So, the combination is certainly an interesting one. Parking is a bit of a pain, but what else is new?
Academics are pretty mediocre. But you don't go to ART school to do math, I imagine. English classes read lightweight classics but no Shakespeare. History
LACHSA uses a number of floors of college buildings. Of course, Cal State ain't Harvard so don't expect an intellectual vibe. CSU is all about the immigrant work ethic. So, the combination is certainly an interesting one. Parking is a bit of a pain, but what else is new?
Academics are pretty mediocre. But you don't go to ART school to do math, I imagine. English classes read lightweight classics but no Shakespeare. History
Julie M.
Feb 15, 2009
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I was ready to drop out of high school when I found LACHSA. I had some of the best times of my life (and worst). I remember taking cold medicine before my parents woke up so they would not know I was sick and make me stay home.
Yes, it had extended hours, was about an hour away (with traffic) but it gave us all a sense of purpose. You have to audition to get in but it was free. Plus no football team, no cheerleaders, just some really great kids and teachers.
Yes, you will have stay focused and committed. But it is so worth it.
Yes, it had extended hours, was about an hour away (with traffic) but it gave us all a sense of purpose. You have to audition to get in but it was free. Plus no football team, no cheerleaders, just some really great kids and teachers.
Yes, you will have stay focused and committed. But it is so worth it.
Maria D.
Sep 19, 2007
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LACHSA. . . . LACHSA . . LACHSA . . . . .
What can I say about the school that opened a whole new world for me.
Before LACHSA the only white people I had ever interacted with were teachers and police officers. Thats cuz I grew up in the heart of South Los Angeles. I never really went to see plays yet I had a strong passion for theater. This passion made me do all the paperwork and arrangements for me to get into LACHSA, since my parents had no clue as to what to do.
I transferred from Locke High School, a school that has one of the worst reputations in LA, into LACHSA, a school with a great
What can I say about the school that opened a whole new world for me.
Before LACHSA the only white people I had ever interacted with were teachers and police officers. Thats cuz I grew up in the heart of South Los Angeles. I never really went to see plays yet I had a strong passion for theater. This passion made me do all the paperwork and arrangements for me to get into LACHSA, since my parents had no clue as to what to do.
I transferred from Locke High School, a school that has one of the worst reputations in LA, into LACHSA, a school with a great
