January 25, 2023

Contact: Jessica Hull, Chief Communications Officer

831-624-1546 x 2022 / 209-679-4858

Carmel High School Recognized as a 2023 California Exemplary Arts Education School

Carmel, Calif. - On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 19 California schools were selected for the California Exemplary Arts Education Award. These schools demonstrated an exemplary commitment to providing adequate resources and funding for arts education. This year’s awardees provided high-quality arts curriculum and instruction and assessment; high-quality professional learning for staff who are responsible for providing arts learning; and access to high-quality, culturally responsive arts instruction for all students, including English learners, special education students, and other special populations.

Carmel Unified School District (CUSD) is proud to announce Carmel High School (CHS) is being recognized as a 2023 California Exemplary Arts Education School. The school will be celebrated at the California School Recognition Program Ceremony in Anaheim in February 2023.

CHS offers vibrant Visual and Performing arts (VAPA) classes and a robust Career Technical Education program to cater to all styles of learning. VAPA offerings have strategically and intentionally been growing to provide unique student experiences. The program consists of four Arts disciplines and two of the Arts, Media & Entertainment Career & Technical Education pathways. The courses currently offered are: Art (I, II, III), AP Art and Design: 2D, AP Art and Design: 3D, AP Art: Drawing, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Concert Band, Jazz Workshop, Orchestra, Beginning Guitar, Dance (I, II, III, IV Honors), Digital Music, Drama (I, II), Graphic Design (I, II), Photography (I, II), and Video (I, II,III).

The strength of our VAPA program begins with a common vision amongst all of our VAPA instructors: to inspire, educate, and fully prepare all of our students to become exceptional artists and lifelong learners. With a commitment to promoting strong ethics and professionalism, staff members cultivate a sense of community among students, staff, and families. One of the driving forces is the ability to connect students to the content in ways that celebrate the individuality of their local communities. Building from our community’s historical roots as a bohemian artist colony, we are dedicated to provoking students' innovative, creative, and productive participation in the world of performing and visual arts as compassionate citizens. The VAPA Department is dedicated to creating strong community partnerships to support student learning and students have regular contact with arts professionals through shows and mentors.

“Arts programs not only have significant positive effects on a student’s academic performance, but also on their social and emotional wellness,” said Ted Knight, Superintendent. “We are proud of CHS for this recognition and thankful to the staff, students and families who support these incredible programs which benefit our entire community.”

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