Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum
Curricular Philosophy
CAHS believes the visual and performing arts possess inherent value essential in the creation of well-rounded students with a complete education. We believe students should be given the opportunity to think like artists, just as they should also be given the opportunity to approach the world mathematically, scientifically, historically, and linguistically. Studying the arts enables students to connect to content in new ways and gain a greater understanding of oneself and others. The arts encourage and enable students to reflect on quality, celebrate multiple perspectives, solve a problem with multiple solutions, and ‘say’ what cannot be said with words alone. CAHS instruction follows the CA State Standards for artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, and connections/applications, as well as the Common Core Standards for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. CAHS VAPA courses provide students with an academically enriching and rigorous study of the arts.
Minimum Graduation Requirement: 10 credits (Elective or A-G)
A-G Requirement: 10 credits (A-G only)
College Prep (A-G) Approved Courses:
- Art 1
- Art 2
- AP Studio Art (Yearlong)
- Dance 1
- Dance 2
- Performance Dance
- Graphic Design
- Intro to Art History
- Drama
- Pep Band (Offered at PLC)
- Advanced Band (Offered at PLC)
- Photography
- Video Production
Other VAPA Elective Courses (non A-G):
- Audio-Visual Production
- Advanced Art (Yearlong)
- Advanced Drama
- Advanced Video Production
- Stagecraft
- Woodshop
- Advanced Woodshop