Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA)

One of the most exciting and dynamic arts high schools in North America, 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. Founded in 1985, the tuition-free public school is run by the Los Angeles County Office of Education in partnership with and on the campus of California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA).

The school serves 600 culturally and socioeconomically diverse teens from more than 80 school districts in the county. Prospective students must meet minimum academic, attendance and behavior standards, and must audition for acceptance into one of four departments: music (vocal and instrumental), theatre, dance or visual arts. Each department selects its own students through a juried audition or portfolio review process. Once admitted, students can elect training in Film and/or audition for musical theatre productions.

LACHSA is a model small learning community fully integrated within the campus of CSULA, offering students a direct connection to higher education. More than 96 percent of graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, many are recruited with scholarships to the world's finest institutions.

The non-profit Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Foundation raises funds to support the conservatory-style arts training offered to students free of charge. Each year, the Foundation works to bridge the gap between available state funding and the actual cost of the arts programs by cultivating and soliciting gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.