The San Diego Unified School District provides a standards-based sequential course of study in dance, music, theatre, and visual art.
VISIT THE VAPA SCHOOLS MAP TO FIND OUT WHICH ARTS DISCIPLINES EACH SCHOOL OFFERS
ARTS AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL
California Ed Code states, "The adopted course of study for grades 1 to 6, inclusive, shall include instruction, beginning in grade 1 and continuing through grade 6, in the following areas of study: ... Visual and performing arts, including instruction in the subjects of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, aimed at the development of aesthetic appreciation and the skills of creative expression."
Elementary students receive a standards-based grade each progress report in the visual arts and the performing arts. Students may receive instruction and assessment through some or all of the following:
- A weekly class for elementary schools who have selected dance, music, theatre, or visual art as their school-selected prep-time enrichment offering for some or all grade levels.
- A weekly or biweekly class in the Performing Arts (PA) or Media and Visual Arts (MAVA) for elementary schools who have VAPA Enrichment for some or all grade levels, provided by the VAPA Department.
- A weekly elementary music class (Intro to Music for 5th grade or Full Grade Level for 4th and 5th grades), in which students sing and/or play instruments, provided by the VAPA Department.
- Seven lessons in three of the arts disciplines at elementary schools who are providing classroom teacher collaboration time through the Arts Education Project.
- Regular incorporation by their elementary classroom teacher.
ARTS AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL
In San Diego Unified, secondary students must have access to courses in the visual and performing arts, as per California Ed Code, which states, “The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall offer courses in… (g) Visual and performing arts, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, with emphasis upon development of aesthetic appreciation and the skills of creative expression.”
Middle schools and high schools offer pathways in dance that provide P.E. credit or VAPA credit, depending on the school site. Students may participate in school-wide dance productions and performances, as well as city, state and national workshops and festivals, and stage, film and television opportunities. 
Middle schools and high schools offer music pathways in band, orchestra, choir, jazz ensemble, piano, or guitar, depending on the school site. Some high schools also offer introductory music appreciation or advanced AP music theory classes. Additionally, students have access to a multitude of district music performance opportunities such as district showcases and honor ensembles.
Middle schools and high schools offer pathways in theatre and/or musical theatre, complemented by technical theatre CCTE courses, depending on the school site. Theater students participate in school-wide musicals and plays, assuming various roles as actor, director, dramaturge, playwright and technical crew. SDUSD enjoys strong partnerships with the community providing students with increased opportunity to job shadow and experience and participate in theatre at a professional level. Students also perform in city, county, state and national level festivals and productions.
Middle schools and high schools offer visual art pathways in study and practice of traditional media (drawing, painting, mixed media, and ceramics/sculpting), depending on the school site. High schools may also offer AP courses in visual art and art history. Students may participate in school-wide presentations and showings, as well as district and local art shows and gallery events.
For more information about the arts as academic content, please see the California Arts Standards (2019) and the California Visual and Performing Arts Framework (2020).
Contact