This article was printed in
Chic Compass Magazine – Issue 15

The Las Vegas Academy of Arts

SHOWCASING THREE DECADES AS A NATIONAL STAR

BY KENDALL HARDIN
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS ACADEMY AND CASHMAN PHOTO ENTERPRISES

The Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA) is one of the premier arts magnet schools in the nation. Its award-winning programs serve nearly 1,750 students across the Greater Las Vegas Valley.

Located in the center of the Las Vegas Founders District in Downtown Las Vegas, LVA serves Clark County School District high school students. The school provides students the opportunity to pursue a major in one of four conservatory areas – dance, music, theatre, or visual arts.

A vast array of programs includes band, vocal music, dance, guitar, mariachi, orchestra, photography, piano, studio art, technical theatre, theatre, graphic design, video production, world jazz studies, and a new major in digital communications. LVA is tuition-free, but all students must audition or prepare a portfolio to be accepted.

The school offers students intellectually challenging learning experiences and empowers them with critical 21st-century skills and knowledge to compete successfully in the international workplace. LVA is a FIVE-STAR school, according to the Nevada School Accountability System, and boasts a 100% graduation rate. The magnet school offers a rigorous Advanced Placement program, with over 80% of its graduating seniors enrolling in a post-secondary institution. Last year alone, over $22 million in scholarships were awarded.

Guitar students in concert

Creating a National Pacesetter

The Las Vegas Academy of the Arts boasts a legion of national, state, and local accolades, including recognition from the White House to Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. Designated a School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, it has received twelve Grammy Signature School Awards for excellence in music programs and has been recognized by the International Network of Performing and Visual Arts Schools as a STAR school.

In 2000, the U.S. Department of Education recognized LVA as a New American High School. Two years later, it honored LVA as a U.S. Blue Ribbon School, making it one of only 17 high schools in the country to have received both prestigious awards.

“At LVA, we nurture excellence in arts and academics through a rigorous dual curriculum,” affirmed Principal Scott Walker, who’s been at LVA’s helm for eleven years. “The school is different, and when you set foot on our campus, you feel it. Each day we create a learning environment fueled by a passion for the transformative nature of the arts.

“Here, the arts are not an ‘elective.’ They are a core and essential area of study. As an exemplary institution, we strive to be a leading public arts-focused school nationwide. We have graduated 100% of our senior class for the past several years. And we are grateful and proud of the many community partnerships supporting our mission.”

Annual Concert at The Smith Center with guest artist Clint Holmes

Building the Future on Historic Roots

LVA’s campus is located on the site of the first high school in Las Vegas, which opened in 1931. Many residents complained that the school was too far from the small population at the time, which changed as the city grew up around it. Two of the original buildings’ exteriors are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as prized examples of the city’s art deco architecture from the 30s.

Starting with 735 students, the school opened as a magnet school in 1993 and officially debuted as the Las Vegas Academy of Arts in 2014. The school now enrolls 1,735 students, a growth rate of 240%.
Today, the campus occupies a four-square-block area. On-site classrooms, a cafeteria, a gym, and an outdoor field complement the music, visual arts, vocational and administration buildings. The school’s theatrical venues include the LVA Performing Arts Center (1200 seating capacity), Lowden Theatre for the Performing Arts (700 seating capacity), and an intimate black box space.

Theatre students with Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda (orange hoodie)

Celebrating Today to Launch Tomorrow

Proud to be one of the most sought-after schools for both the arts and academics—with a 5-star rating, a near-perfect graduation rate, and some of the highest test scores in the state—LVA capitalized on its 30th birthday to showcase performances in all major programs throughout the academic year. Two generous donors stepped up to match all gifts up to $50,000 to champion arts programs on campus.

Through a grant from the Friends of LVA, the school launched the “Master Artist Series” this year. The innovative program included performances, master classes, and residencies designed to inspire students in all four conservatories. Guest artists included actor/performer Ben Vereen, world-renowned mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick, Hamilton cast member Thane Jasperson, and jazz musician/recording artist Tom Scott, to name a few luminaries. The school is already planning year two of this “Bring the Best to LVA” initiative and seeking additional sponsors to expand its current scope.

As part of LVA’s future expansion, the school is preparing to construct additional facilities and restore the historic building in early 2024. The campaign involves three large-scale phases to complete over the next decade. New facilities include a gym, parking garage, student union/academic building, and a new music facility. The plan also includes rehabilitating the historic Main Building, Gym, Frazier Building, and the Vocational Building.

LVA vocal, dance and Mariachi students performing as hosts of the national Arts School Network Conference in October 2022.

Step into a Starring Role

The school offers dozens of ways for people to engage with and support LVA throughout the year. One can join Friends of LVA, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the school to volunteer for or bankroll events like the annual gala and performance events. Donating to LVA’s “Aspiring Artist Program” supports economically disadvantaged students with full access to the LVA experience. And giving to the “Legacy Program” helps build a sizable endowment to secure the school’s next three decades.

Perhaps one of the most personally rewarding options is to purchase performance talent as part of the school’s “Bring LVA to You” program. Be your own impresario and choose from jazz, caroling, orchestral ensembles, choral groups, solo voice, and harp concerts – all available on LVA’s website. Talent fees range from $125 to $1,000 per hour. Imagine how tomorrow’s Oscar, Grammy, or Emmy star recipient may be among your performers!

On-Stage and Contemporary Voices singers perform at LVA’s Vegas City Limits Concert

A New Generation of Viva Las Vegas! Talent

LVA’s bottom line is to ensure that all LVA students experience a world-class education in an arts-integrated modern school system. The common goal is to meet all students where they are and develop their artistic talents through curriculum and experiences that unlock their potential.

“We pride ourselves in our ability to unite many lifestyles and beliefs through a culturally relevant curriculum,” cites Principal Scott Walker. “We are committed to constant improvement as one of the leading public arts-focused schools in the nation.

“We strive to create classrooms where students are alive with collaboration, intellectual discourse, and problem-solving. We recognize that our students are unique thinkers, and we use the arts to harness the diversity of our young thinkers.

As principal, I remain committed to working with all of our students, staff, parents, and community to help this school continue to perform at the highest levels by reinforcing our core values: The LVA Way.”

Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
315 S. 7th Street
Las Vegas 89101
Complete details and calendar at
lasvegasacademy.net.

Graphic design students work on the 30th Anniversary Mural Project

“The LVA Way”

LVA Core Values

The LVA Way is the guiding principle of the Las Vegas Academy. It encompasses a list of values and an overarching philosophy that drives students and faculty alike. LVA alums often cite their commitment to the LVA Way as positively shaping their school experience.

Invest in family and community. A sense of belonging impacts physical and mental health.

Build character. Uphold integrity, respect, and honesty.

Embrace a positive attitude. Embellish with humor and fun.

Achievement: exceed mastery. Creativity, passion, and determination are catalysts.

Defend truth, justice, and the LVA Way.

Motto

From Excellence to Eminence

Slogan

Where Dreams Begin

Cam O’bi, industry-acclaimed record producer