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Visual & Performing Arts

a group of students with string instruments performs onstage with an orchestral conductor

Statement of Purpose

The SCUSD Visual and Performing Arts Master Plan illuminates how Arts education is key to cultivating creative, well-rounded, empathetic, and resilient students. 

Mission Statement

Every SCUSD student in K-12 will be provided a high-quality, standards-based, comprehensive, sequential arts education during the school day taught by qualified, credentialed, and trained teachers at any school that they attend.

Contact VAPA

Bryan Stroh

Coord III, Visual & Perf Arts

How Are We Implementing Art and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding?

Through the passage of California's Prop 28, we are leveraging dedicated resources to expand arts and music education in our schools at every grade level. 

30

New full-time positions

38K

Students positively impacted

73

Schools supported

200+

Artist residencies in the 2024-2025 school year

Professional Learning in the Arts

Empowering Educators. Enriching Classrooms.

At Sacramento City Unified, we believe that excellent teaching develops through collaboration, reflection, and meaningful professional learning. Our district is dedicated to offering arts-focused and arts-integrated professional development opportunities that support all educators, whether you're a classroom teacher, arts specialist, or school leader.

Why Arts Integration?

The arts are more than enrichment. They are essential to a well-rounded education. Our professional learning sessions focus on:

  • Arts Integration Strategies that blend creativity with core content.
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching through the lens of visual and performing arts.
  • Collaborative Curriculum Design across grade levels and subject areas.
  • Real-World Creative Practices that energize classroom learning.
  • Community-Based Partnerships to support teaching and learning in the arts.

VAPA News

Community Partners

Strong partnerships fuel vibrant learning.

At Sacramento City Unified, we’re proud to collaborate with a growing network of community organizations that help bring the arts to life for our students. Whether it’s through artist residencies, field trips, mentorship, or hands-on experiences, these partnerships expand what’s possible in our classrooms and beyond.

Through these powerful partnerships, SCUSD students have access to:

  • Arts Residencies with professional teaching artists in music, dance, theater, and visual art
  • Field Trips to local galleries, museums, and performance venues
  • Real-World Connections with working artists, mentors, and cultural leaders
  • Hands-On Learning in creative careers and arts-related industries
    Opportunities to perform and exhibit their work in public and professional settings
  • Culturally Relevant Experiences that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our community
  • Long-Term Relationships that enrich school culture and connect families to the arts
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Strategic Arts Plan

Visual and Performing Arts Strategic Plan

Resources

MUSIC

Grades K-8

Carnegie Hall Activities (K-5 learning and activities)

Classics for Kids (Listen, play, learn music)

Sing and Move with Ms. Lorentzen (Music to get students engaged in singing and moving)

Classical Music (A wide variety of music for listening and learning)

Grades 6-8

Music theory.net (Music lessons, ear training, and more)

Selfidge Music (Video music lessons for instruments)

Chrome Music Lab (Sound engineering and music creation)

Classics for Kids (Listen, play, learn music)

Music Tech Teacher (Lessons and quizzes)

Classical Music (A wide variety of music for listening and learning)

VISUAL ART

Grades K-5 

Art for Kids hub (Drawing, painting and more)

Deep Space Sparkle (Easy art for kids)

Happiness is Homemade (Elementary art activities)

Kinder Art (Art lessons by grade)

Grades 6-8

The virtual instructor (sketchbook) (Drawing, sketchbook projects)

Drawing (Simple and easy projects)

Art Lessons (Art lessons for Middle School)

Scholastic Art Magazine (Art magazine for grade 7-12)

Khan Academy (Art History)

Grades 9-12 

Drawing (Simple and easy projects)

Museum of Modern Art (Evolving collection of modern art)

Scholastic Art Magazine (Art magazine for grade 7-12)

Khan Academy (Art History)