Program Overview
The Academy is a unique program that exists as a "school within a school" and focuses on preparing students for college by engaging them in meaningful, career-focused curriculum. Unlike the vocational programs of the past, the Academy prepares the students for universities and esteemed art schools in addition to the career workplace. Our students are selected through a rigorous admissions process from the greater student population and they must meet strict attendance and grade requirements to continue in the Academy from year to year.
Over a three-year period, students in the Academy must complete art and technology classes that include Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Photography, Digital Video Editing, Film Production and Animation. All of the technology courses offered in the Academy are dual-enrollment courses in which students receive both high school and Santa Barbara City College credit. In addition to these career-focused classes, students must still meet the University of California requirements in academic classes that have been integrated with media, art, and art appreciation. Academy courses include American and World History, Physics, Biology, Government and Economics, 10th and 11th grade English.
All students in the Academy participate in internships and field trips and have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers who work in the field of Arts, Media and Entertainment. MAD students also have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their country through meaningful community service. Each year the Academy students travel to a Native American community to build homes for the less fortunate. Not only do the students build the homes, but they also purchase the materials that make the building possible.
The Multimedia, Art and Design Academy at Santa Barbara High School is much more than an innovative, career-focused program that uses computers and art. The Academy is actually changing student's lives. Students in the Academy are engaged in school and their community. Students gain valuable speaking skills through presentations, a broader range of knowledge through multiple field trips and guest- speakers, and useful computer skills needed in all work environments. The Multimedia Arts and Design Academy is a successful, meaningful educational program both in theory and in practice.