Friends Of VADA At Santa Barbara High School

Program Description

The Visual Art and Design Academy (VADA) is a small learning community at Santa Barbara High School. With about 150 students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, VADA is a unique “school-within-a-school” that integrates college preparatory coursework with career-focused art instruction in a supportive “family-like” environment. VADA’s goal is to help students advance their artistic and academic abilities while developing personal character and confidence. Excellent for the visual or kinesthetic learner, VADA works to meet the needs of students with different learning styles and challenges. Many students who didn't see themselves as college bound have gone on to universities with the help and support of the VADA academy.