Academy of Arts and Sciences

Like most schools in SFUSD, students gain acceptance to The Academy through a lottery system.  It will be listed as a choice for those students entering high school. Often abbreviated as AAS, the school's official request number is 832. In 2006, 615 students requested the 80 available seats at AAS. 

What are some of the differences between The Academy and SOTA? 

The main difference The Academy and SOTA is you must audition for one of the 8 artistic disciplines to attend SOTA, whereas students gain entrance to The Academy based on a lottery system. The Academy has an arts period for each student, but is also able to fit Health and PE into its 9^th grade curriculum.  

What are some of the similarities between The Academy and SOTA? 

Like SOTA, students at the Academy enjoy an arts-based curriculum.  Students at the Academy also have an open campus, and may leave for lunch.  Also, in certain situations, students at the Academy may be placed in classes taught by SOTA teachers, and vice-versa. 

What is the educational philosophy of The Academy?  What are some of the rights and privileges students have? 

Students at The Academy are expected to be independent learners and take responsibility for their education. The educational and social atmosphere is non-traditional in the sense that students have many freedoms and classroom work is characterized by creative, exploratory activities.  Teachers and administrators trust students to take charge of their education and actively engage in activities and school-wide productions.   

What are the basic student responsibilities? 

With certain privileges and rights, come responsibilities.  Because Academy students are granted more freedom, they must posses the integrity to attend class on time, and go from place to place in a timely fashion. Students are expected to treat one another with respect, to value the creative work of other students, and to participate in healthy, collaborative activities beyond the school day.   

Are there any interscholastic sports teams at The Academy? 

Unfortunately, there are no interscholastic sports teams, but AAS students may play sports for a team at their “home school” in the district.  For example, if a student would like to play baseball they would be able to try out for the school at which they are determined to be eligible, usually based on their home address.

Will there be any interscholastic sports teams at The Academy? 

This is yet to be determined. As AAS grows and develops, the Academy community will have many decisions to make. This is exciting and challenging as the new school community builds its identity and develops the programs best suited for its students. It is significant to note that the ultimate size of AAS will be 300-320 students, and schools of that size do not generally field competitive sports teams. 

How are the arts integrated into the curriculum at The Academy? 

The arts are integrated into The Academy’s curriculum on a daily basis.  Teachers are encouraged to use the arts as a means to deliver curriculum and meet the California State Content Standards pertaining to the subject they teach.   Officially students receive about 4.5 hours of arts time a week, translating into three block periods.  During the 2005 – 2006 academic year, there have been several arts showcases attended by the Academy student body, and an end-of-year multi-arts performance is being planned.   

How are the arts at The Academy different from the arts at SOTA? 

Once at SOTA, students spend 10 hours a week studying their specific artistic discipline.  SOTA arts programs are based on a 24-year history of traditional art forms. At The Academy, students enjoy a very diverse arts-based curriculum, which could be considered “non-classical” or "urban/contemporary" art. Plans are currently being made to further these programs for the 2006-2007 school year as we look at student interest and community arts offerings. 

Is there a dress code at the Academy? 

Academy students are expected to dress appropriately for school and to follow SFUSD guidelines in this area. The SOTA and AAS communities value personal freedom and expression, and encourage students to enjoy these privileges within the framework of safety and personal responsibility. School officials will make determinations about the appropriateness of clothing on a case-by-case basis and ask families to assist in this effort.