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Asawa, Ruth - San Francisco School Of The Arts (SOTA)

School code number: 815
Grade Level: 9-12
Hours: 7:45AM - 3:20PM

555 Portola Drive, San Francisco, CA, 94131
Neighborhood: Diamond Heights
Phone: (415) 695-5700
Fax: (415) 695-5326
Website: www.sfsota.org
School Loop: sota-sfusd-ca.schoolloop.com
Principal: Carmelo P. Sgarlato

School Data

      Discover this school

      Imagination, courage, persistence, passion, dedication - all qualities essential to succeed in an arts discipline, and, in life as well. Young artists at School of the Arts study to understand the history and tradition of their art forms, to learn and practice their techniques, and to find ways to collaborate and work with others. They learn that art comes from within and requires effort to achieve, whether this involves designing and building a stage set, writing and acting in a play, directing, filming and editing a digital video, learning vocal technique and singing in a choral group, leaping lightly in a modern dance, rehearsing in an orchestra or band, playing a complex piano piece, or painting / sculpting a personal vision. Since 1982, SOTA has provided students with a rigorous and inspiring high school program in both artistic and academic disciplines. Renamed the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts in 2010, we honor one of San Francisco's world-renowned artists, and original founder of this high school of the arts.

      The learning environment at SOTA is conducive to creative and independent thinking—as well as excellence throughout the curriculum. Along with our staff of highly qualified credentialed teachers, SOTA students work with artists from the community to develop their chosen artistic discipline. We believe that to create a socially just campus we must empower all students to believe that, through education, they have the power to define their future. We firmly believe that students can do whatever they can dream, and that we are here to help them make this happen. High achievement means going beyond the established norms and beyond teacher and personal expectations. High achievers also connect the material to real life situations and the global community. We challenge our students to discover how learning improves life. The SOTA culture of service reflects a professional attitude of cooperation and support provided to our students and families to realize goals.

      School Tours

      Tours will be held on the following Fridays: September 30, October 2 and November 4. starting at 1:30. Meet in the Kryston Main Stage Theatre for a short presentation, then break into groups for a tour of the academic and arts facilities. Check our website atwww.sfsota.org for shadowing information and updates, as our schedules change due to our performance schedules.  Prospective students are encouraged to attend at least one performance before auditions, which will be held on Saturday, January 7 and Saturday, March 3, 2012.

      Uniforms

      None

      Special Education Programs

      • Designated Instructional Services
      • Resource Specialist Program
      • Special Day Class/Learning Disabled/Emotionally Disturbed

      Resource Specialist Program, Special Day Class/Learning Disabled/Emotionally Disturbed, Special Day Class/Severely Impaired-Transition, Designated Instructional Services

      Language Programs

      English Plus Pathway

      Opportunities for Parental Involvement

      Parent and family participation is a hallmark of the school. Parents may join the PTSA, run for the Site Council, volunteer in the office or work within the artistic discipline of their child. Numerous events and performances bring families to the school on a regular basis, and parents are also involved in tours, audition set-ups and other important community events.

      Additional Info

      SOTA students present over 100 performances each year on the SOTA campus. Our shows are open to the public. Our students are available to bring performances into elementary and middle schools; they also mentor students in the public school arts programs. Volunteering is an integral part of our community. Please support our school by attending a performance; click on www.sfsota-ptsa.org for our performance calendar.