We evolved into
a Model School
What makes us Different
Our unique arts-integrated, project based curriculum with a focus on social emotional learning has made California Creative Learning Academy a model school in our community and beyond. We create a custom progressive learning environment, suitable for the developing mind of a child.
Educators from all over the world have visited CalCreative to learn about our style of teaching and learning!
Our Testimonials
Here is what our parents, students and staff have to say about what makes our school special.
“We LOVE CalCreative! A fun and mindful school that thinks outside of the box! So much wonderful learning through art and being kind to one another. Elementary school grades TK-5th and Middle school grades 6th-8th!”
-Parent
“We’re beginning our 5th year here at CalCreative (formerly called LFCSA) My kid has learned so much about kindness and social justice and has developed wonderful reading habits and actually seems to like math? The way they teach is not one-size-fits-all. Highly recommend!”
-Parent
“It’s my 4 year old’s first year of school. Huge transition! The amount of growth we’ve seen in him from the time school started to now has been so incredible. In fact, as soon as he gets home, he does art for another 2-3 hours on his own.”
-Parent
“His teacher and aide, have been kindly supporting him (and his classmates) both academically and socio-emotionally. They highlight what he’s learning to do well and what needs improvement – all in effort to encourage him to be himself and make connections within the community. At times, it takes a village to raise a child to be whole, and I am grateful to how much I’ve seen the school’s mission translating into classrooms like his.”
-Parent
“I highly recommend CalCreative. Their project based learning with arts integration and a whole child approach has our kids thriving in school. The staff is thoughtful and compassionate and they set a great example for the students. I’m so glad we found this school. The community is amazing. No regrets!”
-Parent
“My son has been here for 6 years, and we’re still very happy! He benefits from the smaller class sizes and the flexibility with different learning styles. We like all the hands-on projects and the progressive curriculum. Instead of rote memorization and focusing on state tests, they are really getting him to connect with learning. And their ability to support students emotionally makes a big difference to us.”
-Parent
“I feel like everyone cares about me at LFCSA [now CalCreative]. It’s nice to know that people are here for me and want to help me grow.”
Angella Strutman
Middle School Student
“I feel like everyone cares about me at LFCSA [now CalCreative]. It’s nice to know that people are here for me and want to help me grow.”
Angella Strutman
Middle School Student
“I feel like everyone cares about me at LFCSA [now CalCreative]. It’s nice to know that people are here for me and want to help me grow.”
Keiv Richman
Middle School Student
Every year our school welcomes educators, administrators, artists, policy makers, activists and other change makers to our annual Catalyst Conference.
This conference is an opportunity to share work or facilitate a session on arts integration, project-based learning, social emotional learning and/or civic engagement.
A wonderful opportunity to work together to promote meaningful change to our education landscape.
2021 Conference
Saturday, April 17, 12–2PM
The Catalyst Convening, organized and hosted by California Creative Learning Academy, seeks to bring together educators, artists, curriculum designers, administrators, policy makers and more, with the goal of supporting each other, igniting ideas, and sharing resources for quick implementation. This will be a free virtual event.
Our main themes are:
- Arts integration and project-based learning
- Student engagement
- Civic engagement and social justice projects
- Socio-emotional learning
- Resource sharing
Program Agenda
Denise Grande
Our Keynote speaker
Department of Arts and Culture.
Program Agenda
9:00 - 10:15
Deborah Pardes
Facts Matter: Media Literacy 101
Lluvia Higuera
Portrait Photography 101 for Educators
David Levine
Problem solving and Critical Thinking through playwriting
James Rojas
Place it: Teaching urban planning through art
10:30 - 12:00 (Catalyzing Session 2)
Erika Nuno (Nunovations)
Environmentalism in Art: Inspiring Art Projects at the
Intersection of Art, Activism & the Environmental Movement
Debbie Kazama & Elizabeth
Ritchter
Portrait Photography 101 for Educators
Lluvia Higuera
Portrait Photography 101 for Educators
Jasmine Hwang, Cardelia Istel &
Whitney Salyer
Project Based Interdisciplinary Arts Integration
Julia Thompson & Allison Wong
Design Thinking & Civic Engagement in Education
Applications open for the 2022-23 School Year
Visit ApplyLA and look for us at California Creative Learning Academy & California Creative Learning Academy Middle School.