Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)

Overview
MBUSD provides multiple award-winning VAPA programs in the fields of Drama, Media Arts, Music, and Visual Arts, with comprehensive pathways available to music students in 1-12, drama students in TK-K and 6-12, and media arts and visual arts students in 6-12.

Thanks to Proposition 28 funding, Mira Costa is additionally examining curricular Dance course options for the near future. These courses would be in addition to existing VAPA and Athletic/PE offerings where dance techniques are already key components. Current offerings with dance components include Musical Theater, Colorguard, Winterguard, Cheer Teams, and Dance Teams.

Philosophy

The arts are fundamental to a well-rounded education for all students. They cultivate a common core of knowledge that deepens students’ understanding of human history, develops higher-order thinking skills, fosters creativity, and inspires a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

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The arts reflect and shape cultures, encourage the exchange of diverse perspectives, promote cultural understanding, and help build healthy, connected communities. Through arts education, students learn to engage with the world around them with empathy, confidence, joy, and a sense of fulfillment.

When students experience continuous arts education throughout their school years—building knowledge and refining skills over time—they carry those skills beyond the classroom into the workplace and society at large.

It is the goal of the MBUSD VAPA programs to ensure that students:

Reach their fullest intellectual and creative potential
Have meaningful outlets for artistic expression
Develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts
Experience an enhanced quality of life through creative engagement

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) identifies music and the arts as essential components of a well-rounded education. MBUSD recognizes the importance of educating the whole child and remains committed to maintaining and expanding robust arts programs. Our district’s multiple award-winning arts programs are a testament to the dedication of our talented faculty, supportive administration, and a community that truly values arts education.

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Slideshow-VAPA by Katherine Heredia