FAQs

Education has become much more specialized.  The Institute model allows a student to follow an individualized learning pathway of their choosing, while at the same time getting a holistic general education.

The arts can be both powerful and influential, but arts education has not kept up with the unprecedented change brought about by the digital revolution. There are now far fewer “traditional” arts outlets, but exponentially more digitally enabled opportunities in the arts. 

The Los Angeles area is a world center for film, TV, music recording, contemporary art and entertainment.  It is strategic to leverage our proximity to this center to the advantage of our students

Who better to mentor and inspire the next generation of ethical artists than a faculty of artists who are followers of Jesus?  This mentoring is in alignment with our school’s biblical worldview, motto and Portrait of a Graduate goals.

No. We will continue to have robust traditional Arts offerings for the entire school.  We believe the Arts to be integral to a complete education and continue to require all students to experience the beauty and creativity therein.

 No. Students will fulfill all graduation requirements for an Oaks Christian diploma.

Several areas of the arts have become specialized and digitized. Individualized learning pathways are necessary to ensure preparation for both college entrance and the arts industry.

A traditional arts education is insufficient to prepare students for the current and future demands of the art and entertainment worlds. 

The Institute is for students who self-identify that they have much more than a passing interest in a specific field of art and may want to select an art major in college or eventually work in that industry. Students must be able to demonstrate some proficiency in their chosen field of interest.  Additionally, students must be open to being mentored and taught from a Christian worldview.

Students will be provided a four-year class plan, and strategic and targeted college counseling toward arts schools. Students will receive hands-on training with cutting-edge technology, as well as capstone guidance, supervision and preparation for college applications.  Students will attend a robust lecture series from working industry professionals in a variety of disciplines, as well as receive exposure to potential internships and networking in their chosen field. Students will receive artistic and strategic mentoring from a biblical worldview.

Following an individualized learning pathway will naturally limit accessibility to some other classes and programs. Further, participation in the Institute will not guarantee leading roles, internships, college acceptance or job placement after graduation.  Rather, each student must rely on their own hard work, talent and networking to earn these opportunities.

Participation in the Institute is currently free to qualifying, full-time on-campus students currently enrolled at Oaks Christian School. Suggested concerts, studio tours, SWAG, etc. are paid for by each student.

No.  At Oaks Christian School, Christianity is presented as a life-choice worthy of deep consideration, without fear of discrimination or disadvantage.  Our goal in mentoring is to see the virtues of goodness, truth and beauty inspire the next generation of artists to elevate, rather than denigrate, the culture at large.

Yes, and no. “Yes” in that student work produced within the Institute will not contradict the core values and biblical worldview of the Institute. “No” in that Oaks Christian will not attempt to censor what student artists produce outside the Institute.  

Student work produced within the Institute remains the property of the student who produced it. Split-sheets will be provided and signed where more than one student contributed to the work. Neither faculty nor mentors will be allowed to profit in any way from student work.

Current and matriculating students must fill out an application in November for the upcoming year, and must arrange an interview, audition or viewing. New students are given special consideration on the timing of the application and interview, audition or viewing. Special arrangements will be made for new students who live out of the area.