Skip to main content

South Whittier Elementary School District

Success for Every Student

Visual and Performing Arts

Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA)

At South Whittier School District, we believe that education in the arts is essential for all students. The arts inspire creativity, build confidence, and help students connect learning to the world around them.

Our Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs give students in Transitional Kindergarten through sixth grade the opportunity to explore their talents and express themselves through visual arts, music, digital art, dance, and theater. Whether they’re painting a masterpiece, learning an instrument, performing on stage, or creating digital designs, students are encouraged to imagine, create, and share their voices.

We’re proud to integrate the arts across all our schools and to celebrate the many ways creativity enriches learning. In South Whittier, every student is an artist in the making! 

For additional information please contact:

Gerardo Carvajal-Beck, Visual & Performing Arts TOSA

mail symbol gcarvajal@swhittier.net

Telephone Receiver Vector Icon Isolated ... 562-944-6231 x 2056

Prop 28--Arts and Music in Schools Funding

California’s Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools

In November 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28, a law that gives more support to arts and music in schools. Starting in the 2023–24 school year, schools across the state will get extra funding to help students take part in visual arts, music, theater, and other arts programs.

Here’s how it works:

  • Schools with 500 or more students will receive funds specifically for arts education.

  • At least 80% of this money must go toward paying teachers and staff who provide arts instruction.

  • The rest of the money can be used for things like teacher training, art supplies, and partnerships with arts programs in the community.

  • Only a tiny portion (1%) of the funds can be used for school administration.

This means more opportunities for students to enjoy and learn the arts while ensuring most of the funding directly supports arts programs in the classroom.

After School VAPA Offerings

We are proud to offer Visual and Performing Arts opportunities for our students as part of our Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). Please visit our ELOP page for more information regarding offerings such as after school Mariachi, Visual Art, and Theater. 

Stay Connected