Orange County School Of The Arts Foundation

We provide an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging and nurturing environment to a diverse group of students who are passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.

Founded in 1987, Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) provides an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment to a diverse student body passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential. OCSA currently serves a diverse student body of approximately 2,300 gifted students in grades 7-12 from more than 100 cities throughout California. In addition to a college-preparatory academic program, OCSA offers pre-professional arts training in one of 17 conservatories within the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music, and Theatre.

In 2000, OCSA moved from its original home on the campus of Los Alamitos High School to the heart of Santa Ana. Since that time, OCSA has been a major asset to the city of Santa Ana and the surrounding community. Our public charter school not only provides dynamic and innovative instructional programs to hundreds of Santa Ana students, but also continues to prioritize community outreach and service to the city and its residents.

OCSA is an innovative public charter school that embraces and encourages artistic creativity and academic excellence, producing lifelong learners who matriculate to top tier colleges, universities, and conservatory programs. OCSA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The U.S. Department of Education and National Endowment for the Arts have recognized OCSA as a model arts education program. Over the past nearly four decades, the school’s rigorous academic education coupled with advanced arts training has impacted thousands of students – molding generations of creative thinkers, leaders, performers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Orange County School of the Arts is nearing its fourth decade of delivering educational excellence for students from across Southern California. Among many others, below are a few highlights of accomplishments from the 2024-2025 school year.

2024-2025 Accomplishments:
1) The OCSA Foundation met or exceeded its goals for all three major campaigns: Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program (funding for students in need), Hearts for the Arts (funding for technology, equipment, and arts enrichment), and Master Artist Series (funding for master classes, residencies, and lectures with renowned guest artists).
2) OCSA's Ambassador Jazz Orchestra ranked in the top 10 high school jazz bands in the world at the 2025 Essentially Ellington High School Band Competition & Festival, with recognitions for Outstanding Trumpet Section, Outstanding Trombone Section, and Outstanding Saxophone Section.
3) Students from The Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory competed in the 2025 National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland and OCSA’s Management Team took 3rd place in the nation.
4) OCSA’s Middle and High School Science Olympiad Teams continue to shine – both advancing to the State Championship at Caltech. The Middle School Team placed 2nd overall, after competing against powerhouse teams from dedicated science schools, and the High School Team placed 6th overall – the highest finish for OCSA ever!
5) Madison Becerra (Classical Voice, 2025) was a Grand Prize Winner for Classical Voice in the Spotlight Performing Arts Competition.

2025-2026 Goals:
1) Establish an endowment for the Artist Scholar Sponsorship Campaign to support disadvantaged students.
2) Continue to secure high profile artists and industry leaders to share their expertise in the Master Artist Series.
3) Complete construction of our new student commons, made possible through Students First: A Capital Campaign.

1) OCSA is a public charter school dependent on donations to support the arts conservatory programs. Each year, approximately 200 students from low-income families need financial assistance for arts training and school activities. Our goal is to build a $25 million endowment to secure funding in perpetuity.
2) OCSA needs a strategic plan for 2025-2030 to guide growth, adapt to changing educational and arts landscapes, and ensure long-term sustainability.
3) Mental health challenges have increased at OCSA due to the impact of the pandemic and the pressure of balancing rigorous academics and arts programs. In response, the school opened a Serenity Center in 2024. Continued funding is needed to maintain staffing, resources, and programming to support students' mental well-being.
4) OCSA seeks funding to enhance arts programs by providing specialized training, masterclasses, and performance opportunities to foster artistic growth and ensure students have access to essential resources.
5) To enhance the student experience and campus environment, OCSA needs to complete its campus improvement construction. Students First: A Capital Campaign aims to finish crucial upgrades, including new facilities and spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and well-being, ensuring a modern, vibrant environment for all students to thrive academically and artistically.

Orange County School of the Arts serves 2,300 students from over 100 cities and five counties from across Southern California. OCSA's sister campus, California School of the Arts - San Gabriel Valley (a separate nonprofit) serves students from the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the exceptional students, parents, teachers, staff, and community partners that make up the heart of OCSA. The dedication, passion, and creativity of our community are what drive the success of this school and its students. It is because of these individuals that we are able to fulfill our mission of providing a transformative arts education. Beyond the accolades and performances, what truly defines our work is our commitment to developing students who are not only skilled artists but also compassionate, empathetic individuals with strong character. Our goal is to equip every student with the tools they need to thrive—both in their art and in life. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission and excited about the opportunities for growth and improvement. Together, we will continue to shape the next generation of leaders, artists, and thinkers.

I joined the OCSA Foundation Board of Directors in 2017. As a father to one OCSA alumna and two current OCSA students, my perspective as a parent has further strengthened my commitment to the school and the deserving young artist scholars it serves. In 2022, I stepped into the role of Chairman of the OCSA Foundation Board of Directors with a vision for a more interactive and engaging Board experience. During my tenure, I have implemented a task force structure whereby our 25 diverse, passionate, and bright Board members are called upon more regularly in focused groups to provide thought leadership and guidance on key initiatives, particularly in areas where their expertise outside of OCSA may be of great value to the school. The Foundation Board is well-represented by individuals from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets, and their financial commitment is strong. The directors work alongside school leadership to tackle challenges, initiatives, and strategic decisions. I am incredibly proud to serve OCSA, and look forward to the school’s continued growth in the years to come.