central la high school #9 shows some skin
Downtown Los Angeles’s second new LAUSD high school has seen some significant construction progress recently.
All major structures on the site of the new Central LA High School #9 appear to be in place. Main building frontage on Grand Avenue is up, windows are being installed, and a dark gray metallic “skin” has been applied to the building.
The school is also known as the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. According to the most recent monthly construction update provided by LAUSD, the Coop Himmelb(l)au-designed high school is 58% complete. Construction for the high school is on schedule and budgeted at $208 million.
View from Cesar Chavez and Grand. Click image for larger view.
The site as it appeared in December, 2006, by fridayinla. Click image for original size.
Project rendering via Europaconcorsi.
Despite being a great asset to Downtown Los Angeles in particular and the city in general, I hope some major pedestrian improvements are in the works, especially for Grand Avenue just north of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, over the 101 Freeway.
The link between the Grand Avenue Project, Grand Avenue cultural corridor, and the new high school is abysmal; small sidewalks and poorly maintained greenery will give a bad impression to those architectural tourists who will be trekking north from Bunker Hill to see the school, not to mention the actual students who will be attending this beautiful new high school.
-Complete LAUSD High School #9 Construction Photo Set
The bones of what will soon be the public entrance to the school. Click image for larger view.
Protective plastic sheeting in the wind. Click image for larger view.
Entrance structure under construction. Click image for larger view.
Northernmost structure with prominent spiral under construction. Click image for larger view.
121 comments
I WOULD LOVE MY DAUGHTER TO ATTEND SCHOOL AT THE NEW CENTRAL LA HIGH #9 SHE WILL BE GRADUATING FROM 8TH GRADE IN 2008 SO IT IS PERFECT FOR HER TO START IN THE NEW SCHOOL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A WAITING LIST OR WHERE AND WHEN CAN I ENROLL HER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
i would like to apply!!!thank you.
I WOULD LIKE MY DAUGHTER TO ATTEND THIS SCHOOL BECAUSE WE JUST MOVED HERE TO CALIFORNIA AND I WANT HER MOVIN INTO CALIFORNIA WITH GREAT EXPERIENCES.
Belmont High School project to date cost $270 Million. This High School for the Visual Arts & Performing Arts has balloned to $208 million through 2006 and quickly approaching Belmont costs. On a per seat basis this is going to be yet another very expensive LAUSD high school.
Actually, I think the link to the Grand Avenue cooridor could be achieved by covering over the 101 and turning it into parkland. I really don’t think there is any reasonable way to make these bridges over the 101 pedestrian friendly.
can u tell me how to apply for this cool school thanks
“Gee I just moved to LA and I want my kids to go to the best school. ” “Oh oh oh, I want to apply.” Seems some of you don’t have much of a plan if you are posting here thinking you will get in. If you judge your kids education based on how it looks outside I am guessing your child isn’t so smart either. If you really want a good school move OUT OF LA-USD into an area with a good school system. But I am guessing you can’t afford that, so maybe lobby your congressman to fix LAUSD schools, oh that won’t happen either will it. In a nutshell, this one very overpriced building is taking funding away from the other 99% of schools who need books, teachers, and money. LA is very shallow and the posts above prove it. LAUSD students come out stupid or drop out. Look at the stats and get angry! IF YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE LA A BETTER CITY, FIX WHAT YOU HAVE, DON’T BUILD A FACADE OVER A CRAP SCHOOL SYSTEM.
what a fuckin monstrocity. there goes the tax payer dollar in to some fluffy ass looking back scratchin ass architect nepotismical hook up…
how bout we spend the money on good lessons and decent teacher wages than trying to wow people with the look (which is freeking LAME)
stop wasting taxpayer money on FLUFF!!! typical for america. nice sales pitch but it’s too expensive, the product sucks, and it will be out of style in 3 years.
OMG! This Place is gunna look truely amazing.. and Me and My Friends would love to take some shots off this school when its finished!!
Everyone needs to give the LAUSD a chance with this school.
i want to got to this schoollllllllll
In reference to post “01.15.08 at 6:13 pm,” you really don’t need to be so condescending – or do you? It’s true that many schools need a lot of funds, and many schools are not managed well. But w/out getting into those important issues, which are being discussed on the blogosphere, I think you should keep an open mind to the virtue of good architecture. As a 12 yr LAUSD veteran who continues to mentor new teachers, I can tell you the difference it makes for teachers, students, and parents to be in a drab, depressing building, or an uplifting one. I taught at the award winning designed Science Center School, and I can tell you that the students have a better attitude towards learning by being in an environment that says – YOU MATTER!
i would like to apply 4 this school but my father is not convinced that i will go to another school other than the one i am attending now. i now attend ramona convent secondary school in alhambra. i am not so sure that i will make it in 2009 for high school. please get back to me. i hope i will hear from you soon!!
This building is an excellent piece of architecture, and a magnificent display of the prominent role that art plays in the LA area. i fell in love with this structure the first time i drove past its steel skeleton, and have been following its development since.
it is unfortunate that people [namely the "note to parents above" poster and johnathan nameth] view this work of art as such a monstrosity, and i feel that it is greatly naive to blindly state that anyone coming out of high school with an LAUSD education is an idiot. Personally, i think your idiocy and ignorance proves that you, in fact, are the moron here.
i agree with Bruce Stoffmacher, and i feel that students will love being educated in such an amazing atmosphere.
At first glance, the building looks like it came out of some futuristic world. I will do everything in my power to convince my parents to send me here. So far i am stuck at Sacred Heart Highschool!
please get back to me on the enrolling information, i would love to have the privilage to attend such a unique school.
Hi! One of my friends and I think this school looks gorgeous so far, and we would love to attend it. Please get back to us on how to enroll. Thank you.
please please please…you guys need to post the academic courses that this school will be offering!
omg i would love to attend this school because i feel it will be a great opportunity for me and my future!!!!! me and my friend nicole r really looking foward to this upcoming high school. we’re just ready to show off our natural talents!!!
get me out of sacred heart high school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just post up some information so i can get to my parents ASAP please…….
when i first saw the first designs of this school my freshmen or sophomore year(2006), i fell in love with it. i was told that my class(class of 2009) was going to attend this school our senior year but as it seems that won’t be happening soon. i loved the whole focus of this school. This school is for the visual and performing art, so what i was told was that the main focuses were dance, theater, art and music. well oh, even though i will not attend this school my senior year. i love how the school looks.
You may act smart, but are you really dumb? The trick questions in this test will expose your true dumbness. Take the dumb test and find out if you’re dumb!
1 1 If there are five apples, and you take away three, how many do you have?
0
1
2
3
4
5
2 2 Lee’s parents emigrated from China. They have five children. The first four are named La, Le, Li, and Lo. What did they name the fifth?
Lala
Lu
Lee
Susan
There is not sufficient information to guess.
3 3 A red house is made from red bricks, a blue house is made from blue bricks, a pink house is made from pink bricks, and a black house is made from black bricks. What is a greenhouse made from?
Wood
Green Bricks
Moss-covered stones
Glass
Red Bricks
4 4 The Spanish Civil War, which began July 17 of 1936, was fought between:
Spain and Germany
Mexico and the United States
The Allies and the Axis
Spain and Italy
None of the above
5 5 In baseball, how many outs are there in an inning?
1
3
6
9
15
27
6 6 Do they have a Fourth of July in England?
Yes
No
Only during leap years
7 7
Are girls dumber than boys? Or is it the other way around?
Like most guys, I am quite smart thank you
Hey, just because I am a girl, it doesn’t make me dumb
Men like me have bigger brains. It’s science!
I am a girl, and clearly smarter than my guy friends
I’m about to be a junior and i would really want to move schools. And this one would be great to apply to ….but i need more info . if u know any plz tell me…=]
i would love to enroll at this school hopefully they accept me!!
Hi. I’ve interested in attending this school since I was a freshman, but now that I’m becoming a sophmore, I’m expecting to enroll when I’m a junior.
I act, sing, model, and even dance (only choreographed).
Please let me know when will be the perfect time for me to enroll.
I would love to enroll at this school, it’s my number one choice!
Please let me know when there is an open house or how to get an applictation, and also the curriculum , maybe a little more about the school itself.
Thank you!
I would want to attend this high school. I usually pass by this school because it is close to my house. Also I am interested in Dancing alot ! I would love to move to Central LA high school #9 ! And my sister too! She is a Freshman and I am a jonior. Please let me know how to apply for this school.
I would love my little sister to attend this high school… Does anybody know the procedure for enrollment???
Hi! Right now i am an 8th grader and will be graduating this june. I would really like to attend this school this fall because i love to act, dance, and love art. I believe this school is meant for me and my goals! I want to accomplish them. I really believe that you guys could teach me alot and I am ready for you guys. Please let me know when can i enroll. Please notify my mom at her email address. Please!!! Thanks!
Kiddies, I don’t think it’s a good idea to post your name, address and phone number on such a public forum.
I’m sure Ms. Thomlinson can provide a more secure method of contact, that is, if she actually works for the school.
I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY DAUGHTER ATTEND YOUR SCHOOL,
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE TO APPLY AND THE REQUIREMENTS.
THANK YOU,
To Irma and all others interested in attending this school,
The 2009-2010 Choices brochure available at all LAUSD campuses states that students who wish to go to Central L.A. High School #9 for the Visual and Performing Arts should send a letter of intent, specifying a particular art form of interest to: lamoin.garrard@lausd.net
A phone number given in the brochure is (323) 932-2006.
There are supposed to be 375 openings for the 2009-2010 school year.
i applied !!!
i hope i make it in!!!!
High School for the Visual and Performing Arts?! There’s an oxymoron hiding in there somewhere.
can somebody tell me were do i have to enroll
cause im gradutain now 2009
or wat is the website to go to an apply
HEY I LOVE HOW THE SCHOOL LOOKS LIKE PLEASE I WOULD LOVE TO COME TO YOUR SCHOOL PLEASE GET BACK TO ME FOR ENROLLMENT
It is a beautiful campus, and will be attending a conference there this month. Hopefully I have some time to take pictures.
As for “Note to Parents,” I would like to mention that an LAUSD school won the US Academic Decathlon in 2004, 2005, 2006, AND 2007. This seems to indicate that we can be good inside AND outside … people such as this detractor just needs to know where to look.
As for myself, I hope to get an opportunity to teach here.
“people such as this detractor just needs to know where to look.”
I hope it’s just a typo … isn’t it “need” instead of “needs”?
@ a reader: Actually, yes – it is “need” and yes, it was a typo.
I would LOVE to go to this school, the school im going to now is like this school, but this school is TEN TIMES BETTER!! But my mom says that the school im going to now (renarts) is just fine, but its not, iwould turely LOVE going to this school.
che mostruosità !
um im a eighth grader i want to know how to enter this school please e-mail me
Like most of these enthusiastic students, I too am hoping for the opportunity to work at this new high school. As for all the naysayers; there will always be those who have an opposing view point, so just keep dreaming big LAUSD!
For students that are involved in arts fundamentals or just have a personal interested in it, should attended this school. Im sure like many others, attend a school that doesn`t take art serious and take it as a joke. I think this school will provide a lot of people the opportunity to for fill their future in what art fundamental they would like to pursuit in. So thank you to the creators of LAUSD. It will be my pleasure to attended this school and make it as great as possible .
I’m so happy I got accepted into this school’s theatre program. I think it will probably be the time of my life. I really can’t wait to start school there.
Like scarlett (above) I too was accepted to the THEATRE ACADEMY
D I am so excited at the thought that I will finally be able to attend next year, my junior year!! :]
i wander when r they going to star sending the application, to now that u got accepted in the school
Aesthetically unappealing, I don’t feel that it is a cohesive architectural design… appears as though separate ideas were lumped together and merged to create this building…
however, it’s nice to see that students are enthusiastic about the new school… yet I feel my tax dollars could have been better spent… for instance more and better prepared teachers!
Can anyone tell me how to apply to this school?? i been waiting for a schoo like this my whole life. In my school they dont give theater or anything that i am intersted in. Can someone tell me how to apply or is it too late?!
this is my email adreess: karen_ybb@yahoo.com
get tired of hearing people complain about what education costs. how about what sports stadiums cost with little to no educational value. do you hear any of us teachers cursing the sports teams because they require so much money to house and promote?
Did we have to fill the questionary to reserve a seat ?
To Karen- For next year, 2009-2010, yes it is too late. Maybe you could apply for the 2010-11 school year :/
To Geovana- Yes. The letter said that we would be reserving our seats by returning the questionnaire. I assume that they would otherwise notify students on the the waiting list that an opening is available.
To Bad Use- Wow. For once, someone who puts forth the money issue in such a civilized way :]] Thanks for acknowledging the students (that includes me [Theatre Academy!!]) I do agree that the money could have been better spent, but, like you said, maybe it was worth the money to generate so much student enthusiasm?
omggeee i would love to come to this skulll
YAY …… I GOT ACCEPTED TO THIS SCHOOL !!!!!! ……=]
Do you need any special Performing Arts Background? Do you need experience?
you can still apply. today is open house
I was at the Open House tour yesterday, and let me tell you, it was AMAZING! It was great being led around by the Assistant Principal and being able to get to know more about the campus itself as well as the school’s curriculum.
I can’t wait to try-out for the swim team :]
I loved the campus. The main theater was PHENOMENAL! It was as if we were going behind the scenes at a professional theater, but the best part is that it actually is a state-of-the-art theater FOR STUDENT USE!
I get butterflies just thinking about performing there one day.
We also saw the other facilities, such as the classrooms, gym, and pool
It was great to have a chance to meet some of the students that will be joining me there the coming school year :]
I had an all-around great time, and am so UBEREXCITED to attend this coming school year!
omgg me too jonah!
i was in the open housee thiss school iss so beyonddd
yourr imagiiinatioon!! i am gladd i got acceptedd!!
woot woot
I got accepted to this school for art. I hope they add people who actually IS good in the stuffs they’re put into.
example: arts- people who are good in art
music or vocals- people who can sing and people who want to learn/know how to play a musical instrument.
I want to ask if there’s P.E. in this school.
I also hope there is no tagging in this school or any gangs.
Of course PE is included in the curriculum! They have a gymnasium, basketball courts, a field, and a pool.
As for tagging, as of now, no, and let’s hope that our fellow students can maintain the school’s spotless interior/exterior.
Hi I am Jocelyn’ I would love to enroll in your new high school!!
I would love to enroll in your new school because in my school they don’t give me that opportunity to do what I want to do in my future… which is design(clothing), art and music. My school is kind of holding me back from doing that.
PLEASE I’m begging that I get accepted to that school.
notify me ASAP. THANK YOU
My name is Jordan Boston I am currently an sophmore at Dorsey High School. I recently heard about your school through a friend of mine and immediately wanted to attend. The problem is, I cant seem to find any infromation whatsoever!! Please get back to me on how to apply! Thank You!!!!
To Jordan:
E-mail lamoin.garrard@lausd.net for info
Good Luck!!
i applied to central high school #9 by this time you already know how to apply but you have to go to local district number 4 and ask for an application and turn it in ASAP becuz there aint much space!!!!
Hello, my friend told me about this school and she is already accepted. My brother and I applied and he got in but I am on the waiting list to be a future 9th grader here. Please tell me if I have a good chance of getting accepted. My brother is already accepted into the music academy and i am a violinist and have been in orchestra since i was in 3rd grade (5 years). Thank you.
Hi, my name is Shiree I got accepted to this school and im super excited to attend. I can’t wait until the new school year starts.
Hello my name is Rut Tomas ,I have been accepted to this new high school.I’m really exited too ,I can’t wait for the first day of school!!Thanks for accepting me I promise you I will give the best of myself to this school!
hi my name is teresa i already send application for this high school and i already send the email you have to send to them but
i dont know if they have go it can some one give me the questions they ask in the application?please i do not want to go to roselvelt preatty please
hi my name is teresa i already send application for this high school and i already send the email you have to send to them but
i dont know if they have go it can some one give me the questions they ask in the application?please i do not want to go to roselvelt preatty please
?????/
Hi my name is Paola and i would like to know why they didn’t give this school to Los Angeles High School of the Arts(LAHSA)?
Wow! i got in!! and at the last minute too! i just got my letter thursday[july 2] and i said i got accepted in the visual arts academy [photography] as a ninth grader!cant beileve it! and 2 of my best friends got accepted last minute too! this school is awesome. Cant wait till tuesday! hope they like me.
any one else get into the visual arts academy?[9th]
i just wen to da orientation and here are some facts about the school.
1. bolck schedule
8 classes[english math biolagy,pe, launguage, 2 electives and one other class but i forgot wat it was.{9th}]
per1-4 one day and 5-8 da next. mondays we get out early .
2.not execpting anymore students. they will start accepting applications in april of 2010. srry.
3. all classes stay with in your acedemy building, which means dat , if ,like me, your in visual arts then all your classes, even biology and math are in da visual arts building. same for the other academies.
4, the school is even more amazing inside!
hi im courtyana and i will be a junior in september …
i currently attend catch charter high school.
i have great grades and love to sing.
is it too late for me to enroll?
i hope and pray i still have a chance!!
if i do can you please contact me?
thank you !
I was at the high school on Friday to register my children. I felt in love with the academic program & with the campus. The students will have access to the Music Center, Disney Hall, the Cathedral, and MOCA (Museum Of Conteporary Art). The Music Center, its’ resident companies, and the other cultural organizations along Grand Avenue are excited about the new high school and look forward to developing collaborations to support the students and faculty. I’m excited that Central Los Angeles High School #9 will offer great opportunites to students which have a passion for the Arts! Thank you LAUSD for making this school a reality & not a dream! The students will make LAUSD very PROUD…….you can bet on it.
when is the last day that i can enroll ?
im an upcoming 11th grader.
elizabeth, what middle school did u go to?
to jessica.
i went to eagle rock jr/sr high school.
to elizabeth…oh, cool. how many classes do we have to take for 9th grade? im accpeted as a music student in 9th grade. i didn’t go to the audition thing but im making it up next week, so i didnt get any information. what does the school look inside? did they make up a mascot name and colors yet?
to jessica.
u will have 8 classes. 3 electives[1 language, 2 classes of your art], pe, and 4 general ed classes.
the school is amazing!! it feel like your in the future. andi dont think they choose there colors or mascot yet.
thank you, is there a gym? and will there be any football games?
from wat i know there is no football team/feild, just a grass field, and idk if there is a gym.
wat school did you go to?
i went to paul revere, where did you go?
will they have a cross country team? lol
FYI there is a gym. And its pretty nice :] As for track and field, I have no idea.
OH MY GOD. I want to go to this school soooo bad! It looks absolutely gorgeous! how do you enroll?!
Is it stricktly visual and preforming arts or would anyone enroll, like honor students???
you enroll by visiting the school. They are not accepting anymore students but you can try. Freshman have a long waiting list and they are not accepting any seniors. Anyone can enroll but i suggest you have to deal with visual and performing arts since you are trying to enroll so late.
I am an honor student, and I’ve enrolled. I can take any AP classes I want. Its really cool. This is my schedule (i’m a junior)
AP English Lit
AP US History
AP Calculus
Physics
AP French
Journalism
Theatre Comapny (adv theatre)
Play Production
You can still enroll. Go to the LAUSD site, click on schools, then follow the link to schools opening in 09-10, and click on Central High School #9 for info
woah juan they already gave you your schedule and teachers? i need to finish filling in my papers to get that. do they have any sports juan?
If you;re going to enroll as a sophomore (10th) or junior (11th) they can still accept you. No more freshman though.
thats ur official schedule? with teachers and classrooms? and do they have sports? plz answer . i have already been accepted
Not teachers, nor the order in which my classes are. But during the placement workshop two wks ago, we met w our counselors and signed up for our classes. My counselor said I should have all of those classes. I’m probably trying out for swim
ohhh yeah, i need to audition because i was out of town and couldnt make it to the workshops. That’s great, im a freshman i can’t wait to see what im in. Do you know if there is a football team or basketball? My brother wants to know
umm i dont know. Not football for sure, but idk about basketball
okay thanks, you didn’t mention P.E, do we have to take it if we are doing a sport and you named 8 classes, and forgot P.E? will there be AM classes? sorry for all the questions
I’m a junior, so I dont need to take PE anymore. My bro is a freshman and his schedule has PE and another class called health/life science that all freshmen take. What do you mean AM classes?
No problem this is fun :]
I got accepted into this school i’m so happy!!!
Juan–please follow up on the AP part. Im not sure they offer AP. I do know that Honors classes are an option. In order to be placed in AP you must Test.
Last I heard there are no sports teams.
To Sasha-
I don’t fully understand your question. What are you asking me?
Yes, they do offer AP classes. The counselors gave us a preference sheet where we were to pick our electives as well as sign up for the appropriate general ed classes, for which AP was definitely an option. Where have you heard otherwise? Are you going to be a student this coming year?
hey
i would love to ettend this high school i heard about it from a friend and ever since i loved the school especially the librarylol. so contact me back please. cuz im moving to california la very soon and would love to ettend next year if im to late for this year
Unfortunately, I got accepted to a magnet high school, but I would have enjoyed going here. :/ Hope you guys have fun in this school!
BTW, I went around the campus and it smells new. LOL. A little bit mixed with metal but it’s nice. Very matallic-looking though.
This is a design experiment that is wonderful, challenging, and stimulating to art, ideas, photography, and filmmaking. An inspiring addition for L.A. Bravo to the designer and the guts someone had to build it.
I’m going to this school in September.
I love this school … I got everything I need but does anyone know if well have block schedule?
OMG!!!
im so excited 2 go 2 this school!
i cant believe i got accepted!
this is 2 c outyana…
yes we will have block schedule..
its 4 periods per day..
but the 1st day we will have all 8 periods =)
hay. i would so love to go to this highschool! i got accepted! but wen i was in school, somebody from this highschool called my dad to confirm my acceptance while i was in the other school i got accepted to. UNFORTUNATELY, he said no >=( i’m so mad at him. i was really hoping to attend to thiis highschool and i hate the highschool that i am at. God, please help me! can i still enroll?
when is our orientation?
Orientation for 9th graders is on September 2. 10th and 11th graders have their orientation on September 3rd.
Both will be from 6-8 pm, parents report to the Theatre for their orientation with Principal Blake, while students report to different locations by academy:
Theatre- Black Box Theatre
Dance- Gym
Visual Arts- Lecture Hall, 204
Music- Recital Hall, M110
According to the letter, there will be PE clothes and dance attire available for purchase. Also, juniors will have the opportunity to purchase/see info on class rings, and all students will be able to buy class and academy jackets.
Will the school offer AP classes, tutoring, and workshops in the A-G requirements for UC enrollment?
AP classes will most definitely be offered. As for the tutoring and workshops, you’d have to ask the school officials because I don’t know. You can call them or even go to the school and ask your questions at the main office, there ARE staff there waiting to answer any of your queries.
Hello, I’m going to be a junior- unfortunately, I found out about this amazing school only a couple of weeks before the semester starts for this year. Does anybody know if they’re accepting any late registrations/transfers? Me and my friends have always been art-oriented and this school seems to ridiculously well-suited for us (I’m very into digital media, drawing, painting- i.e the Visual Academy).
Naturally I don’t want to lose the opportunity to attend this year, as you’re not allowed to apply senior year. ): Please email me with the information.
Are AP classes only offered to Juniors?
I go to that school im in Theater
i totaly love my school there its so awsome inside lolts of stairs and its just indescriable its the best school a kid could ever have.!=]=]=]
anyone that wants to apply for this school should send a e-mail to lamoin.garrard@lausd.net good luck ppl!!!!!!!!!!
this is a really cool school you get your regular classes and then you get 2 do dance music theater and visual arts i go there as a 9th grade im in dance and i like it hope you guys get accept ive seen some new kids there so if you applied you might get accep it so good luck every one nex year there will be 12 grade so good luck senors
i wish i could go here i just have to convince my mom first
When are the tours? What is the application process? Where can I get this info?
thank you for your time.
I’m currently going to this school and it is absolutely amazing, this is for people who love the arts. Its even more beautiful in person!
I really want to go to this school, but I have that e-choice lausd magnet program. And they said to email them if your interested in going next year. I emailed them but I haven’t heard from them yet. And I really wnat to go to this school next year!!!!!!!!!
i wnt to go to this school!