zamo

The description from our school website says this-

Zamorano Fine Arts Academy is a K-5 Visual Arts Magnet School. Our school is an exciting and innovative place for children to learn various art forms along side a standards based curriculum.

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

We are the largest elementary school in the San Diego Unified school district. We're talking about around 1300 students from k to 5th grade. Our students and staff form a richly diverse school community. We are also a Title 1 school.

Including myself, we have 4 super fantastic art instructors. Students gain experience in so many art forms. The usual stuff- drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and sculpture, but we also offer traditional and digital photography, fashion design, and ceramics.

We used to receive extra funding as a magnet school to support our program, but that went away a few years ago. Since then, our school- administration, teachers, ptf, has made a concerted effort to keep it going because everyone here understands the importance of a well rounded educational experience that includes substantial standards based instruction in the arts.

Our classroom teachers also do a phenomenal job with our students. Our students are making great gains in academic achievement in all subject areas.

Zamorano is a very special place and I feel blessed to be a part of it:)

5 comments:

  1. this sounds like an amazing school. what does your schedule look like....does your school insist on assessing students in the arts

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    1. My schedule is a little different than our prep schedule. I meet with 2 grades a week for 2 weeks, and then they rotate to another art teacher for 2 more weeks. We meet with k-3 for 60 minute lessons, 4th for 70 minute lessons, and 5th for 80 minute lessons. I'm fortunate to be able to focus on only a couple grade levels a week. It makes process and management a whole lot cleaner. Our students are assessed on the arts by their grade level teachers. The art department provides input for them. We are doing an arts & ELA integration program with our 2nd & 3rd grades this year and the assessment is tighter.

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  2. I love your website! Thanks for sharing so much. How can I access your Assembly App tutorial? Would be very helpful to a teacher returning to teach art after 10 years raising kids :)

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  3. I can't believe I found your website! I am a former Zamorano student, was in Kindergarten there in the 80's!!!! I LOVED that school. Attending this school is part of my inspiration of becoming a teacher. Nothing but good vibes thinking of this school. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your site and what you are doing for the children that attend this school. Some of my friends' kids currently attend. Thanks so much!!!!

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  4. I just listened to your podcast on Artclasscurator! Amazing lessons ideas you shared that I found so engaging. I was curious if you had photos of the Space invader tile with lego you mentioned?

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