Multimedia Art Academy
The WHS MultiMedia Art Academy (MMAA) is a state funded California Partnership Academy, a three-year program (grades 10 through 12) structured as a school-within-a-school. In the academy, we create a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academic and career technical education, as well as establishing partnerships with the professional and creative community. Each year students have at least two classes together - ART, ENGLISH and HISTORY (and 10th grade Biology).
Key components of the Academy model are:
INTERDISCIPLINARY CURRICULUM focused on a career theme (Multimedia/Art/Design) and coordinated with related academic classes.
VOLUNTARY student selection process that identifies interested ninth graders. Students express interest in the program which is followed by a conversation with the academy coordinator and academy assigned administrator in order to make sure the MMA is a good fit.
TEAM OF TEACHERS who work together to plan and deliver interdisciplinary curriculum and implement the overall program
MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITIES with private sector involvement to encourage academic and occupational preparation, such as: integrated and project-based curriculum, mentor program, classroom speakers, field trips, and exploration of postsecondary and career options.
WORKPLACE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES such as job shadowing, student internships/mentoring, and work experience. Find out about Careers in the Arts, like ANIMATION (2-D and 3-D), GRAPHIC DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION, COMIC BOOKS/MANGA, PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM MAKING, GAME DESIGN / Web Design / UI, CLOTHING DESIGN/FASHION/SKATEBOARD DESIGN
Academy Coordinators:
Academy Administrator:
Jeff Speckels
Tenth Grade MMA Teachers
Todd Elkin, Art 1
Megan Ottoboni Woods, World History
Dimitri Dimitriou, English 10
Leah Hovenier & Michael Bortz, Biology
Eleventh Grade MMA Teachers
Kim Campisano, Digital Imaging
Daniel Wildman, US History
Brynn Osicka, English 11
12th Grade MMA Teacher
Todd Elkin, AP Studio Art
Coulter Rigdon, Government/Econ
Dimitri Dimitriou, English 12