Media Arts & Communication
Las Vegas Academy’s Media Arts major is unique when compared to other programs. Students will gain hands-on experience in both Multimedia Communications and Marketing, and while specializing in Graphic Design, Video Production, or Photography. Across the four years of the program, students will be able to complete up to three CTE programs, and they will gain real-life experience and employability skills as they write for the school news website, contribute to our social media accounts, and work with the conservatories to create the marketing materials for showcases and performances. The Media Arts students learn to pitch ideas, exercise their creativity, work collaboratively, speak and write professionally, work with clients, and meet deadlines.
Program Curriculum
No other Media Arts program has access to as many CTE courses, art-related electives, and resources as the program at LVA. For example, students in Graphic Design can take advanced elective courses in digital imagery for three years, including the Advanced Placement 2D Portfolio for dual credit and college entry, and can also earn a graphic arts internship in LVA’s in-house print shop. Working for other departments within the school, graphic design students design and produce large advertisements with a 60” printer and laminator, custom design 3D prints, engrave awards, screenprint t-shirts, and dye sublimate mugs. ACA certifications are made available to students who wish to pass the test for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. In fact, all Media Arts students gain full access to the Adobe Suite. Photography students learn how to take both digital and film photography, including developing their own photos in LVA’s darkroom. Video production students have access to video equipment, a recording student, green screens, and everything they need to create and showcase their own productions.
In addition, students have access to various electives and extracurricular organizations that allow them to further their skills and compete against other students from around the country. Students who take Publications not only create the school’s award-winning yearbook Eclectic, but also have a chance to gain leadership experience and travel to various yearbook workshops. Multimedia Communications students have an opportunity to attend and compete at the annual JEA/NSPA Convention, and our active chapters of SkillsUSA and DECA regularly travel to both state and national competitions.
9th GRADE
Multimedia Communications I & Media Focus I (Photography, Graphic Design, or Video Production)
10th GRADE
Multimedia Communications II & Media Focus II
(Photography, Graphic Design, or Video Production)
11th GRADE
Introductions to Business & Marketing I & Media Focus Advanced Studies (Photography, Graphic Design, or Video Production)
12th GRADE
Marketing I & Media Focus Advanced Studies (Photography, Graphic Design, or Video Production)
Program Outcome
Students who complete the Media Arts major leave high school with college credit in up to three different CTE programs, and hands-on experience in multimedia, marketing, and their chosen emphasis, preparing them for a variety of careers and college programs in journalism, graphic design, film and video production, business and marketing, photography, and more. No other program at LVA has such a strong balance between artistic expression and marketable skills. This major is designed not only for the student interested in journalism and/or marketing, but also for the artist who is interested in promoting their own art and artistic endeavors.
Program Accolades
The Las Vegas Academy digital arts programs has been awarded the following recognitions multiple times:
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SkillsUSA Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in Advertising Design, 3D Animation, Screenprinting Technology
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Scholastic Art & Writing Awards State & National Gold Key, Silver Key, and American Vision
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Voice, CCSD Art Contest, Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, and Honorable Mention
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Adobe Certified Associates certifications for students for job placement in programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.
