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, preparing students to reach their highest potential. During the 2026-2027 school year, OCSA proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary – a milestone that reflects four decades of transforming the lives of young artists and scholars.

Today, OCSA serves approximately 2,450 students in grades 7-12 from more than 100 cities throughout Southern California. In addition to a rigorous college-preparatory academic program, students receive pre-professional training in one of 17 conservatories spanning the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music, and Theatre.

Since relocating to downtown Santa Ana in 2000, OCSA has become an integral part of the city's cultural and educational landscape. The school serves hundreds of Santa Ana students and remains deeply committed to community outreach, engagement, and service to local residents.

OCSA's unique model fosters artistic creativity, academic excellence, and personal growth, producing lifelong learners who matriculate to leading colleges, universities, and conservatory programs around the world. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), OCSA has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts as a national model for arts education.

Orange County School of the Arts is in 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 2025-2026 school year.

2025-2026 Accomplishments:

1) In September, OCSA received a transformative $5 million endowment gift from the Martin and Pickup families, made in honor of Carole Pickup, a beloved philanthropist and longtime supporter of the arts. In recognition of this gift, our Master Artist Series was renamed the Carole Pickup Master Artist Series. This endowment gift has helped attract world-class guest artists and industry professionals to visit campus and offer enriching training to our students.
2) OCSA completed the construction of our new student commons, made possible through Students First: A Capital Campaign.
3) 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).
4) OCSA's Ambassador Jazz Orchestra placed 2nd in the nation at the 2026 Essentially Ellington High School Band Competition & Festival, with recognitions for Outstanding Rhythm Section, Outstanding Brass Section, Outstanding Piano Soloist, Outstanding Doubler, Outstanding Trombone Soloist, The Snooky Young Award, and The Ella Fitzgerald Award.
5) Students from The Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory competed in the 2026 National ProStart Invitational, and OCSA’s Management Team took 4th place in the nation.
6) OCSA was one of only 19 schools in the state to receive a California Exemplary Arts Education Award from the California Department of Education.
7) Lexie Shehab (Popular Music, ’27) was named the 2026 Artist of the Year for Vocal Music by the Orange County Register.

1) Expand access to arts education for students with financial need.The OCSA Foundation’s Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program (ASSP) addresses a critical need by ensuring that students from low-income families have equitable access to the full OCSA experience. Nearly half of OCSA students require some level of financial assistance, and more than 200 families live below the federal poverty line. Through ASSP, these students receive comprehensive support that removes financial barriers to participation.
2) Build a robust endowment to secure OCSA’s future. Growing endowment resources will provide long-term financial stability and reduce reliance on annual fundraising.
3) Finalize and implement the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. This roadmap will guide OCSA’s next chapter, strengthening student success, community engagement, and organizational sustainability.
4) Strengthen capital reserves for campus improvements. Adequate reserves will support facility maintenance, modernization, and future infrastructure needs.
5) Develop alumni engagement infrastructure. As OCSA celebrates 40 years, investing in systems and programs to identify, engage, and steward alumni will strengthen lifelong connections and cultivate future advocates and supporters.

Orange County School of the Arts serves 2,450 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.

As an OCSA alumna, alumni parent, and Board Chair, I have experienced firsthand the life-changing power of arts education. OCSA is about so much more than training artists—it is about developing compassionate, confident, and curious human beings who go on to make meaningful contributions in every field. The creativity, emotional intelligence, and perseverance fostered here prepare students for lifelong success, whether they pursue careers in the arts, business, medicine, law, or beyond. OCSA changed my life, shaped my career, and ultimately gave my family the opportunity to experience this extraordinary community across generations. I am honored to help ensure that future students have access to the same transformative experience that has impacted countless lives.