5 answers
Pearl
Student
5
Questions
Updated
545 views
Should I pursue a New Highschool?
The high school i'm currently assigned to has none of the art electives I'm looking for to become a producer for my own show (see my description for my future careers). Any High school ideas I should look at? I'm in 8th grade right now. I live in Hawaii.
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5 answers
Addi M
Artist, Watercolorist
11
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Addi’s Answer
Hi Pearl,
It's awesome that you're already thinking about the type of career path you want to take and what steps you need to get there!
First, I apologize that my response isn't exactly about finding a new school - being able to select or change high schools may not always be in your power (depending on your state's/district's laws for how students are assigned to public schools, what your parents or guardians might be able to support, etc). Instead, I'll focus on some expanded ideas:
- See if you can supplement with courses outside of your high school. Community centers, libraries, and community colleges may have courses that can strengthen your knowledge for the career you're looking at, or they can at least point you in the right direction.
- Expand the idea of what a "relevant" course is. Even if the high school does not have the specific art courses you're looking for, that does not mean other courses wouldn't be tremendously valuable (for example, a biology class on the human body is a great advantage for an artist who does figure drawing, a social justice course provides perspective for someone who wants to tell stories from different backgrounds).
- Know that you have time! I know it might feel like you need to get all the relevant courses as soon as you can, but even if they aren't available to you in high school, all of the knowledge you absorb can build your skills as a producer, from writing to communication to budgeting!
You clearly have the determination and clarity to know where you want to be and what stories you want to tell. I have no doubt that you will get there, it just may take a bit more of a curving path than you'd expect!
It's awesome that you're already thinking about the type of career path you want to take and what steps you need to get there!
First, I apologize that my response isn't exactly about finding a new school - being able to select or change high schools may not always be in your power (depending on your state's/district's laws for how students are assigned to public schools, what your parents or guardians might be able to support, etc). Instead, I'll focus on some expanded ideas:
- See if you can supplement with courses outside of your high school. Community centers, libraries, and community colleges may have courses that can strengthen your knowledge for the career you're looking at, or they can at least point you in the right direction.
- Expand the idea of what a "relevant" course is. Even if the high school does not have the specific art courses you're looking for, that does not mean other courses wouldn't be tremendously valuable (for example, a biology class on the human body is a great advantage for an artist who does figure drawing, a social justice course provides perspective for someone who wants to tell stories from different backgrounds).
- Know that you have time! I know it might feel like you need to get all the relevant courses as soon as you can, but even if they aren't available to you in high school, all of the knowledge you absorb can build your skills as a producer, from writing to communication to budgeting!
You clearly have the determination and clarity to know where you want to be and what stories you want to tell. I have no doubt that you will get there, it just may take a bit more of a curving path than you'd expect!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
334
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
What an interesting question, Pearl! And how great that a professional artist responded to you.
You didn't mention where in Hawaii you live and whether there is a budget for you to attend a private school. But below are links to lists of schools in Hawaii (some private) with arts electives. Many are in Honolulu so I hope that they are accessible to you.
You could also contact the Hawaii Dept of Education for advice - the link below has a name and email. My search showed direct links to several schools. So you should be able to learn more online about the schools on the lists.
Good luck!
Niche - https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-schools-for-the-arts/s/hawaii/
US News - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/hawaii/districts/hawaii-department-of-education/hawaii-academy-of-arts-science-pcs-6191
Hawaii Dept of Education - https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/StudentLearning/Arts/Pages/home.aspx
You didn't mention where in Hawaii you live and whether there is a budget for you to attend a private school. But below are links to lists of schools in Hawaii (some private) with arts electives. Many are in Honolulu so I hope that they are accessible to you.
You could also contact the Hawaii Dept of Education for advice - the link below has a name and email. My search showed direct links to several schools. So you should be able to learn more online about the schools on the lists.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Nicole Selkov
Project Manager
21
Answers
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Great points above!
I would also suggest taking a broader look at your current school's offerings. While interesting and relevant electives would be a huge plus, High School offers other benefits. I would consider the quality of your school's academic rating , support services (like counselors), after school programs and connivence for your family (cost and distance). All of these factors will help you build the best possible foundation to enter the workforce.
For example, you may move to a new school and have great electives. However, that school doesn't prepare you as well for college entrance exams. That could make it more challenging for you to be accepted at your top choice.
Or, you may spend so much more time commuting to school that you don't have time any longer to produce content on school nights.
I would also suggest taking a broader look at your current school's offerings. While interesting and relevant electives would be a huge plus, High School offers other benefits. I would consider the quality of your school's academic rating , support services (like counselors), after school programs and connivence for your family (cost and distance). All of these factors will help you build the best possible foundation to enter the workforce.
For example, you may move to a new school and have great electives. However, that school doesn't prepare you as well for college entrance exams. That could make it more challenging for you to be accepted at your top choice.
Or, you may spend so much more time commuting to school that you don't have time any longer to produce content on school nights.
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
15
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
Have you considered a community art class to enhance your passion? Do you like your HS? If so, you can see other options. Sometimes there are charter schools or more art related schools that focus on it more. Moving is not always easy.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Pearl !
I read your description and it looks like you will have to learn video production online for now. Do a search for free courses online for screenwriting and video editing. One can't really learn acting online because it is an extremely interactive venture with immediate feedback as you develop characters in scenes or do monologues. It's an in-person thing and best learned in a group setting with an experienced teacher who gets to know you.
You would first have to ask your parents if they are willing to have you transfer next year to a different school and it would be a private school, one that offers acting and video production. They would have to be willing to pay for it. Public schools are not film or theatre schools, so I would say to start out with some of it online, proceed to 9th grade at a different school that offers those subjects only if your parents are supportive of it. It is perfectly fine to learn and explore online, but not for the acting - that has to be done in person.
At age 13, it is possible to explore and do on your own. Start writing. Learn online how to write treatments for a series or film. If your high school has a Psychology class, take as many as they offer because this will help you with both writing and acting. Most of all - be patient with this. You have a lot of time to gather resources from various avenues and it's important not to rush things or make drastic changes. Try to be frugal, focused, taking one thing at a time. Everything will come together for you, do not worry.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
I read your description and it looks like you will have to learn video production online for now. Do a search for free courses online for screenwriting and video editing. One can't really learn acting online because it is an extremely interactive venture with immediate feedback as you develop characters in scenes or do monologues. It's an in-person thing and best learned in a group setting with an experienced teacher who gets to know you.
You would first have to ask your parents if they are willing to have you transfer next year to a different school and it would be a private school, one that offers acting and video production. They would have to be willing to pay for it. Public schools are not film or theatre schools, so I would say to start out with some of it online, proceed to 9th grade at a different school that offers those subjects only if your parents are supportive of it. It is perfectly fine to learn and explore online, but not for the acting - that has to be done in person.
At age 13, it is possible to explore and do on your own. Start writing. Learn online how to write treatments for a series or film. If your high school has a Psychology class, take as many as they offer because this will help you with both writing and acting. Most of all - be patient with this. You have a lot of time to gather resources from various avenues and it's important not to rush things or make drastic changes. Try to be frugal, focused, taking one thing at a time. Everything will come together for you, do not worry.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !