CHSDA believes that all students can succeed and pledges to graduate 100% of its students. Digital Arts embraces technology and provides students with a safe environment in which rigorous project-based learning can and does occur. We exhibit projects and productions.
The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) began researching the concept of a new high school following several years of implementing a successful arts-based youth development program and observing the engagement of teens who were involved in the digital arts components of the program. These teens demonstrated deeper commitment to the tasks than their counterparts involved in other arts disciplines such as theater or dance. The "digitally" involved teens worked longer hours, spent time at home learning and refining their understanding, and developed a focused approach to learning. With funding from The Cleveland and Gund Foundations, a team of national advisors traveled with CAL Executive Director, to several schools across the country to research innovative models that were effective, high-performing schools.
Based on site visits and other research, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and CAL, with the assistance of the national and local advisory group developed and introduced Cleveland to The Cleveland High School for Digital Arts in 2014. Even though CHSDA is a growing school, it seeks to meet the needs of students eager to learn through digital game design, recording arts technology, digital film making, and graphic design.
