JUDITH F. BACA ARTS ACADEMY

Judith F. Baca Arts Academy is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Los Angeles Unified school district, located in Los Angeles, CA with about 750 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 33 teachers, Judith F. Baca Arts Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 22:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Judith F. Baca Arts Academy, located in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a specialized elementary school within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) that emphasizes the integration of the arts into the core academic curriculum. Named after the renowned Chicana muralist and activist Judy Baca, the school serves as a creative hub for students in grades Pre-K through 5. Its educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that artistic expression—ranging from visual arts and painting to performance—is an essential tool for developing critical thinking, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence in young learners.

The school is deeply connected to its community, often leveraging its namesake’s legacy of public art and social justice to foster an environment of civic engagement and pride. By incorporating an arts-enriched instructional model, the academy aims to bridge the gap between traditional academics and creative exploration, providing students with a well-rounded foundation. The campus serves not only as a place of learning but as a vibrant space where students are encouraged to find their voices and contribute to the cultural landscape of their community.

For more information, contact Judith F. Baca Arts Academy at (323) 826-3560 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.