Q) What is Multimedia Academy?
A) A smaller learning community designed to establish a partnership between students, teachers, parents, multimedia, and the business world. Multimedia is a three year pathway program (10th-12th grade) committed to providing academic support for students by providing a college preparatory curriculum that connects the classroom with the real world. Multimedia is a grant funded program through California Partnership Academies.
Q) What are the different types of Multimedia Technology?
A) MMA is equipped with new personal computers, a student laptop lab in Room 508, film equipment, audio capturing devices, Canon cameras, a production studio, surround sound in classrooms, HD projectors, and updated Adobe Suites, Microsoft Office, & Windows 7/8.
Q) What are the different types of projects students complete?
A) Video production, stop-motion animation, web page design, photography, Photoshop, newsletters, Oscars award show, and working with business clients.
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Q) Is this a pathway program?
A) Yes. Multimedia is a school within a school that offers a multimedia emphasis to enhance core classes and interest in student learning.
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Q) What are the multimedia classes?
A) Academy World History, US History, and Government/Economics, Academy English II, III, and IV, Academy Web Page Design, Video and Graphic Design, and Visual and Graphic Arts, and Academy Math I and II.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q) Are students able to graduate with honors or high honors?
A) Yes. Please see your counselor for detailed information.
Q) Is this program college prep? Are Multimedia’s courses A-G approved?
A) Yes and yes. All core courses (English, history, and math) are A-G approved and Visual and Performing Arts counts toward their fine art credit.
Q) Are there any admittance requirements?
A) Yes. Students must apply for our program and fill out an application. Students must also not have any major discipline problems or major attendance issues.
Q) Does this program cost money?
A) Yes, but very little. Since this is a California Partnership Academy grant funded program, our grant covers most of the costs; however, students are asked to buy a multimedia curriculum binder for their English and History classes ($10 for all three years), fieldtrip costs (approximately $20 or less per trip for food and admittance), and a $20 donation to help maintain the quality of the program.
Q) Are there any fieldtrips?
A) Yes. We will visit the Reagan Library, various university field trips, the Museum of Tolerance, the end of the year banquet, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disneyland’s Youth Education Animation Series.
Q) Do we accept students who earn good grades, score well on standardized tests, and are involved in school activities and sports?
A) Yes. We also want students who are making positive choices in their lives and want to pursue a career in the multimedia career field or their artistic talents.
Q) Do we accept students who have failed classes, feel unmotivated or overwhelmed, and don’t have a connection to school?
A) Yes, we actually want these type of students in our program. We want all kids to have a connection to Serrano and feel good about themselves and their academic career. The MMA teachers do their best to motivate and encourage student success by meeting weekly, offering fieldtrips and awards, and teaching exciting cutting-edge curriculum that connects the classroom to the real world.
Q) Can you take additional ROP, AP, or elective courses?
A) Yes. As long as the elective class does not conflict with a core academy class, students can take any elective on campus (please note that some elective have pre-requisites and need prior approval).
Q) How do I get into Multimedia Academy?
A) Students must complete the Multimedia Application (see attached) and turn it in filled-out and signed to Mr. Fell in Room 507 for approval.
Q) Are awards and student recognition part of your program?
A) Yes. We have Oscars Night, Student of the Quarter ceremonies, 3.0 Clubs, Most Outstanding Senior, Junior and Sophomore awards, Most Outstanding Students for Computers, Math, History, and English, and many more awards to honor students' academic and multimedia success.
Q) Do I have to take all core multimedia classes?
A) Yes and no. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors usually take all three core classes: History, English, and Multimedia, while math is optional. These core classes emphasize learning across the curriculum and finish integrated projects. However, with prior approval, students may take AP English II, AP World History, AP US History, or AP Economics or Government. Many academy students take AP Biology, AP Spanish, and AP Psychology.
Q) Do all students get into Multimedia?
A) No, unfortunately. There is a limited number of spots, so if your son/daughter is interested in this program, they need to meet with their counselor, administration, or any multimedia teacher for an application. If your student is not accepted in the first round, then they will be placed on a waiting list.
Q) Can I join as a junior or senior?
A) Maybe. Students can only join our program as a junior if there is a spot open for them and meet our minimum requirements. Senior openings are very rare and usually only for students who have previously been in our program.