School of the Arts Diploma

Creating a "Pathway" for Today's Emerging Artists...


"I am looking forward to an amazing school year and especially excited about our Walnut High School of the Arts, which strives to provide our creative and artistic students unique and valuable opportunities to prepare themselves for a future in the Visual and Performing Arts."

- Ryan Maine

Walnut High School Principal


In order to earn a School of the Arts Diploma for Drama, candidates must...

  • Enroll in arts classes all 4 years

  • Take a total of at least 5 arts classes

      • For enrollment in the fifth art class, students must take one additional class from the following list:

          • Any additional Drama

          • AP Music Theory

          • Orchestra

          • Visual Art (Fundamentals of Art, Ceramics, Drafting, Photoshop, Advanced Art, Studio Art 2D or 3D)

          • Choir

  • Remain in the same arts specialty for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade

  • Candidates must complete at least one major performance - acting or tech.

  • Acting Candidates must also complete at least one festival performance or other extra-curricular performance.

  • Stagecraft Candidates must also tech at least one extra­curricular theatrical performance.

  • Be members in good standing within their arts discipline

  • Apply for the diploma in the spring of their senior year

  • Achieve a minimum 4.0 GPA in Arts courses

  • Achieve an overall minimum 2.5 GPA.


Students or parents interested in applying for the Walnut High School of the Arts

may contact any WHS Grade Level Coordinator or our Program Coordinator's Office at (909) 594-2263.