The Digital Arts Technology Academy is a four-year program at Cathedral CIty High School. This Apple Distinguished Program / California Partnership Lighthouse Academy focuses student creativity in the areas of photography, graphics, animation, filmmaking, video production, audio production, broadcast, game design, and leadership.
Students apply to the Academy during the spring of their freshmen year, and if accepted, they travel with other DATA students for three academic courses and one DATA CTE elective during the sophomore and junior years. In their senior year, DATA students are enrolled in Senior English and at least one DATA CTE elective. This provides the students a unique opportunity to apply their creative and technology talents to college preparatory curriculum in the core content classes.

Throughout their junior and senior years, DATA students are provided a variety of opportunities to gain experience with community and industry partners through class projects, presentations, and work-based learning in the field.

Academy teachers have common preparatory periods in which they share curriculum ideas and monitor student academic progress and individual issues. By senior year, many of our students are clear about what major they would like to pursue, what college will best accommodate their career goals, and have built a dynamic resume.

“DATA has changed what I want to be in life by being exposed to the possibilities of video game design” – Sebastian Gonzalez

“Being part of DATA has kept me on track and made me into a well-rounded individual.” – Cruz Moreno

“DATA and SkillsUSA has benefited me greatly, giving me life skills such as time management and working towards solid deadlines.” – Sebastian Gomez

“As a senior, my overall experience in DATA has been incredible. If it wasn’t for all of the opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of, I wouldn’t have met some of my most inspiring role models.” – Donielle Gerrell

“I came to DATA with experience from James Workman Middle School, and DATA has helped me to create more professional work. DATA is an awesome academy with many great opportunities.” – Jebari Wooten

“The tools in DATA not only help us to learn and feel empowered with our creativity, they help us as students to never be satisfied with our work, knowing that we can always learn and improve.” – Manuel Aramburo

2012 – 2015 Apple Distinguished Program
2012 – 2016 California Partnership Lighthouse Academy