Ralph Opacic

Dr. Ralph S. Opacic, a visionary leader and pioneer in arts education, has dedicated his life to nurturing young talent and fostering creativity. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Opacic’s contributions to the field of arts education are truly remarkable.

As the founder of the Orange County School of the Arts and the California School of the Arts in San Gabriel Valley, Dr. Opacic has established a lasting legacy that has transformed the lives of countless aspiring artists. Driven by a passion for the performing arts, Dr. Opacic initially pursued a career as a professional musician. However, it was his role as the choir director at Los Alamitos High School that truly ignited his calling to shape and inspire the next generation of artists.

During his tenure as the Executive Director of the Orange County School of the Arts, Dr. Opacic steered the institution towards unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the school garnered numerous accolades and became renowned for its exceptional arts and academic programs. Dr. Opacic’s commitment to excellence led him to assemble a remarkable team of premier arts and academic instructors in Southern California, ensuring that students at OCSA received the highest quality education and training.

Dr. Opacic’s dedication to his students extended beyond the classroom. He served as a college counselor, offering guidance and support to help students navigate the complex process of pursuing higher education. His experience as a student activities director and memorial union night manager further equipped him with the skills to create a vibrant and engaging campus culture. Additionally, Dr. Opacic’s expertise as a secondary school teacher allowed him to connect with students on a personal level and understand their unique needs.

Throughout his career, Dr. Opacic’s research and publications have centered around students, college outcomes, goals, prediction, evaluation, needs assessment, data collection and application, and planning and communication. His extensive research and publications have made significant contributions to the field of arts education, providing valuable insights and tools for educators and administrators. Furthermore, Dr. Opacic’s commitment to innovation and excellence is exemplified by the implementation of a school-wide art-integration model at OCSA that incorporates arts instruction into all aspects of students’ coursework.

In 2017, Dr. Opacic furthered his legacy by establishing OCSA’s first regional campus, California School of the Arts in San Gabriel Valley.As the Chief Executive Officer of CSArts-SGV, Dr. Opacic brought his wealth of experience and expertise to create a world-class arts education institution that mirrors the success and reputation of OCSA. Dr. Opacic’s vision for CSArts-SGV was to provide the same level of excellence in arts education and academic instruction as OCSA, while also catering to the unique needs and talents of the San Gabriel Valley community.

He belives that passion, dedication, perseverance, and unwavering vision are the cornerstone of succcess. He embodies the saying “Vision is hitting a target that no one else can see.”