Arts Through the Grades

In Lower School (Grades T-5), our arts program sparks imagination and nurtures burgeoning talents from the very beginning of a student's educational journey. We believe in providing a comprehensive and engaging introduction to a wide array of artistic disciplines, fostering creativity, skill development, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Art

Art is an integral part of the weekly learning experience for our youngest students. In Transition and Kindergarten, art activities are woven into the curriculum by classroom teachers and/or teaching assistants, encouraging early exploration and expression. As students progress into grades 1-5, art becomes a dedicated weekly resource class, providing a strong foundation in the visual arts. Each grade level delves into a wide range of drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media techniques, with a strong emphasis on understanding the principles and elements of design. Students experiment with a rich variety of materials, including watercolor, acrylics, pastels, graphite, pen and ink, ceramics, mosaics, and much more, to develop their artistic expression and creative confidence. Our goal is to provide extensive exposure to diverse artistic mediums, ignite imagination, and encourage students to incorporate personally meaningful subject matter into their work. Our students' artwork is frequently recognized at the national level and showcased in statewide art competitions.

Creative Movement

For students in grades transition through first, creative movement is a vital part of their artistic development. The curriculum emphasizes an awareness of the body's movement and its creative potential. Students learn basic dance fundamentals alongside creative movement, exploring aspects of body awareness, space, dynamics, and relationships. Through these engaging activities, students begin to develop motor control, foundational body concepts, verbal and kinesthetic understandings, spatial awareness, and interpersonal relationships.

Music

Our general music program, for students in grades T-4, involves one resource class each week. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to the joy of music through singing, playing classroom instruments, movement, an introduction to music history, and basic music literacy. Students in Grades K-4 proudly participate in at least one concert performance each year. Beyond general music, the Suzuki String Project is open to all elementary students. String instruction can begin at any grade level on violin, viola, and cello (starting in kindergarten), and in the upper grades, on bass. Instruction follows the renowned Suzuki Talent Education Method, with active parental involvement strongly encouraged to support student progress.

Fifth Grade Arts Rotation

The fifth-grade year offers a unique and focused artistic experience through our Fifth Grade Arts Rotation. Students have the choice to rotate through theatre, chorus, and dance, spending one-third of the school year in each discipline, or they may choose to spend the entire year immersed in orchestra. The theatre rotation focuses on the use of music and dance in dramatic settings, with a curriculum designed to explore these elements in performance. In the Chorus program, students are introduced to the fundamentals of singing in a choral setting, primarily focusing on the performance practices of specific musical pieces while continuing to build general music concepts. The dance program is designed to help students of all levels learn, experience, and appreciate dance and its many styles and forms. Students develop correct physical placement of the body, coordination, balance, musicality, and focus. This rotation provides a rich opportunity for fifth graders to deepen their artistic exploration and discover new passions as they prepare for middle school.

In the middle school years (grades 6-8), students at our school embark on an exciting and in-depth exploration of the arts, building upon foundational skills and discovering new passions. Our program offers a rich array of opportunities for creative expression, blending both elective courses and extracurricular clubs.

Academically, students can choose from a dynamic selection of arts electives designed to provide comprehensive instruction and skill development. These include chorus, where students develop vocal techniques and explore diverse musical genres; dance, which introduces various forms and fosters physical expression; art, offering advanced techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other visual mediums; guitar, providing instruction from foundational chords to more complex pieces; orchestra, for those who wish to master string, wind, or percussion instruments; and theatre, where students delve into acting, stagecraft, and performance.

Beyond the classroom, our middle schoolers are encouraged to join a variety of arts clubs that foster camaraderie and provide additional performance and exhibition opportunities. These vibrant ensembles include chorus, dance and orchestra. Through both electives and clubs, middle school students have the chance to deepen their artistic abilities, collaborate with peers, and showcase their talents in a supportive and inspiring environment.

In Upper School (grades 9-12), our arts program offers an immersive and advanced experience, empowering students to specialize, refine their talents, and even pursue pre-professional pathways. Building on the broad exposure of middle school, upper school students engage in rigorous elective courses and leadership opportunities within our esteemed arts department.

Students can choose from a comprehensive array of elective classes available at all grade levels, allowing for sustained and progressive study. These include in-depth explorations in Art, where students delve into advanced techniques, art history, and portfolio development; sophisticated vocal training and performance opportunities in Chorus; diverse and challenging choreography in Dance; advanced instrumental instruction in Guitar and Orchestra, with opportunities for ensemble performance; and comprehensive training in all aspects of Theatre, from acting and directing to technical production and playwriting. For highly motivated visual artists students, we also offer AP Art, a rigorous course designed to help students create a college-level portfolio and potentially earn college credit.

Beyond the classroom, Upper School students can further their artistic engagement and leadership through a variety of distinguished arts clubs. These include the orchestra, chorus and dance ensemble, offering advanced performance opportunities and a strong sense of community. The Thespian Society provides a platform for dedicated theater students to hone their craft through productions, while club guitar offers a collaborative space for instrumentalists.

To recognize and celebrate exceptional artistic merit, leadership and academic achievement, our school proudly hosts chapters of prestigious national fine arts honor societies. Students demonstrating outstanding dedication and skill may be inducted into the National Art Honor Society, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. These affiliations provide students with national recognition, scholarship opportunities, and a chance to engage in service projects that further promote the arts within our school and broader community, preparing them for continued artistic success in higher education and beyond.