Our visual arts program is focused on teaching the production of art and appreciation of art in our history and culture. Students participate in various types of art creation, including painting, photography, illustration, architecture and mixed media. They are encouraged to use their artistic knowledge and skills to express understanding of academic concepts across all subject areas.
Lower School
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade learn to think like an artist by taking weekly classes in art history, art appreciation and formal art techniques. Below are examples of specific skills learned at each grade level.
Kindergarten: Practice and strengthen perceptual and sensory skills, expand upon previous awareness of art by exploring new media, tools, processes and techniques
1st Grade: Begin to develop personal art style, collaborate with classmates to strengthen social skills, learn to appreciate the work of others, reflect on the importance of art in the local and global community
2nd Grade: Draw from observation, discuss the differences between drawing from observation and drawing from memory, describe own art process verbally, discuss how design choices can affect artwork
3rd Grade: Explore 2D and 3D art, learn about pattern, order, composition and space
4th Grade: Learn about the concept of abstraction, understand that expressive qualities are not restricted to any particular style, value own emerging personal art style, explore art history
5th Grade: Analyze and critique historic and contemporary designs, learn the importance of color relationships
Middle School
Many classes incorporate mixed media art into units of instruction. Students create self-portraits from “found objects”, use digital art applications to enhance projects and create mosaics. Rotating electives such as Art History, or Portfolio Studio Arts offer additional visual arts opportunities for Middle School students.
Visual Arts
Our visual arts program is focused on teaching the production of art and appreciation of art in our history and culture. Students participate in various types of art creation, including painting, photography, illustration, architecture and mixed media. They are encouraged to use their artistic knowledge and skills to express understanding of academic concepts across all subject areas.
Lower School
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade learn to think like an artist by taking weekly classes in art history, art appreciation and formal art techniques. Below are examples of specific skills learned at each grade level.
Middle School
Many classes incorporate mixed media art into units of instruction. Students create self-portraits from “found objects”, use digital art applications to enhance projects and create mosaics. Rotating electives such as Art History, or Portfolio Studio Arts offer additional visual arts opportunities for Middle School students.