Year after year, the teaching faculty creates new and innovative ways to integrate art study with that of History, English, Science, and World Languages. This “Humanities-style” teaching approach fosters teamwork among our teachers and opens the door for students to learn in fun and interesting ways.

The Lower School (Pre-K through Grade 4)
In the Lower School, the arts are taught in the earliest stages of early childhood. In addition to their academic lessons, students have “specials” built into their schedule -- visits with specialized teachers in art, dance, and music. Each grade also works on a theatrical production based on the material they’re learning in the classroom. For example, the Grade 3 study of immigration culminates in a theatrical production about America’s immigrants, performed and written by the students. Beginning in Grade 2 (and for each grade through Grade 8), students perform together as a choral ensemble. The ensembles perform in two major concerts, as well as various other events during the year. Using a Kodaly method approach, students learn to read music, as well as develop healthy vocal habits. A wide variety of literature is performed throughout the year. Also beginning in Grade 2 (and for each grade through Grade 6), students perform together as an instrumental ensemble. Using an Orff method approach, students learn to read music, as well as learn to play an instrument as part of an ensemble.

The Middle School (Grades 5-8)
In the Middle School, the arts foster self-confidence and artistic expression in all students, while developing each student’s unique talents. Building on a strong foundation of skills, students learn to think creatively and understand that risk-taking is a natural part of the artistic process. Through exposure and experience, students develop a life-long love and respect for the arts.

In Middle School, each grade has an allocated "Arts Block" in their schedule. In Grades 5-6, each student participates in the choral and instrumental ensemble, as well as in creating artwork in both the 2D and 3D art studios.
In the Grades 7-8 arts block, each student participates in a mixed-voice choral ensemble; girls and boys are divided into their own choral ensembles; and each student creates artwork based on the theme of identity in both the 2D and 3D art studios.

The Upper School (Grades 9-12)
In the Upper School, two years of formal arts classes are required, one being in Grade 9 and the other to be fulfilled during any other year of the Upper School. In Grades 10-12, students may elect to take classes in the department as they wish. Students with a strong desire to pursue arts study and arts-related careers after school make that evident in the college admissions process, and the College Guidance team in tandem with the Arts faculty work with students to find the college program that fits best.

GRADE	COURSE(S)
Grade 9	The Arts of Western History
Grade 10	Students are required to take one year of Arts courses in either Grade 10, 11, or 12
Grade 11	Students are required to take one year of Arts courses in either Grade 10, 11, or 12
Grade 12	Students are required to take one year of Arts courses in either Grade 10, 11, or 12
Recently Offered Electives	Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Theatre History, Guitar Workshop, American Popular Music, AP Studio Art, Printmaking, Sculpture/Advanced Sculpture, Digital Imagery, Painting/Advanced Painting, Dance and Choreography, Stagecraft, Introduction to Theatre, Drawing, Art History, 2D Studio Art, 3D Studio Art, Digital Imaging