Fine Arts

At the earliest stages of Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade, The Lower School curriculum is based on Orff methods integrating music, movement, voice, and creative dramatics. In 2nd grade, students learn to play mallet instruments, such as xylophones and glockenspiels. In 3rd grade, students begin formal training in string instruments and recorders. The 4th grade culminates their performing experience in a musical theater presentation. Lower School students perform regularly at division-wide assemblies and community events.

Middle School performing arts sequence develops students’ musical fluency through ‘learning by doing’. In 5th and 6th grade, general music instruction and appreciation continues. In 7th and 8th grade, students may choose to participate in Rock Band. Students are exposed to musical concepts. Middle Schoolers may also join the extracurricular Musical Theater troupe.

The Upper School Performing Arts classes features the Popular Music Ensemble, which is a rock music-based band. Students may also choose to participate in after school extracurricular theater offerings in the Fall and Spring.

In the Lower School, visual arts are taught in ways that foster artistic growth and self-expression. Instruction at each grade level includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, as well as art history. Students learn the foundation of visual arts as they work with a variety of forms and formats. The Lower School art room is specifically equipped with appropriate-level materials and tools. Students connect the arts with interdisciplinary and community outreach projects.

At the Middle School level, the visual arts sequence advances the principles of art with continued emphasis on Art History, color theory and design. The curriculum provides opportunities to explore drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, graphic arts, photography, and sculpture. Curricular projects as well as extracurricular and competitive opportunities are designed to meet the readiness, interests, and learning profiles of adolescents. 

In the Upper School, students follow a sequence of required and elective arts courses to continue their artistic and creative growth. Semester-long classes cover drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics, so that students develop a rich portfolio of two dimensional and three dimensional works. With flexible programming, students may build a program of arts study individually tailored to their interests.