The School of Choice

Arts & Aesthetics (Grades 6-9+)

"What is great art?" Students learn what is artistically worthwhile and emotionally meaningful as they listen to the wisdom of sages who have tried to answer that great question. Students learn art from books, overhead presentations, movies and musical presentations. Students learn the scientific and technical aspects of art, along with the place of art in world civilizations. Students learn self-expression through art forms provided as “hands-on” experience, making our school a fountainhead of creativity.

Students may paint or sculpt under the guidance of enthusiastic, talented local artists and instructors. They learn the importance of color modification, shading, layering, drawing, and perspective and appreciate the wonder and complexity of both natural objects and the human body as they paint with watercolors or oil and sculpt with clay. Students will show their creations before the school community in special displays--and on our website. Form follows function in both nature and art.

We want students to love music. We teach vocal music and simple instruments like drums and flutes. By lecture and demonstration, students will learn about the great musicians and musical styles; with experienced teachers, they will practice some basic musical. (Students are encouraged to take instrumental courses or join choruses after school.)

Students also learn some very practical arts. The Headmaster, who augmented his educational career with woodshop and construction, offers the basics of saws, hammers, and screwdrivers. Students have assigned projects or work on projects of their own choosing.

We expect those students who excel in art to take AP Studio Art, AP Art History or AP Music Theory courses in their last years of high school.