Academics

Course Highlights

Here are a few of the classes offered in our Art Department. 

• Advanced Drawing & Design: In this course, students develop advanced drawing techniques with a focus on creating the illusion of form, texture, perspective, depth, and light. They explore realism, surrealism, illustrative and evocative works of art and contrast the application of techniques. As an integral part of the coursework, students evaluate, analyze and critique their own work and the work of others, gaining fluency in the language of art criticism. The ultimate goal of this course is to empower students to use drawing for self-expression and self understanding and to allow students to sharpen their awareness of aesthetic order and sensitivity.

• AP Studio Art: In this course, students explore advanced visual art concepts, hone the skills learned in prerequisite courses, and more fully develop a personal visual language and aesthetic. They have the opportunity to select one of three different focus areas upon enrollment: Drawing, 2-D Art and Design, and 3-D Art and Design. Specific coursework is designed through a collaborative process between the teacher and the individual student. Throughout the year, students investigate the materials, processes and ideas that artists and designers use in this focus area; they practice, experiment and revise their work; and, they communicate their ideas about their own and others’ works of art and design. In May, students submit a digital portfolio to be scored by the College Board. The exact criteria of each portfolio is reviewed with the student as a part of the coursework.