Q: "What if I am not good at Art?"

A: Art I is designed as an introduction to the fundamentals of Art, which include 2D and 3D media. Educators will assess your ability and help you learn the skills and techniques necessary to improve and grow from where you are already. This course is designed to give you a broad range of abilities across a variety of media, so even the most gifted of artists will be learning something new. If you are new to art making, then this is the perfect place to start. If you have been making art for a lifetime, this is the first step toward improving your skills and pursuing Art throughout High School.

Q: "Can I skip Art I?"

A: Yes - Learn more here, but you have to receive approval... 

Art I is the entry level class to the Visual Arts program at the High School for all students regardless of ability or age. Students must take Art I to pursue other Visual Arts courses such as Photography, Ceramics, 2D Design or AP courses. This expectation is the same for other leveled courses as well. For example, you must complete Photography I before enrolling in Photography II, etc. Some amazing professional artists took Art 1 in High School. Nathaniel Garza graduated from Alamo Heights High School... When in the 9th grade, Nathaniel elected not to bypass Art 1 because he wanted to refine his foundation skills and get a fresh perspective from different teachers... Nathaniel took four years of Art at AHHS and then pursued painting after graduation. He quickly became one of the nations premier Western Artists at just 19 years of age! Nathaniel will tell you that building a strong foundation was and is still critical to his success.

Q: "Can I show you my portfolio to get into a course of my choice?"

A: While our experienced educators would love to see your portfolio and provide feedback to help you explore your interests and improve your skills, students must enroll and complete prerequisite courses or complete the bypass process and receive approval before entering into Level II and higher Visual Arts course offerings at the HS. A portfolio is required as a part of the bypass process. - here are the requirements to bypass Art 1. 

Q: "I've already taken Art I & Art II in Middle School..."

A: Although the name is the same, Art I and Art II at the High School is not the same course offered at the Junior School. As a district team, AHISD teachers collaborate to make your learning experience the best it can be from grade 1-12. However, an art student will be asked to demonstrate knowledge and mastery of fundamental skills and techniques at all levels throughout their development toward becoming an artist, so you should expect to review previous information in addition to learning new things.

Q: "Can I take AP Art and Design classes after Art I?"

A: AP Courses offered through the Visual Arts have prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to enrollment. Students/parents should refer to the Visual Arts Course Map to see the flow of courses for their selections each year to ensure they are taking the correct courses to pursue AP as a Junior/Senior. Advanced artists will need a Visual Arts Teacher recommendation to bypass Art 2.

Q: "I am a Junior/Senior. Can I take Ceramics/Photography/AP?

A: If you have already completed Art I, you may enroll in Ceramics I, Photography I, or Sculpture I. You may not skip prerequisite courses. AP courses have an additional prerequisite that must be met... See the Visual Arts Course Map to know which route is most appropriate for your selection. If you have not yet taken Art I, you must enroll in that course first. You may request to bypass Art 1 if you are a "advanced artist" - here are the requirements.