Studio Art I

Course Code 9120

Grade(s): 9-12  

Prerequisite: None

1 Credit

Elective Explore innovative ideas, materials, and techniques through artmaking. Build on middle school art experiences by practicing new skills. Engage in the creative process through critical thinking and authentic problem solving to create, present, respond and connect with your own art and the art of others. Work with a range of two dimensional and three-dimensional media including drawing painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and computer graphics. Participate in discussions focused on art history, criticism and aesthetics and connect visual art concepts with other disciplines. Compile a working assessment portfolio.

Studio Art II 

Course Code 9130

Grade(s): 10-12  

Prerequisite: Art I

1 Credit

Elective Expand skills, techniques and concepts acquired in Art 1 using a variety of two dimensional and three-dimensional media. Generate original ideas for art production inspired by real world experiences. Engage in the artistic process by making choices in creating, presenting, and responding to your own art and the art of others. Develop a personal style in art making based on the study of art history, criticism and aesthetics. Explore connections between visual art concepts and those in other disciplines. Review, refine and continue to build a working assessment portfolio. 

Art III

Course Code 9140

Grade(s):

1 Credit

Elective In this course, students continue their refinement of skills through the use of different types of media, placing a high emphasis on composition through organization of the elements of art and use of the principles of design. Students are encouraged to explore their personal styles of art making while producing a diverse body of work. Students will document their growth through the continued development of a portfolio (traditional or digital).

Graphic Arts Design 1 (semester)

Course Code 9185

Grade(s): 9-12

Prerequisite: None

1.0 Credit 

Elective Explore and differentiate between the commercial and fine art applications of graphic design. Employ design thinking to convey visual concepts in creative ways. Develop skills and techniques in the use of current computer software and discover ways to inspire, inform, and captivate viewers and potential consumers. Practice digital media approaches to visual communication through image manipulation, illustration, layout and product design. Prepare a portfolio of completed work. *May count as technology elective in grades 11-12.*

Graphic Arts Design 2 (semester)

Course Code 9185

Grade(s): 9-12

Prerequisite: Graphic Arts Design I

Elective Graphic Design II builds upon the skills developed in Graphic Design 1 and highlights professional workflows, conceptual development, and refined digital design practices. Students learn and apply more advanced techniques in Adobe Photoshop to focus more on real-world design practices, and are introduced to new softwares like Adobe Illustrator. Putting a stronger emphasis on branding guidelines, conceptual imagery, advertising, and information design projects. The course introduces industry expectations, critique, revision, and portfolio development. *May count as technology elective in grades 11-12.*

*Students who complete Graphic Arts Design 1 and 2 are encouraged to sit for their Adobe certification. The Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exam in Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator, with proficiency through foundational digital media skills. Successful completion of this course supports students pursuing creative careers or postsecondary study in design related fields.*

Makerspace 101 (semester)

Course Code 9121

Grade(s): 9-12  

0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Students will learn how to utilize key maker space equipment and technology, honing their creativity in the process. Students interested in becoming part of the Maker Space Squad as upperclassmen are required to take Maker Space 101 as part of their learning experience. The Maker Space Squad is not required after completion of this course but is a prerequisite for joining the Maker Space Squad. *This course is cross-referenced with data and computer science and will meet the elective requirement for computer/data science for 11th-12th grade.

Makerspace 102 (semester)

Course Code 9122

Grade(s): 9-12  

0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Makerspace 101

Building on the foundation of Makerspace 101, Makerspace 102 offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills with advanced maker space equipment and technology. This course emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through hands-on projects and collaborative challenges. Students will deepen their understanding of design thinking, prototyping, and digital fabrication techniques. Completion of Makerspace 102 is a prerequisite for those interested in joining the Maker Space Squad, where students take on leadership roles and help facilitate the maker space for their peers. While joining the Maker Space Squad is optional, this course provides valuable skills and experience for aspiring innovators and leaders. *This course is cross-referenced with fine and performing arts and will meet the elective requirement for computer/data science for 11th-12th grade.

Anticipated for the 27-28 Program of Studies:

UX/UI (User Experience / User Interface)

Drama: From Page to Stage (semester)

Course Code

Grade(s):

.5 Credit

This semester-long course introduces students to the art of theatre through the study and performance of dramatic literature. Students will explore selected plays from a variety of time periods and styles, analyzing character, theme, structure, and historical context while developing foundational performance skills. Through scene work, monologues, and collaborative activities, students will learn basic acting techniques, stage movement, voice projection, and script analysis. By combining literary study with hands-on performance experience, this course builds confidence, critical thinking, creativity, and an appreciation for theatre as both a literary art form and a live performance medium. 

Independent Study I: Music (Band/Orchestra/Voice)

Course Code 9242

Grade(s): 9-12  

Prerequisite: None

1 Credit

Elective This independent study music course is designed for motivated students who want to explore music beyond the traditional classroom. The course emphasizes creativity, personal growth, and building discipline through regular check-ins, reflective work, and presentations.  **Please note that participation in this pass/fail course must be approved by administration based on evidence of commitment to learn or continue learning an instrument, to include vocal training. 

Music Ensemble I:

Course Code

Grade(s) 9-12

1 Credit

This year-long performance-based course provides students with the opportunity to participate in a dynamic music ensemble that may include a combination of traditional band and orchestra instruments. Students will rehearse and perform a diverse repertoire spanning multiple musical genres and historical periods, including classical, contemporary, jazz, popular, and world music. Emphasis is placed on developing technical proficiency, music literacy, ensemble balance, tone production, and expressive performance. Through collaborative rehearsals and public performances, students will strengthen musicianship, teamwork, and artistic confidence while gaining a deeper appreciation for the versatility and power of ensemble music-making.

Digital Music Production (semester)

Course Code

Grade(s): 9-12

.5 Credit

This half-credit, one-semester course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital music production and composition. Using industry-standard software and digital audio equipment, students will learn to create, edit, and arrange original music across a variety of genres. Topics may include beat-making, MIDI sequencing, sampling, sound design, audio recording, mixing, and basic music theory as it applies to contemporary production. Through hands-on projects and collaborative work, students will develop technical skills, creative expression, and critical listening abilities while building a portfolio of original digital compositions. *May count as technology elective in grades 11-12.*