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ARMES Video 2024.mp4Watch this video to learn more about the ARMES program!
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The ARMES Program (Arts Reaching Middle and Elementary Schools) is a tuition-free, artistically gifted and talented program serving qualified 3rd–8th grade students in Greenville County. Designed to nurture and challenge young creatives, ARMES offers specialized instruction in music, dance, drama, visual art, and creative writing.
Through in-depth exploration of their chosen art form, students develop their artistic voice, build technical skill, and express their unique creativity. Classes are paced and structured for students with exceptional talent and a strong interest in the arts, fostering a collaborative environment where passion and potential thrive.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
After-school classes held at designated ARMES site locations
Serves 3rd-8th Grade identified students
ARMES is an audition based program
Rigorous, engaging curriculum taught by experienced teaching artists
Emphasis on individual growth, discipline, and creativity
PROGRAM LOCATIONS:
League Academy - Central Site
Greer Middle - Northern Site
Hillcrest Middle - Southern Site
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Transportation is not provided — families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up. Carpooling is encouraged.
If your child is ready to be challenged, inspired, and supported in their artistic journey, we invite you to learn more and apply to the ARMES Program.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Allow young students to develop as artists
Create a stimulating learning environment in which students experience both intellectual and social growth
Develop behaviors useful in self-directed learning
Heighten enthusiasm for learning
Increase knowledge and use of creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Foster appreciation for personal abilities
Encourage the development of aesthetic values
PROGRAM EXPANSION
Greenville County Schools is excited to announce the ARMES program will be expanding over the next five years by establishing sites in the northern and southern areas of the district and by adding an additional music pathway to the central site. Over the next five years the program is slated to grow from our current enrollment of 350 artistically gifted and talented 3rd-8th graders to over 1,900!
As part of the program’s growth, we will also be expanding music opportunities for students at all three locations. In the current program, strings is the only option for incoming students who wish to study music. The new music pathway will provide students in grades 3-5 with an in-depth study of developing aural skills, sight singing, ear training, music theory, and other music topics that extend well beyond what is provided in an elementary music class. When these students transition into middle school, they will elect to focus on either orchestra, band, or chorus and will be provided master class-type instruction through the ARMES program. The middle school curriculum for orchestra, band, and chorus will be built around the audition criteria for entry into the Fine Arts Center. The new sites will offer the new music pathway for students beginning in 3rd grade and will transition these students to orchestra, band and chorus as they age up into middle school during the 2025-2026 school year.
At the new Greer and Hillcrest Middle sites, we will be layering in the different arts subject areas over a five-year period. The Greer and Hillcrest Middle sites will kick off the 2022-2023 school year by serving third-grade music students. The planned implementation schedule is:
2022-2023: Music (Grade 3)
2023-2024: Visual Art (Grades 3-8); Music (add Grade 4)
2024-2025: Drama (Grades 3-8); Music (add Grade 5)
2025-2026: Dance (Grades 3-8); Instrumental Music (Grades 6-8); Voice (Grades 6-8)
2026-2027: Creative Writing (Grades 3-8)
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