The Nyack Schools Visual Arts Department values the development of the whole student through recognition of their talents, ideas, and beliefs. As a department we encourage students to make meaningful works of art and simultaneously prepare them to think like artists, develop creative and worldly mindsets, and explore possibilities.

We believe that thematic structure engages self-motivation and sparks personal meaning-making. We emphasize critical thinking and problem solving through the utilization of open-ended questions and a body of work encompassing research, exploration, skill-building, and reflection. We ask students to imagine what art can, or might, be in relation to their perspectives and experiences. As the landscape of visual art evolves, new forms of art will be examined and juxtaposed with historical works of art across cultures. We encourage students to embrace risk-taking, collaboration, and empathy as they learn through creative processes.

It is the goal of Nyack Public Schools and the Nyack Visual Art Department  to create an inclusive learning environment that supports, honors, and values all students, and staff. We firmly believe that all students' voices, perspectives, experiences, skills, and participation adds to the richness of our classroom experiences.  

We aim to create a space that all students, of any description, feel valued, heard and represented in the learning environment, curriculum and instructional strategies and materials. We also value opportunities to continue to grow to strengthen our instructional practices to best serve all students.