VISUAL ARTS

Intro to Art (780)

Grade 9 

Credit 0.25 

Art represents the integration of human experience with individual creativity. In this semester-long introductory course, students will gain an understanding of exemplary works of art from a variety of cultures and periods, and will have an opportunity to experiment with the elements of art and principles of design through a variety of studio experiences. 

Studio Art 1 (761)

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

This year-long course is designed for the beginning art student. Basic techniques in applying the elements of art and principles of design will be covered with a strong emphasis on observational drawing and painting. Instruction is given individually to develop and enhance each student’s abilities to her fullest potential. There is a $200 fee for this course to cover the cost of materials. Class size will be limited to 14 students per section.  

Studio Art 2 (762)

Grade 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

Prerequisite: Studio Art 1.  

This year-long course is designed for the second year art student. Basic knowledge and techniques from Studio 1 are reviewed and expanded upon by investigating more complex subject matter and artistic processes. There is a $200 fee for this course to cover the cost of materials. Class size will be limited to 14 students per section.  Teacher approval required. 

Watercolor Painting (795)

Grade 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

In this semester-long course, students will be introduced to watercolor by applying the basic techniques and processes associated with this medium. Students work towards developing a thematic and stylized body of work. There is a $100 fee for this course to cover the cost of materials. Class size will be limited to 10 students per section.  

Digital Photography (749) Not running in 2025-2026

Grade 10, 11, 12

Credit 0.25

In this semester-long course, students will capture original photographs using their phones and/or DSLR cameras. They will learn about the inner workings of a camera and how light and speed affect the photograph. Students will learn about the elements and principles of design required to form a strong composition and put what they have learned into practice by composing their own arrangements to photograph. Portraiture, Landscape Photography, and Studio Lighting will be covered in this course.  Students will learn to edit and electronically manipulate their photographs using Adobe Photoshop.

Interior Design (742)

Grade 10, 11, 12

Credit 0.25

In this semester-long course, students will be introduced to the processes of interior design and the various aspects and considerations involved in interior design as a profession. Students will discover design basics, color theory, textiles, and drafting. This course will reinforce skills in mathematics, technology, and art.  Through the topics covered in this course, students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials including fabric, drawing, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and collage.

Ceramics 1 (741)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

In this semester-long course, students will learn basic hand building techniques as well as the process behind creating wheel-thrown forms. Students will learn about glaze application and glazing techniques. There is a $100 fee for this course to cover the cost of materials. Class size will be limited to 12 students per section.  

Ceramics 2 (743)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1.  

This semester-long course builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Ceramics 1. Students will explore form with wheel and hand-building techniques, while more advanced topics will be introduced and applied. A variety of glazing techniques will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on thoughtfully planned forms and designs as well as good craftsmanship. There is a $100 fee for this course to cover the cost of materials. Class size will be limited to 10 students per section.

Ceramics Independent Study (746)

Grade 12 

Credit 0.25 

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 & 2.  

In this advanced semester-long course, students will build upon the concepts and skills learned in Ceramics 1 and Ceramics 2. Students are guided to work on independent projects pertaining to a chosen theme. Students will explore more advanced topics and techniques. There is a $100 fee for this course to cover the cost of materials. Class size will be limited as space permits.  Teacher approval required. 

Graphic Design-FA (744)

Grade 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

Prerequisite: Intro to Art or Studio Art 1

In this semester-long course, students will learn how to visualize their ideas electronically through the use of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They will create projects based on design concepts, illustration, advertising and marketing from the artist’s point of view. Class size will be limited to 15 students per section.

Digital Art & Illustration-FA (745)

Grade 10, 11, 12 

Credit 0.25 

Prerequisite: Completion of Graphic Design with final average of 88% or higher. 

In this semester-long course, students will create original, custom digital paintings using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will learn the elements and principles of design, as well as foundational concepts of visual communication. Through image editing and digital drawing, they will put into practice the art principles they’ve learned. The course will include an exploration of career opportunities in the design, production, display and presentation of digital artwork. Students will also respond to the artwork of others, and learn how to combine artistic elements to create finished pieces that effectively express their ideas. Assignments will have an emphasis on concept, creativity, communication, technical achievement, and presentation. Class size will be limited to 15 students per section.  Teacher approval required.

Honors Art Major (710)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Studio Art 1, teacher recommendation/approval.  

This year-long course is offered as a major subject to junior and senior students who show aptitude in the arts. The elements of art and principles of design are reiterated and investigated through the completion of advanced drawing and painting projects. Students will learn about and investigate a variety of topics and artists. They are expected to create work correlating to those experiences, thus expanding artistic ideas and processes. Teacher approval is required for this course. There is a fee of $200 for this course to cover the cost of materials for the year.  Teacher approval required. 

Honors Advanced Art Major (711)

Grade 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Studio Art 1 and teacher recommendation/approval. 

This year-long course is designed for the advanced art student. Students will investigate concepts and projects stemming from prior art experience, such as advanced drawing and painting. Students are required to complete AP Studio Art summer assignments, as well as concentration and breadth requirements. There is a fee of $200 for this course to cover the cost of materials for the year.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Drawing (790) / AP 2-D Art & Design (791) 

Grade 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Studio 1 and teacher recommendation/approval.  

A year-long intensive course, AP Art is designed for the highly motivated student who is serious about studying art, displays motivation, and demonstrates initiative. Portfolios of study will be decided during the first month of school. Both AP Drawing and AP 2-D Art & Design require an extensive body of work including selected works and a sustained investigation, all individually based. There are suggested guidelines so that the teacher and student may collectively discuss options for study and practice. An extensive body of work to be completed during the summer will be required. Students are required to submit portfolios to the College Board. There is a fee of $200 for this course to cover the cost of materials for the year.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Art History (720)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation/approval.  

This year-long intensive course follows the syllabus requirements set by the College Board for Advanced Placement Art History. Students will experience a survey of the history of art from prehistoric through present times. Students will develop perceptual skills and visual arts vocabulary through reading, viewing art images, class discussion, and written and oral analysis. Students will research a variety of styles, genres, and artists to complete written and oral assignments. Students will be required to visit one local gallery, art center or museum and take the Advanced Placement Art History Examination in May.  Teacher approval required.