Art - Middle School

Art in the Middle School is designed to build skills in various media, expand creative thinking, encourage active problem-solving, and increase confidence in expressing original ideas. Students gain deeper knowledge of the elements and principles of art, learn to assimilate art historical information into their work, delve into personal expression, engage in collaboration, and gain experience in the conception, planning and execution of multi-layered projects. Projects are designed to allow for maximum creative variability while reinforcing skills in particular media. The overriding goal is to maintain a high level of motivation and enthusiasm for all aspects of the creative process.

All art courses are graded according to the following criteria:

• Meeting the requirements of individual assignments
• Participation
• Thoroughness
• Investment of consistent effort
• Willingness to explore new possibilities
• Attentiveness
• Demonstration of independent work habits

Number and letter grades will be elucidated in the comments accompanying progress reports. Aside from classroom observation, assessment strategies may include discussion with individual students of works in progress, written responses, and written self-evaluations.

Visual Arts

• Art I
• Art II
• Art Foundations