Art

All introductory art courses (i.e., all semester art courses) will be offered at the college preparatory level only.

9th Grade Art H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade: 9
• Course Number: 06010903

Course Description: This year-long, rigorous Honors course introduces ninth graders to a deep dive into various materials and techniques–drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media–while refining their artistic skills. Successful completion of this course will prepare ninth grade students for the Art Honors pathway.

Art 1 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Course Number: 06010303

Observation is key to learning to see like an artist. Students taking Art 1 H will sharpen their observation skills through hands-on drawing exercises that help them see the details and depth around them. Students will experiment with a range of materials, from traditional media to digital tools, building their portfolio along with artistic confidence. This foundational course prepares students for success in the Art Honors pathway.

Art 2 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Art 1 H or obtain the recommendation of the Department Chair through a portfolio review.
• Course Number: 06010503

Course Description: This course builds on the observation and foundational skills honed in Art 1 H, embarking students on a journey into the dynamic world of color theory and application. Students taking Art 2H will work through a variety of engaging drawing and painting exercises to deepen their understanding of color relationships and continue to develop artistic techniques and voice. A variety of color media, including traditional and digital, are explored as students continue to develop a skillful portfolio and prepare for senior course work in Art 3H or AP Art & Design/AP Drawing.

Art 3 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade: 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Art 2 H.
• Course Number: 06010713

Course Description: This course centers on conceptual development and technical mastery to expand each student's capacity for personal expression. Students dive deeper into mixed media and digital innovation, engaging in projects that challenge creativity, encourage experimentation, and build a portfolio that demonstrates both growth and artistic identity. Collaboration, critique, and reflective practice foster a supportive, professional studio environment. Students also prepare for competitive opportunities, including juried exhibitions, scholarship applications, and college portfolio reviews.

Art 1 Studio

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Course Number: 06010200

Course Description: In this exciting, introductory art course, students will learn techniques of drawing, painting, color theory, sculpting, and discover 2-D and 3-D design. It is an introductory art class for students with little to no art experience to practice various art techniques and art media. Students will engage in creative art-making skills to further expand their creative confidence.

Art 2 Studio

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Art Studio 1
• Course Number: 06010412

Course Description: Art 2 Studio is intended for students who wish to further develop and expand their creative talents. Students enjoy the opportunity to pursue areas of interest and creative themes. Students will further enhance their creative knowledge by use of examples, exercises, critiques and creative projects. A variety of media are available for students' creative expression.

Art 3 Studio

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade: 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Art 2 Studio.
• Course Number: 06010600

Course Description: Students will start this year-long course with an opportunity to develop their own artistic theme. Students will work independently to enhance and create a diverse portfolio that expresses their creative voice and ambitions. As a culmination of the work begun in Art 1 Studio and Art 2 Studio, this course presents students with the opportunity to explore areas of artistic interest and develop ideas independently. Students interested in transitioning to the Art Honors pathway must schedule a portfolio review for appropriate placement. The purchase of a sketchbook is recommended for this course.

Ceramics 1

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Course Number: 06030100

Course Description: In this course, students work with clay to create functional and sculptural pieces. Hand-building construction includes pinch, coil, and slab techniques. Additionally, students also have the opportunity to explore alternative stamping and texture methods. . Additionally, students also have the opportunity to explore alternative stamping and texture methods. Students design, decorate, glaze and fire their work for permanency.

Ceramics 2

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Ceramics 1.
• Course Number: 06030200

Course Description: In Ceramics 2, students learn to use the potter's wheel and create a coil pot as well as have the opportunity to develop and create clay stamping techniques and more advanced hand-built projects. Students also gain a greater understanding of aesthetic qualities in ceramics and an appreciation of contemporary and historical ceramics.

Advanced Ceramics 3 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Ceramics 2.
• Course Number: 06030503

Course Description: In Advanced Ceramics 3 H, students design and create complicated clay works. Students have the opportunity to concentrate on or explore a combination of potter's wheel techniques, advanced glazing and advanced conceptual hand building assignments. In addition, students gain a greater understanding of aesthetic qualities in ceramics, an appreciation of contemporary and historical ceramics artists, develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques, and will begin to develop their own artistic voice.

Advanced Ceramics 4 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Advanced Ceramics 3H.
• Course Number: 0603703

Course Description: In this advanced course, students continue to develop and advance their ceramic skills within their chosen concentrations while developing a portfolio of ceramic work. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques.

Advanced Ceramics 5 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade: 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Advanced Ceramics 4H.
• Course Number: 06030903

Course Description: In this course, students continue to develop and advance their ceramic skills within their chosen concentrations while developing a portfolio of advanced ceramic work. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques. Students can also develop and create advanced clay stamping techniques.

Communication Design 1

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Course Number: 06100500

Course Description: Students explore a variety of digital media and artistic concepts, while being introduced to the process of design thinking and creative problem solving. Investigations in graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, multimedia, and/or interactive design allow students to build an understanding of the essential elements of visual design, and how those have an impact on their imagery. Through hands-on projects, students develop a strong foundation in digital design and build practical skills applicable to careers in advertising, marketing, branding, or the visual arts.No prior experience with digital platforms is needed but students should be open to working on the computer daily. Supported Software: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc), and more.

Communication Design 2

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Communication Design 1.
• Course Number: 06100600

In this course, students continue their creative exploration of Communication Design by building on the technical and visual design skills introduced in Level 1. Students explore advancing concepts and creative challenges, with a greater focus on the successful communication of intended meaning and message.

Communication Design 3 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Communication Design 2.
• Course Number: 06100303

Course Description: Students continue their study of Communication Design with the development of visual style and technique. Students begin to work collaboratively to design more complex communication across multiple platforms with a focus on addressing real-world challenges. More of an emphasis is placed on the design thinking and problem-solving skills of ideation, prototyping, and testing the success of their communication.

Communication Design 4/5 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Communication Design 3H.
• Course Number: 06100403

Course Description: At the advanced level of Communication Design students should have a strong technical and conceptual foundation that will enable them to create authentic and impactful designs and messages. Students use design thinking to develop and refine their work through a sequence of unique critique-centric and technical seminars. Student-driven projects create a unique point of view, engaging collaborative work, and individualized portfolios. Supported Software includes Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), iPads with Procreate and more.

Film-Photography 1

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Course Number: 06060100

Course Description: In this hands-on course, students will learn to capture stunning images and videos while experimenting with different techniques and tools. Bring your own vision to life using digital cameras and Adobe Creative Cloud programs, like Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Whether a student is new to the craft or looking to build their skills, this class offers a fun and supportive space to explore your creativity and tell your unique story.

Film-Photography 2

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Film-Photography 1.
• Course Number: 06060200

Course Description: In this course, students will take their filmmaking and photography skills to the next level. This course builds on the basics, helping you expand your creative ideas and sharpen your technical skills. With engaging hands-on projects and creative challenges, this course is perfect for students ready to refine their techniques, and take on more ambitious projects.

Advanced Film-Photography 3 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Film-Photography 2 H.
• Course Number: 06060303

Course Description: Students will dive deeper into filmmaking and photography in this yearlong course. Students will learn essential lighting techniques while honing technical and creative skills through in-studio shoots. Learn various cinematography techniques in order to master visual storytelling while constructing short films. By continuing to explore advanced editing software and conceptual ideas, you'll develop a strong portfolio that showcases your growth as an artist. This is a perfect course for students looking to discover their artistic voice and create standout projects. By the end of the course, students will have developed a portfolio of photographs or films and an artist's statement.

Advanced Film-Photography 4 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Film-Photography 3 H.
• Course Number: 06060403

Course Description: In this course, students will discover how to explore creative lighting techniques and develop their ability to tell a story through various photographic/film and writing assignments. Students will learn to create compelling visual narratives and explore advanced editing and digital manipulation to enhance their work. By the end of the course, students will build a skillful portfolio that showcases artistic growth and creative vision in preparation for Level 5 or AP.

Advanced Film-Photography 5 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Film Photography 4 H.
• Course Number: 06060503

Course Description: In this course, students discover the varied ways in which the photographer/filmmaker can approach and interpret their own ideas, messages, and stories.. Students entering the Advanced Program should have a strong technical and conceptual foundation and define a body of work on which they plan to focus. Students develop and refine their work through a sequence of unique critique-centric and technical seminars while benefitting from the mentorship of a faculty advisor; studio workshops focused on digital literacy will aid students in more advanced editing and digital manipulation. The program culminates in a student exhibition, showcasing student growth and a fully realized portfolio of compelling visual narratives.

Metal Arts 1

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Course Number: 06020100

Course Description: Basic metalworking and jewelry-making techniques are covered in this introductory course. Explore the endless possibilities of crafting with copper, nickel, silver, and brass as students create unique wearable art and small metal sculptures, including bracelets, rings, mobiles, and earrings. Learn essential techniques like sawing, soldering, riveting, and finishing, all while discovering how to infuse personal artistic style into creations. This course is your gateway to transforming metal into art.

Metal Arts 2

• Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
• Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Metal Arts 1.
• Course Number: 06020502

Course Description: In this advanced course, students will refine techniques like sawing, soldering, riveting, and semi-independent torchwork while exploring stone setting and inlay. Students will work with copper, nickel, silver, and brass to craft stunning small metal objects and wearable art, including containers, mobiles, bracelets, neckpieces, rings, and more. This course emphasizes developing your unique artistic voice as you create bold and intricate designs that showcase your growing expertise.

Advanced Metal Arts 3 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Interested students must have successfully completed Metal Arts 2.
• Course Number: 06020703

Course Description: Explore techniques such as advanced stone setting, hollow forms, hinge making, chain mail, and casting, while tackling projects that involve complex soldering, independent torchwork, and sophisticated design strategies.
In addition to working with metals like silver, copper, and brass, you'll experiment with alternative materials such as wood, plastic, and glass, broadening your artistic possibilities. This course emphasizes conceptual thinking and encourages you to refine your artistic voice as you create innovative, one-of-a-kind designs.

Advanced Metal Arts 4 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 11, 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Advanced Metal Arts 3H.
• Course Number: 06020903

Course Description: At this level, students further advance their metalworking skills through art-making challenges that encourage personal expression. Students choose the advanced techniques they want to explore, such as stone setting, casting, and hinge making, while experimenting with new ideas and materials.
Through research, experimentation, and hands-on practice, students are expected to produce high-quality work and develop a comprehensive portfolio of Metal Arts artworks. This course empowers students to push their creative boundaries while refining their skills and artistic voice.

Advanced Metal Arts 5 H

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade: 12
• Prerequisite: Interested students must have successfully completed Advanced Metal Arts 4H.
• Course Number: 06021103

Course Description: At this level, students continue to refine their skills within their chosen metal concentrations while developing a portfolio of very advanced metal arts work. Students select the advanced techniques they wish to explore and are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and materials. Through research, experimentation, and hands-on practice, students are expected to produce high-quality work that reflects their growing expertise and artistic vision. This course challenges students to push their creative boundaries while building a diverse and impressive portfolio.

AP 2-D Art and Design

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 11, 12
• Prerequisites: It is required that interested students have successfully completed either Art 2H or Film & Photography 3H, or obtain the recommendation of the Department Chair through a portfolio review.
• Course Number: 06011004

Course Description: The AP 2-D Art and Design course is an inquiry-based approach to exploring and creating art. Students develop a portfolio focusing on photography, film, or a variety of 2-D materials including drawing, painting and mixed media. Students will curate a final portfolio showcasing their investigation of personally selected ideas and concepts, including completed artworks, process documentation, and written reflections. In May, students submit either an AP 2-D Art and Design or AP Drawing portfolio for evaluation, providing an opportunity to earn college credit based on their work and creativity.

AP 3-D Art and Design

• Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
• Grade(s): 11, 12
• Prerequisites: It is required that interested students have successfully completed either Advanced Metals 3H or Advanced Ceramics 3H, or obtain the recommendation of the Department Chair through a portfolio review.
• Course Number: 06011104

The AP 3-D Art and Design course offers an inquiry-based approach to creating and exploring art. Students develop a three-dimensional portfolio, focusing on a medium of their choice, such as metal arts, ceramics, or sculpture. The portfolio showcases their investigation of personally selected ideas and concepts, including completed artworks, process documentation, and written reflections. In May, students submit their portfolios for evaluation, providing an opportunity to earn college credit based on their work and creativity.