Arts Courses

The Middle Division visual arts program invites students to grow as creative thinkers, makers and collaborators through a thoughtfully sequenced, year-long art course offered in Grades 5-8. Rooted in the belief that artmaking is both a personal and intellectual pursuit, the program emphasizes the development of key Studio Habits of Mind. Students:

  • Develop craft by building technical art skills;
  • Engage and persist through creative challenges;
  • Envision new ideas;
  • Express emotions and concepts visually
  • Observe details closely;
  • Reflect on their choices and process;
  • Stretch and explore unfamiliar materials and methods; and
  • Understand art worlds by learning about artists from both the past and present.

Each grade level explores the themes of self, community and the world while nurturing students’ personal voice and confidence. Across the four years, students engage in hands-on artmaking, build creative fluency and experience the joy of discovering who they are—through what they make.

Throughout the program, students continue to grow their creative capacity, collaborate with peers and experience the confidence that comes from bringing ideas to life through art.

Grade 5

In Grade 5, students explore a wide variety of art materials and techniques while learning foundational concepts such as the elements of art and principles of design. Through fun, imaginative projects, they begin to express their own ideas, experiment with new ways of thinking and develop habits of collaboration and creative risk-taking. Students are introduced to a range of artists – past and present – and are encouraged to support their classmates as they build their artistic voice in a vibrant, inclusive studio environment.

Grade 6

Grade 6 deepens these foundational skills while introducing more intentional exploration of craft, media and art history. Students continue developing their creativity and artistic vocabulary while gaining exposure to artists and cultural traditions from around the world. Projects continue to center on the themes of identity and community, allowing students to reflect on who they are, how they see the world and how art can be used as a tool for both personal expression and cultural understanding. A greater emphasis is placed on voice, refinement of technique and independent decision-making.

Grade 7

Grade 7 students expand their skills through painting, sculpture, mixed media, drawing, clay and work on the pottery wheel. Students explore how art can be a catalyst for change, using visual storytelling to make connections between personal experience and broader societal themes.

Students indicate their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices for the following Arts courses. Students will be scheduled for either one year-long Arts course or two semester-long Arts courses – one in the fall and one in the spring. Every effort will be made to match students with one of their top choices.

Year Long Courses

In this year-long art class, you’ll build on your 6th-grade art skills and creative habits with new materials and more complex projects. You’ll explore painting, sculpture, drawing, mixed media, and clay, giving you the tools and space to grow as an artist and express yourself. You will also have the chance to develop your skills on the pottery wheel, practicing techniques to create increasingly refined ceramic forms. 

The course also explores how artists can make a difference in the world through art activism and how art can be used to raise awareness and inspire change. We will experiment, share ideas, and support each other as we discover your unique artistic voice, try awesome new things, and build your confidence through hands-on creating. This course is all about having fun with art and finding your own style!

Creative Dance Arts offers students the chance to experience the joy of dance through high-energy, choreographed routines. This course focuses on commercial dance—a dynamic fusion of funk, jazz, hip hop, and pop—often seen in TikTok trends, music videos, and TV performances. Students will build fitness, strength, and stamina while learning routines that change each term. The class embraces flexibility in style and music, encouraging exploration across a wide range of genres. Dancers will also develop new skills and tricks to expand their movement toolbox. When class sizes permit, students may have the opportunity to participate in field trips to further explore the art of dance. Come jam, move, and express yourself in exciting new ways!

Students in the Grade 7 Intermediate Band class will be receiving intermediate-level wind instrument instruction, and work collectively as a performing music ensemble on their chosen musical instruments. Fundamentals, including music reading fluency and instrument playing technique, will be reinforced and refined, and students will study a variety of performance music suitable for their ability level. Individual practice outside of scheduled class time is an expectation. Performance opportunities, including collaborative experiences with musical peers from other school campuses, will be provided. Students who complete the Intermediate Band class will be prepared to enter a high school band program upon completion of this course

Semester Courses

So you think you have what it takes to be a published writer? Want to be the next J.K. Rowling or Veronica Roth? This elective gives writers of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction the time and resources to hone their craft, and explore their voice as a writer. Students will learn how to write compelling mystery fiction by focusing on the key elements of setting, suspects, and confession. Through focused lessons on developing believable characters with distinct personalities, motives, and intricate backstories, students will gain the tools to write narratives that keep their readers guessing.

Beyond mystery, this elective will expand students’ writing with creative nonfiction and cultural storytelling. Students will conduct real-world research to develop and script their own podcasts and write reviews about art, music, TV/film, and technology. Drawing inspiration from modern fairy tales across the globe, students will craft their own original fairy tale rooted in their cultural identity. Whether weaving mysteries or reimagining folklore, students will sharpen their voices as storytellers with purpose and imagination. Join our community of emerging writers every week.

In our Introduction to Photography elective, students will practice artistic and technical skills. The course will begin with an introduction to helpful “rules” of photography, such as the Rule of Thirds, avoiding clutter, using leading lines, and capturing personality in portraits. Students will examine professional work, engage in discussions about their observations, and apply these strategies to their photography. Students will explore using standard camera and phone modes, practice editing techniques, explore style, and build a portfolio of their work.

Grade 8

Grade 8 students take on more complex and meaningful projects that challenge them to think critically and communicate powerfully through their artwork, culminating in the Legacy Tile Project, in which students design and create a permanent ceramic tile for campus, reflecting on their Stevenson journey and leaving behind a lasting piece of their story.

Students Indicate their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices for the following Arts courses. Students will be scheduled for either one year-long Arts course or two semester-long Arts courses – one in the fall and one in the spring. Every effort will be made to match students with one of their top choices.

Year Long Courses

In this year-long art class, you’ll take everything you explored in Grade 7 to the next level. You’ll build on your skills and creative habits while diving into new materials and more complex projects. From drawing and painting to sculpture, mixed media, and clay, this class gives you the tools and space to grow as an artist and express what matters to you.

You’ll continue learning how to think like an artist—experimenting, reflecting, and supporting your classmates along the way. This course is all about deepening your artistic voice, trying new things, and building confidence through hands-on making and creative discovery. One exciting highlight of the year is the Grade 8 Legacy Tile Project—you’ll design and create a ceramic tile that becomes part of a permanent installation at school. It’s a chance to reflect on your journey and leave a meaningful mark on our creative community.

Creative Dance Arts offers students the chance to experience the joy of dance through high-energy, choreographed routines. This course focuses on commercial dance—a dynamic fusion of funk, jazz, hip hop, and pop—often seen in TikTok trends, music videos, and TV performances. Students will build fitness, strength, and stamina while learning routines that change each term. The class embraces flexibility in style and music, encouraging exploration across a wide range of genres. Dancers will also develop new skills and tricks to expand their movement toolbox. When class sizes permit, students may have the opportunity to participate in field trips to further explore the art of dance. Come jam, move, and express yourself in exciting new ways!

Students in the Grade 8 Intermediate Band class will be receiving intermediate-level wind instrument instruction, and work collectively as a performing music ensemble on their chosen musical instruments. Fundamentals, including music reading fluency and instrument playing technique, will be reinforced and refined, and students will study a variety of performance music suitable for their ability level. Individual practice outside of scheduled class time is an expectation. Performance opportunities, including collaborative experiences with musical peers from other school campuses, will be provided. Students who complete the Intermediate Band class will be prepared to enter a high school band program upon completion of this course.

Semester Courses

Step into the spotlight and build skills that go far beyond the stage! In this fun, fast-paced acting class, you’ll explore improv and scene work while becoming a stronger public speaker. You’ll learn how to speak clearly, confidently, and with expression in front of a group, which is an essential skill in school, interviews, and everyday life. Through fun games and teamwork, you’ll also boost your creativity, confidence, and ability to work with others. Whether you dream of acting or just want to feel more confident speaking up, this class is for you!

So you think you have what it takes to be a published writer?  Want to be the next J.K. Rowling or Veronica Roth? This elective gives writers of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction the time and resources to hone their craft, and explore their voice as a writer.  Students will learn how to write compelling mystery fiction by focusing on the key elements of setting, suspects, and confession. Through focused lessons on developing believable characters with distinct personalities, motives, and intricate backstories, students will gain the tools to write narratives that keep their readers guessing.

Beyond mystery, this elective will expand students’ writing with creative nonfiction and cultural storytelling. Students will conduct real-world research to develop and script their own podcasts and write reviews about art, music, TV/film, and technology.  Drawing inspiration from modern fairy tales across the globe, students will craft their own original fairy tale rooted in their cultural identity. Whether weaving mysteries or reimagining folklore, students will sharpen their voices as storytellers with purpose and imagination.  Join our community of emerging writers every week.

In our Introduction to Photography elective, students will practice artistic and technical skills. The course will begin with an introduction to helpful “rules” of photography, such as the Rule of Thirds, avoiding clutter, using leading lines, and capturing personality in portraits. Students will examine professional work, engage in discussions about their observations, and apply these strategies to their photography. Students will explore using standard camera and phone modes, practice editing techniques, explore style, and build a portfolio of their work.