Visual Arts
We are proud to offer students with a variety of visual arts courses. Students may choose to explore many areas of the arts, or pursue a specific discipline in depth.
Our MYP Arts courses are available to all grade levels, with the option of pursuing advanced arts experience and college credit in our DP Visual Arts course. We do not offer a generic Art 1 course because we encourage students to work towards developing a depth in a skillset to prepare for DP/CP rather than experience a sample of basic skills. We encourage those who want to explore media to take a different visual arts disciplines in 10th grade.
MYP Visual Arts Disciplines:
- Drawing & Painting
- Film & Animation
- Photography
- Sculpture
PRE- DP VISUAL ARTS PATHWAY
Students who are interested in taking DP Visual Arts are encouraged to take at least one year of MYP visual arts during 9th or 10th grade, but this is not a requirement. Students may select between any arts media, and are encouraged to stick with one discipline (drawing, sculpture or digital) if possible, but again this is not required.
DIGITAL PATHWAY OPTION
We offer a digital "pathway" for students who are interested in joining our CP/CTE digital arts programs, Broadcast Technology and Digital Media. We encourage students interested in those advanced programs to take Photography and/or Film & Animation during their 9th and 10th grade, though this is not required.
DRAWING & PAINTING I
This introduction to drawing and painting is perfect for beginners! No prior experience needed.
DRAWING & PAINTING II
Pre-requisite Drawing & Painting 1 grade C or better, or portfolio approval
If you like to draw or paint, and already have some experience with it, this class will help you master those skills in both realistic and abstract forms!
FILM & ANIMATION
Learn how to create animations and edit video in Premiere Pro while creating computer animations, and working on film sets to produce, direct, film and even act in films. Students learn how to use professional DSLR cameras and boom mics. No acting required!
BROADCAST TECHNOLOGY (open to any juniors or seniors!)
Learn how to create commercials, short films and even Bobcat News! In this class we focus on producing professional videos that are ready for sharing with the world. A great follow-up class to Film & Animation or Photo. No acting required! No acting required!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Edit pictures with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom while learning the principles of photography. Access to a digital camera is recommended (HD cell phone is OK!), but not required. This class is all digital work.
SCULPTURE I
Like to get messy? This one’s for you! Create 3-dimensional art with found materials, recyclables, wheel throwing and clay.
SCULPTURE II
Pre-requisite Sculpture 1 grade C or better, or portfolio approval
Advanced sculpture techniques, with a focus on large installation, developing conceptual work, and advanced wheel throwing and clay methods.
DP Visual Arts I / II HL
Pre-requisite B or better in any fine arts class, preferably in a visual arts course
Two year program: Develop your portfolio of artwork while earning college credit! Work in your choice of media: drawing, painting, photography, film, sculpture. Exhibition of artwork during senior year is required. For more info please visit