As you approach campus, all five senses are put into play. From the colors of the well-cared-for flower beds, to the full tone of an orchestra ringing through the halls - our school is designed a bit differently than other schools. Though it may not yet have an official name (for it is still quite new), it still ranks as one of the top Fine Arts schools in the country.
We have a small set of core-classes: English, History, and all students are required to have at least one fall sport and one spring sport. The other credits are earned through elective courses.
Our elective courses are split into three basic groups: Music, Art, and Dance. Music is split into Solo Prep, Performance, Popular Music, Marching Band, Ensemble Performance, Orchestral Performance, and Music Theory. Most music electives are straight-forward and are taught by approved teachers with the highest education possible. Music Theory is run a little differently however. It is split into three "parts". The first quarter is Ear-Training, the second is Technical Studies, while the whole second semester is reserved for original compositions. The second semester requires the student to create an original composition a week; students go from being meek and slow in their composing, to bold and spitting out music like a well-oiled machine.
Our Art program includes Impressionist, Modern, Still-Life, Digital, Anatomy, Pastels, and Abstract Arts. Knowledge of pains is assumed, yet reviewed throughout the year. If a student chooses an Art elective, he/she is recommended to take one semester of Anatomy (unless the student chooses Abstract as their only Art elective). There are stations placed around the Campus, providing a relaxing place to gather inspiration.
Last but not least we have the Dance electives. These elective include Interpretive Dance, Ballet, Tap, Broadway, Ballroom, and Ceremonial Dancing. Rehearsals are held twice a week with a performance per quarter. Often times the school orchestra will accompany the dances. Professional dancers hold seminars throughout the year so students may learn from their experiences.
The two core classes may be taken as-is or pass/fail. Taking a class as-is requires a 75 to pass. Taking a class pass/fail requires an 85 to pass. The idea is that students who want to take a class pass/fail should put forth more effort than those who take as-is. After all, a pass is equatable to a 100 whil a fail is equatable to a 0.
Like all schools, we are not perfect. But we strive to push our students towards excellence and prosperity in their chosen careers. I would like to bid farewell with our school moto-
"Let every sluice of knowledge be
open and set a-flowing" (John Adams)