Students in grades 9-12 are required to take two (2) Fine Arts credits. Each semester class fulfills one (1) of those art credits. Our art department offers courses in various mediums and levels to meet the needs of all students. Many students find their passion in these visual arts courses and take additional classes beyond what's required.  All students, from beginners to advanced, are welcomed and supported in each course.  

ceramics
Offered Semesters 1 & 2 

Ceramics 1  |  Grades  9, 10, 11, 12
Students will spend the semester learning the basics of creating functional hand built and wheel thrown pottery. The students will explore a variety of decorative techniques. Students will also be introduced to sculpture.  $30.00 fee for materials.

Ceramics 2   |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will expand their skills in both hand building and wheel thrown pottery. The students will study both realistic and abstract sculpture. $30.00 fee for materials.  Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Ceramics 3   |  Grades 10, 11, 12
Students will continue to build on their functional and sculptural ceramic skills. The students will begin to develop an individual style as they refine their skills. $30.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Ceramics II 

Ceramics 4   |  Grades 10, 11, 12
Students will choose an area of interest, either sculptural or functional. A portfolio will be developed in a self-directed manner. Students will also study, analyze, and reflect on the work of artists who have or are creating work of interest to them. $30.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Ceramics III 

Photography & Design
Offered semesters 1 & 2

Photography 1 (Darkroom)  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will learn all of the basics of 35mm camera operation and photo creation. They will learn to develop 35 mm film prints. Emphasis will be placed on creating artistic photographs using the elements of art; value, composition, clarity, and presentation will be stressed. Registrants for this course will be expected to provide a 35mm camera with manual light and speed adjustments. $40.00 fee for materials. 

Photography 2 (Darkroom)  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will continue to expand their skills in creating black and white photographs. Emphasis will be placed on the value, clarity, composition, and presentation of each photograph. Students will create a personal theme based portfolio, using photo- altering techniques. Registrants for this course will be expected to provide a 35mm camera with manual light and speed adjustments. $40.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Photography 1 

Photography 3 (Darkroom)  |  Grades 10, 11, 12
Students will build on the information they learned in Photography II. Students will develop a theme-based portfolio and explore various experimental photographic techniques. Registrants for this course will be expected to provide a 35mm camera with manual light and speed adjustments. $40.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Photography II 

Digital Photography 1  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will explore photography through the use of a digital camera and computer software. Students will learn techniques in Photoshop to edit and alter their images. Projects will be based around exploring photography as an expressive art form. An electronic portfolio of their work will be created.  $20.00 fee for materials.

Digital Photography 2  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will build on the knowledge of techniques and skills in digital design and technology learned in Digital Photography I. Students will explore advanced experimental editing photographic techniques in Adobe Photoshop with digital photographs. Students in this course will be expected to provide a digital camera and have a thorough understanding of basic digital photo processes. $20.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Digital Photography I

Digital Art & Design  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will learn the basics of digital fine art creation with strong design using Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. In addition to creating works of art using industry standard digital technology, students will also learn traditional art concepts like composition, the elements and principles of art, and critiquing. $20.00 fee for materials. 

drawing & Painting 
offered semesters 1 & 2

Drawing & Painting 1  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will learn the basics of representational drawing and painting from life. Students will draw and paint from still life, the human figure, and landscapes. Drawing materials will include pencil, charcoal, pastel and pen and ink. Painting materials will include watercolor and acrylic paint. $20.00 fee for materials. 

Drawing & Painting 2  |  Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will continue to expand their knowledge of drawing and painting media and techniques learned in Drawing and Painting I with an emphasis on mixed media. Students will create a portfolio of mixed media theme-based works. Printmaking and sculpture will also be introduced. $20.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I 

Drawing & Painting 3  |  Grades 10, 11, 12
Students will use various art media to creatively solve artistic theme problems. Media combination and experimentation will be encouraged and the works of various artists throughout history will be studied to facilitate the development of individual artistic style. $20.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting II 

Drawing & Painting 4  |  Grades 10, 11, 12
Students will use combined media to create works of art that show individual artistic style. In addition to enhancing their own styles, students will continue their study of artists throughout history. $20.00 fee for materials. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting III

advanced placement studio art
full year course

Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing or 2-D Design  |  Grades 10, 11, 12
This rigorous, year-long art course offers potential college credit and is designed for serious, motivated art students. It is centered on the completion of student portfolios rather than a comprehensive written exam. To receive college credit for the course, students will complete and submit to the College Board for review a portfolio of visual works created during the course. The portfolio will contain 3 sections required by the College Board: Quality (technical mastery and ability with materials), Breadth (demonstrating a wide range of experience), and Concentration (a series, themed/ related in-depth works). Portfolios must also contain written documentation related to the student’s artistic process and purpose for each piece; all parts of the portfolio will be assessed in May. Students will have choice of materials used in the completion of their portfolios. Students should expect to spend approximately 4-5 hours per week outside of class working on their portfolios. Prerequisites: Drawing & Painting I & II 

Advanced Placement Studio Art:  3-D Design  |  Grades 10, 11, 12
This rigorous, year-long art course offers potential college credit and is designed for serious, motivated art students. It is centered on the completion of student portfolios rather than a comprehensive written exam. To receive college credit for the course, students will complete and submit to the College Board for review a portfolio of visual works created during the course. The portfolio will contain 3 sections required by the College Board: Quality (technical mastery and ability with materials), Breadth (demonstrating a wide range of experience), and Concentration (a series, themed/ related in-depth works). Portfolios must also contain written documentation related to the student’s artistic process and purpose for each piece; all parts of the portfolio will be assessed in May. Students will have choice of materials used in the completion of their portfolios. Students should expect to spend approximately 4-5 hours per week outside of class working on their portfolios. Prerequisites: Ceramics I & II.