Arts

The goal of the art program at Stanwich is to develop in all students a life-long interest in creating art and appreciating the artwork of others. Through a wide range of age appropriate art projects, students are taught the elements of art and, in later years, the principles of design. Students are taught specific skills that become progressively more complex with each grade. These learned skills provide a framework for each student to enhance his or her own creative style.

Students achieve these goals in a supportive environment where each student progresses at his or her own rate. From Pre-k through Grade 3, class size is limited to 10 students. This permits constant teacher-student interaction. In Grades 4-9, the art period is longer, allowing for more independent exploration.

The art curriculum is designed to coincide with national art education standards and classroom curriculums. For example, in Grade 2, students focus on Native American art at the same time they learn about Native Americans in their social studies curriculum.Using their own laptops, students in Junior House are introduced to Adobe Photoshop.

Whenever possible, projects stem from the work of artists with diverse backgrounds and styles. For example, in Kindergarten, students learn about the artist Georgia O'Keeffe, in Grade 1 students focus on Chinese brush painting, and in Grade 4 students learn about the work of African American artists Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence. The wide variety of materials and methodologies in the art program enable all students to be successful in art, regardless of their background or innate artistic abilities.

Student artwork is displayed throughout the school and in local libraries. There are "Arts Festivals" and morning art exhibits for older grades. The Primary House hosts an art show in the spring to coincide with Grandparents' Day.