Arts
“The kids love the mini classes and the opportunity to experience a variety of “ARTS.” Some gain new appreciation for areas that they would have never considered learning about before. The performing arts allows many students to gain more self-confidence.”
Mini-classes
During the first semester of the school year, students in grades three through five sign up for arts electives. They attend one visual and one performing arts class each week, for a total of two electives. Our faculty members instruct in their particular areas of creative expertise. These classes are referred to as mini-classes and include, but are not limited to, such offerings as: mixed-media art, sculpture, art history, drama, creative movement, modern dance, folk dance, and choral music.
Upper-grade Production
During the second semester, teachers and students in grade four and five work together to produce a traditional musical production. This preparation and rehearsal process takes the place of the fall mini-classes, and occurs weekly, until the play opens in June. Our faculty members spend extensive time creating, planning, and coordinating direction, dances, sets, costumes, and original material for students. The fourth and fifth graders act, sing, dance and create sets, culminating in the staging of a full-length musical play, put on at the California State University, Dominguez Hills Theater. They perform for our own students, families, friends, other local schools, and the community.
Primary Production
In the spring semester, students in kindergarten and grades one and two take part in our annual primary grade musical production. Our families, students, friends, and community are given the opportunity to enjoy the performances. The production, complete with beautiful costumes and sets, includes various art disciplines, dance, singing, acting, expert instruction by our teachers, valuable support from our parents, and devoted work by our students.
3rd Grade Art Show
During the second semester of the school year, third graders create and participate in an art show using all types of visual arts media and incorporating arts standards such as perspective, texture, lines, and color value. This show features over 300 pieces of student art work and an Artists' Reception, giving students a very professional sense of accomplishment and ownership.