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Arts

Arts at IDEAL
The arts are a central part of learning at IDEAL, helping students express themselves, build confidence, and explore different perspectives through hands-on experiences in visual and performing arts. Starting in kindergarten, students study visual arts and music, then choose areas to focus on as they get older — like studio art, fashion design, vocal music, rock bands, music theory, and drama. Field trips to museums and theaters deepen students' learning.

Lower School
All Lower School students have music and visual art three times a week, with extra opportunities during electives. When scheduling therapies during electives, students' arts preferences are taken into account.

Middle School
In Middle School, students have arts classes four times a week and choose a focus — visual art, music, or drama — each semester. This allows for deeper exploration and skill-building.

  • Visual Arts: Students try painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and textiles. They study artists and keep sketchbooks. Each semester ends with a self-directed project called a W.O.W (Wonderful Original Work) and a showcase at ArtBeat.

  • Music: Students build vocal and instrumental skills, perform solo and in groups, and explore percussion and string instruments. They perform at school events like the Peace and Light Ceremony, spring musical, and ArtBeat.

  • Drama: Students learn acting, character development, and ensemble work. They explore playwrights, perform scenes and monologues, and take part in workshops. Students can also audition for two after-school productions — the fall play and spring musical.

High School
High School students continue to choose from visual art, music, or drama each semester, progressing at their own level. Seniors can take the same art form all year.

  • Visual Arts: Students work in media like photography, sewing, and digital tools. Each semester ends with a museum trip tied to the curriculum.

  • Music: Students learn instruments, play as a group, and perform together. All students read music and end the semester with a class performance.

  • Drama: Students explore improv, monologues, and musical theater. Lessons are adapted so all students can participate and grow as performers and public speakers.

ArtBeat

ArtBeat is our annual spring celebration of student creativity, featuring a gallery of visual work, a live music showcase, a drama presentation, and the annual Upcycled Fashion Show with student-designed and modeled outfits. It’s a joyful showcase of talent and growth across all divisions.