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The Ideal School of Manhattan

Arts

The image is a vibrant and colorful abstract painting featuring various words, shapes, and symbols, including the word %22Evol%22 (love spelled backwards), hearts, and other expressive elements against a backdrop of bold, contrasting colors.
A group of individuals, dressed in a variety of colorful and stylish outfits, are standing together in a room with a large mural-like painting on the wall behind them.
A large group of people, including children and adults, are gathered on a stage, some standing and others seated, performing or participating in what appears to be a musical or theatrical production.
Two individuals, a person with braided hair and a person with curly hair, are sitting at a desk and examining what appears to be photographs or documents.
a multicultural group of Upper School students sit on a stage playing guitars
A group of performers in colorful, elaborate costumes stand on a stage against a vibrant, autumn-themed backdrop with clouds in the sky.
A bearded man in a patterned shirt is sitting at a table, engaged in an activity with a young boy wearing a colorful shirt.
The image shows a hallway in what appears to be a school, with students and a teacher examining artwork displayed on the walls.
A young man with curly hair is intently playing an electric guitar in what appears to be a music studio or rehearsal space.

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, printmaking, vocal music, rock bands, music theory, and drama. Field trips to museums and theaters deepen students' learning.

Lower School
IDEAL’s strong arts program helps students build creativity, critical thinking, confidence, and a willingness to take healthy risks. The skills they learn in the arts support their success in every subject. Partnerships with NYC arts organizations enrich learning and connect the arts to the wider curriculum. All Lower School students have music and visual art twice a week, and extra art and music options are available during electives. 

  • Visual Arts: Lower School students use drawing tools, paint, sculpture supplies, and mixed media while learning about color, composition, and safe studio habits. As they grow, students develop their own artistic voices and become more independent in the art room. Throughout the year, they learn from many artists and styles, and the year ends with ArtBeat, IDEAL’s annual art show celebrating their work. 

  • Music: The Lower School music program builds students’ curiosity, creativity, and basic music skills. In the fall, students focus on singing and music theory, learning about rhythm, melody, pitch, harmony, breathing, and how voices work together. In the spring, they learn instruments such as Orff instruments, percussion, recorders, ukulele, handbells, and guitar, creating music as an ensemble. 

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 explore a range of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and design. They study artists, keep sketchbooks, and develop a language for engaging with, analyzing, and self-assessing works of art. Classroom content and career exploration are enriched with artist talks and field trips to museums and galleries.  

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

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

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

  • Visual Arts: Students build their skills in both 2D and 3D art by experimenting with different tools, materials, and techniques. Class discussions encourage many voices and perspectives. Lessons introduce artists from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and time periods. By keeping sketchbooks, writing about their work, taking part in critiques, and collaborating, students use art for self-expression, reflection, and community connection. Learning is also enriched through artist visits, public art, and trips to museums and galleries. 

  • Music: Students continue building their listening skills, musicianship, and appreciation for different musical styles. They learn to sing in harmony, choose techniques that fit the music they’re performing, and use musical terms to reflect on their work. Students take part in choral and solo singing, percussion, reading music, and practicing good performance habits. Those ready for more advanced work can play instruments like drums, guitar, keyboard, and bass in a band setting.

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

ArtBeat

ArtBeat is our annual spring celebration of student creativity, featuring a gallery of visual work, a live music showcase, and a drama presentation. It’s a joyful showcase of talent and growth across all divisions.

an acrylic painting on canvas of a mountain reflected in a lake
A colorful painting on a yellow background depicts a young girl with dark hair and a friendly expression, surrounded by abstract shapes and splatters of paint.
A blue ceramic container with a painted design holds a purple clay sculpture, resting on a lavender-colored surface.
The image shows two individuals performing on a stage, with one playing the drums and the other singing into a microphone. The background features large yellow balloons spelling out the word %22ARTBEAT%22.