EDUCATION
Developing the Whole Child Through Fine Arts
The arts ( drawing , painting , music , choir , and drama ) have always been an integral part of our curriculum . We weave the arts into our classroom curricula and teach specific artistic skills and abilities that broaden students ’ learning . Teaching about visual arts , music , choir , or drama promotes student growth , increases academic achievements , and develops fine motor , decision-making , critical thinking , and visual learning skills . The arts inspire students to go beyond their comfort zone , use their creative talents , and experience the world in a different way .
Students learn to appreciate the arts early by becoming familiar with the elements and principles of art and incorporating them as they work with various media to create works of art . Students are encouraged to use freedom of expression in their projects and challenged to express their individual creativity . Our commitment to providing robust arts programming helps to promote positive development in other subjects like math , science , language arts and geography .
Music appreciation begins in the Early Childhood Program and transitions throughout our primary , intermediate , and jr . high grades . As early as 3 rd grade , students can elect to take recorder training , while students in 4 th through 6 th grades can advance into music electives like band or choir . Expanding electives to our jr . high students , they can choose choir , band , and guitar . There are many opportunities for our students to showcase their talents to the public including the Christmas choral and band concerts ; while the 8 th grade students participate in the spring musical as actors , behind the scenes , or as part of the artistic design team .
Our visual arts program gives students the chance to be creative through painting , drawing , and sculpting .
Students in grades 4-6 perform an impressive band concert each spring .
Camp Villa — Enriching Students All Summer Long
Even during the summer months , St . Ursula Villa continues to nurture the whole child while fostering academic excellence .
Our camps provide academic and creative enrichment programs for students from early childhood through jr . high , helping children explore new interests and skills that complement and expand their thirst for knowledge . Each camp program offers students a chance to develop their critical thinking skills , strengthen their creative imaginations , and learn how to work collaboratively in group settings .
The students in our Wearable Art Camp could become the next Versace as they show off their creative designs they made on their shirts .
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