FULL-DAY PROGRAM
https://ghaa.crecschools.org
860-757-6300
Program Overview
School Statement of Purpose |
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BELL SCHEDULES
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About Our School |
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Is the Arts Academy Full Day Right For Me?
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What Makes Us Unique? |
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What If I Have Questions? |
Artistic Director 806-757-6300 x3503
Instructional Coach 860-757-6300 x3549 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Graduation requirements
Curriculum Area | Credits |
English | 4 |
Mathematics | 4 |
Science | 3 |
STEM | 2 |
Spanish | 3 |
Social Studies | 3 |
Health | 1 |
Physical Education/Movement | 1 |
Capstone/Mastery Based Examination | 1 |
Arts Electives | 6+ |
TOTAL (minimum) | 28 |
Prerequisite Arts Courses
- All Academy Students (starting with class of 2025) must complete SIX of the following courses in their first two years at the Arts Academy
Writing Choices Choose ONE Dance Choices Choose ONE Visual Arts Choices Choose ONE Media Arts / Film Choices Choose ONE Music Choices Choose ONE Theater Choices Choose ONE |
In this class students will get an introduction to what creative writing classes are all about. Students will learn the power of “the word” and how “the word” is at the center of all that we do in creative writing classes. Students will also learn how to collaborate through the workshop model which is vital to the writing process.
In this class we will define landscape as being both inner and outer, and we will explore the question: Where are you from? Through studying literary models and engaging in student-driven project and writing exercises, we will see how effectively writers address landscape (both physical and emotional) and setting in their work. We will explore how a "place" can be an emotion, a memory, a pivotal, life-changing event, a religion, etc. Models read will include the groundbreaking work of Puerto Rican writer Piri Thomas' "Down These Mean Streets", Betty Smith's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver, James Joyce.
This class will introduce students to the basic elements of modern dance. It will introduce correct alignment, vocabulary and movement common in all styles of modern dance technique. It will focus on strength, coordination, flexibility, use of breath, core support and use of space. The dancer will discover and support the body’s center of weight and learn connections within the body.
This semester course is designed as a unique opportunity to orient new and/or experienced dancers to the dance at the Academy and to provide an understanding of the foundations of movement. This class will also work on dance conditioning to gain strength and flexibility needed for dance technique.
Students develop basic drawing skills, including the ability to perceive and express visual relationships. Students also develop basic color theory through watercolor, ink and acrylic painting techniques. With both drawing and painting, students will be able to perceive and express relationships by understanding and implementing the Elements & Principles of Design.
This class will introduce students to methods of “seeing” and creating through the visual arts. The students will be exposed to different artists and their artistic styles of interpretations in the creative process. The class will then be encouraged to respond with their own visual stories by experimenting and taking risks with their own work. A variety of techniques and materials (and also writing about their art) will be incorporated into class activities to expand the students’ artistic vocabularies and thus inform their writing through their hands-on experiences.
An introductory course that offers a survey of Media Arts: Print design, Web Design and Video. Students will use real-life projects to embrace design elements and develop their own style as a designer in each medium. Projects are completed in Photoshop, InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.
This course is for students interested in developing their knowledge in the most up to date Adobe Photoshop Suite (APS). APS is a complex graphics and image editing software, and paint program. This course will incorporate the Elements and Principles of Design into the methods and techniques associated with APS.
This course is an introduction to the Ukulele and will provide students with instant access to creating and playing music. Students will learn a variety of techniques on the Ukulele including strumming, fingerpicking, chords, and rhythms. As students build their confidence with this versatile instrument, they will also be introduced to reading music, improvisation, and beginning songwriting.
One of the primary purposes of music is to bring people together as a community. In this class, students will curate a songbook that represents the diversity and values of the Academy community and search for ways to support and celebrate each other through song. We will strive for true community music-making experiences that break down the divide between performers and audience. Open to both vocalists and instrumentalists.
The basics of acting will be explored through physical and vocal exercises, improvisation, monologues, and scene study. We will learn how to approach the text in preparation for character and performance.
Clowning: Throughout the semester, this physical, high energy beginning acting class will take students on a journey into the world of physical comedic acting and clowning. Students will work within the ensemble to explore the rules of clowning and various clowning techniques to create scenes featuring original clown characters. |
Arts Full Day - Full Course Catalog
Academic Offerings Academic Offerings Academic Offerings Academic Offerings Academic Offerings | Capstone (1 Credit)
English / Language Arts:
World Literature provides students with the opportunity to explore literature from many cultures within its historical context. The course will examine how cultural and literary archetypes exist in a multicultural and historical context. Students will learn how literature passes on cultural values and explains natural events. Students will continue to develop their effective communication skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. Technology will be integrated to enhance the students’ knowledge of world literature and culture. This course will encourage students to think critically about literature, make connections across disciplines, and connect to their personal experiences in order to succeed in their futures.
The emergence of voice is integral in understanding the power, authority, and social advancements within societies. Power is gained, maintained, and often restricted through language and the expression of individual and collective voices. Along with the power of voice comes responsibility: the obligation to act justly and the spirit to better the world around. When used properly, strong voices have given rise to leadership, activism, empowerment, and liberation. Unfortunately, the responsibilities of voice are not always fulfilled. Often, voice and the associated power are corrupted, leading to oppression and injustice. In this course students study voices from around the globe and across America. Reading classical texts, modern works, current periodicals, and diverse genres will add to student knowledge of global voices. In addition, students will create their own works to help discover and develop their own voices and unleash the inherent power to better the world around them. The ultimate goal of the “Voices” course is to heighten the students’ understanding of powers, dangers, and endless possibilities of voice.
Students enrolled in this course will study American Literature through a variety of themes. It will encourage the students to think critically about literature, connect to their personal experiences and make connections across disciplines. Students in American Literature will work closely with the American History curriculum as it complements the content of the course. The American Literature course will also involve the students in a variety of writing experiences to demonstrate their knowledge of the content and their ability to develop their skills in this area. Technology will be integrated to enhance the students’ knowledge of American Literature and culture.
English 12 is an intense, rigorous course that gives students a taste of college-level English classes. The foci of the class are deep literary analysis and writing that expresses both literary insight and a complex understanding of textual themes. Students will be pushed to both create and defend unique interpretations of various texts.
Instruction in academic writing through interdisciplinary reading. Assignments emphasize interpretation, argumentation, and reflection. Revision of formal assignments and instruction on grammar, mechanics and style. More specifically, the aim of this course is to increase students' understanding of the power of visual images in our everyday life. In this course, students will demonstrate the ability to deconstruct visual images and will apply literacy and critical thinking skills to a variety of visual messages and writing tasks.
Seminar through Writing and Literature at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts is a rigorous, college level course. The reading is challenging; the writing is frequent and requires an independent mind. We will function as a community of learners. If you are committed to the work as well as listening and learning from each other, this class will ultimately become one in which we are all teachers and students. Health / Physical Education
The content is primarily concerned with those behaviors that contribute directly to optimal health while reducing the risk of disease. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a better understanding of major health concepts, a sense of responsibility for one's own health, and the necessary skills to implement desirable health behaviors and attitudes. Key concepts and topics include mental and emotional health, disease prevention, CPR/First Aid and sexual health and HIV/AIDS education. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a better understanding of major health concepts, a sense of responsibility for one's own health, and the necessary skills to implement desirable health behaviors and attitudes. Key concepts and topics include substance abuse prevention, nutrition, fitness, pathogens/ STIs and healthy relationships.
Physical education introduces students to different aspects of team-oriented and individual physical activities that foster life-long fitness and good health. Students will learn team building skills, game strategies/fundamentals, and appropriate equipment use. The course will emphasize each student, determining their current level of personal physical fitness in relation to state standards, setting short and long term fitness goals, and working throughout the course to reach their personal fitness goals.
An introductory course, EDLR 1160 explores the historical and social forces that shape health and education in urban communities, specifically in Connecticut. Topics of study will include poverty, culture, and identity and how these phenomena affect children’s health, nutrition, schooling and opportunities for success. Through readings, films, discussion, reflection and service in the Hartford community, class members analyze polices, norms and beliefs in our society. We will consider how these trends may lead us to a more just society and how these may perpetuate injustice Math:
Algebra I is a course providing experiential development of concepts and skills such as equation solving, graphing, algebraic functions and applications. The use of graphing calculators and integration with the Science Foundations courses will be incorporated where appropriate. The students’ ability to think, reason, and communicate about mathematics will be critical to their success.
Algebra II is a course intended for students who possess a strong foundation in geometry and algebra. It is designed to challenge students and provide depth commonly found in collegiate level courses. Students will gain experience with algebraic equations and inequalities, functions (linear, polynomial, rational, irrational), graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, linear programming, matrices and determinants. The use of graphing calculators will be incorporated where appropriate.
College Preparatory Geometry is a course designed to meet the mathematics requirements for continued study of mathematics and college entrance. The material discussed is based on the work of Euclid. Metric, non-metric, plane and solid geometric topics will be discussed. A discovery approach is used in teaching the course. Proofs are an integral part, but not the focus of the course. A strong Algebra I background is recommended.
This course is a rigorous study of functions and their properties. Trigonometric, polynomial, rational, radical, and exponential mathematical functions are studied in detail as well as sequences and series, vectors, parametric, and polar coordinates. Development of integrated mathematical tools for applications to science will include more advanced levels of mathematical modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in functions and equations as they apply to both mathematical functions and models of science while preparing students to pursue calculus. Semesters 1 & 2.
Financial Algebra is designed to create a better understanding of finances for students on the verge of entering life after high school. Students will study topics that include interest, student loans, budgets and other related topics that will assist students in future endeavors. Throughout the course, students will gain a better understanding of financial well being and will be able to create a functioning future budget given parameters.
Calculus is a college level course with concepts, results and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and to provide real-world experiences with its methods and applications. Based on a technology-rich discovery approach, this course explores calculus through the use of unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling. A TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator is required.
This course provides an in-depth study of applied statistics. The focus is on four major areas of statistical analysis: 1. Exploratory data analysis; 2. Planning a statistical study (including experimental design and sampling theory); 3. Probability modeling and simulation; 4. Statistical inference. This course should be particularly valuable to students with interests in mathematics, engineering, life sciences, environmental science, and medicine. As part of the course work, each student will plan and conduct a substantial statistical study in an area of his or her interest. Students who successfully complete the course will be prepared to take the AP Statistics exam in May. Students are required to take the A.P. test. Science:
Integrated Science is a broad scoped course which offers an understanding of how our actions affect the world we live in. Students will acquire a broad foundation in scientific inquiry and conduct meaningful experiments including the collection, assessment and analysis of data, draw conclusions, and report their findings. Topics include: introduction to chemistry, polymers, properties of matter, energy/electricity, power plants, nuclear energy, alternative energy sources and pollution.
Foundations in Biology is a course designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts and principles in the life sciences. Students will explore topics at the molecular, cellular, systemic, and organismal levels. Students will be required to apply their understanding of biological systems to pertinent questions in the life sciences. Topics that will be covered include; the origin of life, cellular physiology, cellular interaction and organ system physiology, molecular and evolutionary genetics, organismal interactions and environmental biology.
The coursework which will focus on the development of a strong foundation in chemistry and the understanding of the qualitative and quantitative means used to describe matter and the changes matter undergoes. Chemical principles such as states of matter, atomic structure, nomenclature, aqueous reactions, bonding theory, electrons in atoms, the periodic table and periodic relationships will be covered. Chemical names and formulas, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry and behavior of gases as well as acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions will also be covered. Other topics may include aspects of organic chemistry, basic electrochemistry and equilibrium as well as nuclear chemistry. Inquiry-based laboratory activities will be conducted and will involve the use of the state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Forensic Science is designed to challenge students to think critically. This course is suitable for students of all ability levels as long as they have successfully completed Biology and Algebra I. The completion of a chemistry course is recommended but not required. The course will allow students to perform various activities such as blood typing, firearm visual evidence, spatter patterns, hair and fiber analysis and other hands-on activities. This course will provide an overview of the American legal system and process, and the application of forensics within that system. Concepts and techniques in physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology, math, and debate/argumentation will be explored and applied throughout the course. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in order to test and interpret evidence and present it in writing and orally.
Students will learn about the structural organization of the human body and the underlying physiological process that are essential for maintaining homeostasis. In the first part of this course, students will learn about structural organization of the human body and review basic aspects of chemistry of life (e.g. levels of chemical organization, chemical bonding, inorganic and organic chemistry including basic structure of organic molecules). Organ systems will be covered in depth, and extended into discussion of medical conditions and mechanisms of disease. Systems to be covered will include the integumentary, endocrine, nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, lymphatic and immune systems. Laboratory experiments will involve blood pressure analysis, measurement of oxygen consumption, membrane potentials, muscular movement and dissection of preserved organs and / or animals. Social Studies
Honors Only (1 Credit) This is a full credit course where students will explore the contributions, accomplishments, achievements and perspectives of African American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latinx communities throughout American History. Students will explore social, cultural, and economic contributions of these communities and its overall impact on the American society and identity.
The American History is a course designed to take students on an exploratory journey of the history of North America. Students will investigate history in chronological order through various themes such as expansion, race relations, geography, government, education, immigration, arts & entertainment, transportation and economics. Students will have an opportunity to look at history from the vantage point of an everyday citizen as well as important historical figures and events. Students in American History will work closely with the American Literature curriculum as it compliments the content of the course.
Civics is a required course for graduation. The focus of this course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Civics provides a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities for being an American citizen and a framework for competent and responsible participation in American government. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of government and political systems, and the importance of the rule of law; the United States Constitution; Federal, State and local government structure; and rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Students will actively investigate local, state and national issues, read and participate in discussions, and develop informed opinions using a variety of writing forms.
This course examines all of world history from the Neolithic period to the modern period through chronological and thematic organization. Each period and region is examined through the five broad themes that inform the entire course - interaction between humans and the environment, development and interaction of cultures, state building, expansion and conflict, creation, expansion and interaction of economic systems and the development and transformation of social structures. The course examines emergence of agricultural societies, early civilizations, and the rise and fall of the classical civilizations. The major post-classical civilizations and medieval societies - Byzantium, the rise and spread of Islam, Medieval Europe, the Chinese reunification, the great kingdoms of Sahelean and sub-saharan Africa and pre-Columbian America are examined. Students explore the impact of the Columbian exchange and the global expansion of trade networks, Europeans, Africans, and Americans in the Atlantic world, continental empires and maritime states, the scientific revolution, the Enlightenment, revolutions in the Atlantic world, the rise of capitalism and the industrial revolution, free trade and the Opium War, colonization and imperialism, independence and Westernization, World War, Fascism and World War II, new states and a new world order, women in the world, and globalization and the new global age. Students will read primary and secondary source materials from a variety of materials and emphasis will be placed on historical writing in the form of essays, document based questions and a research project.
Sociology: Sociology is an introductory study in social behavior and organization of human society. This course will describe the development of the field as a social science by identifying methods and strategies of research leading to an understanding of how the individual relates to society and the ever changing world. Students will also learn the importance and role of culture, social structure, socialization, and social change in today's society. Psychology: In Psychology students study the science of behavior and mental processes. Students examine the full scope of the science of psychology such as the historical framework, methodologies, human development, motivation, emotion, sensation, perception, personality development, cognition, learning, intelligence, biological foundations, mental health, and social psychology.
The Advanced Placement Program offers a course and exam in psychology to qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to an introductory college course in psychology. The exam presumes at least one semester of college-level preparation. The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Spanish
Students enrolled in this beginning course of study participate in thematic units that promote effective communication and improved oral and written proficiencies through a variety of instructional strategies and authentic assessments. Students are engaged in the language using Comprehensible Input, Storytelling and Total Physical Response, increasing engagement and comprehension in the target language. Students become effective communicators in the present tense through purposeful listening, speaking, reading, or writing activities. Students participate in authentic exchanges of information for a real purpose between people, such as discussing pastimes, personality traits, school life, ordering food in a restaurant, and stating the locations of people, places, and objects. Students experience the history, geography, and cultural perspectives of Spain, Central and South America.
Students enrolled in this course of study continue to participate in thematic units that promote effective communication and improved oral and written proficiencies through a variety of instructional activities and authentic assessments. Students continue to build upon their effective communication skills through purposeful listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Students participate in authentic exchanges of information for a real purpose between people such as describing classroom objects, extracurricular activities, and special events, and inquiring and giving directions. Students continue to be engaged in the acquisition of language using Comprehensible Input, Storytelling and Total Physical Response,in addition to using these methods as input and comprehension, students begin to create their own individual stories and narratives. Additional authentic thematic units include discussing emergencies and injuries. Students communicate in the past and present tenses, and they experience the history, geography, and cultural perspectives of Spain. Literature in the form of poetry, fables and short stories is introduced.
Students enrolled in this intermediate course of study continue to participate in thematic units that promote effective communication and improved oral and written proficiencies through a variety of instructional activities and authentic assessments. Students refine their effective communication skills through purposeful listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Students participate in advanced, authentic exchanges of information for a real purpose between people, such as describing a visit to a national park, school competitions, the arts, giving advice about health and nutrition, discussing opportunities for volunteer work in the community, careers, and professions, and how different cultures interact. Students communicate in a variety of tenses, and experience the history, geography, and cultural perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries. Literature in the form of poetry, fables and short stories is introduced.
Students enrolled in this advanced course of study continue to participate in thematic units that promote effective communication and improved oral and written proficiencies through a variety of instructional activities and authentic assessments. Students continue to refine their effective communication skills through purposeful listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Students participate in advanced, authentic exchanges of information for a real purpose between people, helping them to connect their learning to the community in which they live and to see the relationship between language, community, and career. Through selected literary and video pieces from various countries based on themes such as youth, fables and legends, and the environment, students augment and refine their skills in vocabulary and grammatical accuracy as they communicate on the relevant themes in the literary pieces. Students communicate in a variety of advanced tenses. Cultural perspectives from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries are thematically woven into the units of study. In this course, students receive significant practice and preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam that occurs the following school year. The course is conducted in Spanish.
This course is designed for students that have taken Spanish 1 and 2 and are looking to reinforce their existing skills through the exploration of the culture in a project based environment. Students will explore themes of identity, heritage and the future, Spanish language use in the community such as how it is used in different work environments, emergency situations and further exploration of the culture through music, art and food.
The course is designed for freshmen and sophomores who have a strong base in Spanish but lack formal education in the language. Each course will be the equivalent of one year of Spanish instruction and are used as prerequisites for Spanish courses Spanish 3 and above. These courses were designed and tailored to fit the needs of our large Spanish speaking population which often struggle and rebel against having to take a language that they think they know. Providing the students with a Heritage learners class will allow them to learn at an appropriate pace and will target their areas of need. It will focus on improving and refining their Spanish skills while helping them learn reading and decoding skills that can translate to English and that are crucial to the AP Spanish test. The course will also focus on vocabulary building using cognates and varied global interest topics that will also aid in their comprehension of English. Completion of both these courses should have students ready to take Spanish 4, continue to AP or ECE Spanish and receive the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English upon graduation (also contingent on English grade). Upon completion of this course students would continue to Spanish 3, 4, 5, AP or ECE depending on the teacher recommendation.
The Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more languages. A student must demonstrate proficiency in English by completing 4 years of English Language Arts. For the second language, the student is required to complete at least 3 years of world language program or have heritage language knowledge and demonstration of proficiency in the said language by scoring intermediate-mid on assessments approved by Connecticut for the Seal of Biliteracy. The student must apply to receive the Seal of Biliteracy their senior year. Please see the school counselor for details. |
Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings Arts Offerings | Creative Writing Concentration
In this class students will get an introduction to what creative writing classes are all about. Students will learn the power of “the word” and how “the word” is at the center of all that we do in creative writing classes. Students will also learn how to collaborate through the workshop model which is vital to the writing process.
Intermediate students will read the work of writers from diverse time periods and cultures, which will be used as springboards and models for student work that will be discussed by the class. Students will develop a literary vocabulary and learn to give and receive critical feedback in an ongoing effort to gain insight, perspective, and technique necessary for them to grow and develop as artists.
Advanced students will read the work of writers from diverse time periods and cultures, which will be used as springboards and models for student work that will be discussed by the class. Students will develop a literary vocabulary and learn to give and receive critical feedback in an ongoing effort to gain vital poetinsight, perspective, and technique necessary for them to grow and develop as artists.
Our reading interests will inspire our writing as we navigate the world of writing and literature together. Some of these texts – the ones that intrigue and engage us – will become our mentor texts, guiding us as we explore and examine the four “S’s”: subject, style, structure, and significance – the craft of writing -- and apply what we’ve discovered to our own writing.
This class is concerned with the relationship between art and writing. It is part studio art and art history, part writing and literature. Students will consider the visuality of letters and words and consequently of their own writing. They will explore this by creating work through different media (drawing, collage, painting, photography, computer), and study the work of writers and artists from the past and present.
This class will explore essays, a genre which offers students the opportunity to discover and express their world(s) in their own words. Readings will include authors from the distant past (Seneca, Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald), the recent past (George Orwell, Jorge Luis Borges, James Baldwin, Annie Dillard) and the present. Students will investigate a wide variety of styles and topics, which will be discussed and may be used as models, and create work culled from their lives, experiences and opinions.
Students will learn to closely analyze short stories for structure, genre, character development and statement. Using published stories as models, students will create their own short fiction, focusing first on craft. Extensive revision will follow.
This class will explore classical mythology in order to inspire themes and characters in students' poems and stories. The class will also look at a variety of modern and contemporary works that have been inspired by or written in response to the myths being studied. Students will then have the opportunity to research and study the myths of a culture of their own choosing and produce response pieces based on that work.
In this class we will read powerful and provocative plays, stories, poems, and essays. We read not for the "right answers" in analyzing, but as writers, asking questions of the texts. Why do writers make the decisions they do? How do their choices impact you as the reader? The class will help students connect to literature from within: by going both deep into the texts, and into articulating their own experiences.
In this class we will define landscape as being both inner and outer, and we will explore the question: Where are you from? Through studying literary models and engaging in student-driven project and writing exercises, we will see how effectively writers address landscape (both physical and emotional) and setting in their work. We will explore how a "place" can be an emotion, a memory, a pivotal, life-changing event, a religion, etc. Models read will include the groundbreaking work of Puerto Rican writer Piri Thomas' "Down These Mean Streets", Betty Smith's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver, James Joyce.
The development of your voice and the furthering of your work beyond the walls of the classroom is the focus of this class. Students will consider the possibilities of reaching a wider audience through print or the internet, presenting work before an audience, and considering themselves not just “student” artists. Dance/Movement Concentration
Drill is about discipline, precision, and unity. Drill mimics military precision while step provides a cultural and historical significance and, of course, rhythm. Students will learn what it means to unify through dance and use the body to create music, message, and movement.
Learning the foundations of dance are great but sometimes it is difficult to see how they blend together. Street jazz is exactly that, a blend of jazz, hiphop, and ballet. Students will learn the history and foundations while experimenting with choreography.
Yoga 1: In this yoga class we will practice a blend of hatha and vinyasa yoga. Learn about the cultural, historical, and spiritual roots of yoga. All while practicing being more in touch with ourselves by connecting body and mind.
Yoga 2: In this advanced yoga class, students will continue to explore the relationship between breath and movement. Students will deepen their yoga and meditation practice and explore more challenging poses.
This course will engage students’ creativity using a combination of writing and movement. Daily journaling exercises will ask students to connect their own stories to major themes in the world- politics, social/economic/gender issues, family, hopes/dreams, etc. The class will then create corresponding dances in solo and small group settings. The smaller works will be translated into larger ensemble work and performed at school wide events.
This movement class is a dynamic combination of physical awareness and fitness, and rhythmic explorations of dance styles from around the world. Class will focus on physical stamina, strength, flexibility and give students exposure to African, Latin and Caribbean dance styles. The class will also explore cultural connections and increase student awareness of geography and ethnography of Africa and various other countries Diaspora.
This class will introduce students to the basic elements of modern dance. It will introduce correct alignment, vocabulary and movement common in all styles of modern dance technique. It will focus on strength, coordination, flexibility, use of breath, core support and use of space. The dancer will discover and support the body’s center of weight and learn connections within the body.
This course allows students to study the fundamental methods of creating choreography. It will introduce key vocabulary and exercises that are prevalent in composition work including: space, body, shape, timing, dynamics, intent, compositional phrase elements and giving feedback. Students will work both individually and collaboratively on various composition work that will increase in length and complexity as the year progresses. This work is performed and discussed. Students learn how to describe their work and that of others through the use of choreographic terminology and artistic criteria to support productive feedback.
This semester course is designed as a unique opportunity to orient new and/or experienced dancers to the dance at the Academy and to provide an understanding of the foundations of movement. This class will also work on dance conditioning to gain strength and flexibility needed for dance technique. Visual Arts Offerings
Explore art history from classical, abstract, minimal, atavism and pop art. During this class we will learn about current and active working artist and creatives. Students will have the opportunity to create work inspired by these artists.
Typography is the art of manipulating the visual form of language to enrich and control its meaning. It’s a critical skill and knowledge for graphic designers or any artist looking to incorporate writing into their art work. Typography predates modern graphic design by around 500 years; it is rich in rules and conventions—but it remains an exciting space for invention and expression. In this class we will dive into different styles of lettering and graffiti.
Using only the primary colors; red blue yellow, with white, students will learn how to mix all colors, shades, and tones with acrylic paint and watercolor. Emphasis on the Color Wheel, basic painting techniques, creativity and self expression. Introduction to a variety of current and past visual artists' practices.
Students apply the elements and principles of design while creating drawings/ paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc. Students also learn to document, display, and critique their artwork as a group. Using a variety of mediums students assemble and present a small portfolio of works in a variety of mediums.
This class will cover the basics of traditional figure drawing while incorporating movement. Students will study functional anatomy through yoga and other types of exercise in order to develop a kinesthetic connection with the process of creating figurative art.
Students in this class will be introduced to the fundamentals of digital photography and the technical aspects involved with using a digital camera. Students will learn how to up load images, proper use of storage and manipulation of imagery through Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
Students will learn how to activate spaces through art making. We will explore different social movements and learn how creatives use art to respond to social issues. Each student will create artwork that helps them amplify their voice and awareness of various social movements.
Students develop basic drawing skills, including the ability to perceive and express visual relationships. Students also develop basic color theory through watercolor, ink and acrylic painting techniques. With both drawing and painting, students will be able to perceive and express relationships by understanding and implementing the Elements & Principles of Design.
While working from observation students will create compositions beyond representation to explore conceptual and pictorial issues and investigate a mixed wide range of contemporary issues and themes.
Students will continue to explore applications in drawing and illustration related to traditional and digital technology. Assignments will present industry specific problems, which encourage students to examine the transition from conceptualization to execution.
This hands-on class pushes the limits about the physical nature of the book and offers students an opportunity to make their own artwork from old books. Students will explore collage, mixed media, painting, sculpture and writing - emphasizing the three-dimensional form. The goal is to challenge the physical properties of a book and connect the artwork to the book's digital content with personal intention. This class is designed for students to be as exploratory and as inventive as possible. Students may also create their own book structures from found and unconventional materials (newspaper, paper bags, fabrics, cardboard, etc.).
This class will introduce students to methods of “seeing” and creating through the visual arts. The students will be exposed to different artists and their artistic styles of interpretations in the creative process. The class will then be encouraged to respond with their own visual stories by experimenting and taking risks with their own work. A variety of techniques and materials (and also writing about their art) will be incorporated into class activities to expand the students’ artistic vocabularies and thus inform their writing through their hands-on experiences.
Students develop technical skills in a variety of studio print media such as monotype, linoleum block printing, drypoint etching and relief plate rubbings. Repetitious drawing practices and an understanding of color theory are significant components to this course.
This course is an introduction to the history and various regional styles of paper cutting and its multiple uses across the visual arts. Students will learn how to safely and effectively utilize the required tools and techniques for both simple and intricate designs and explore both 2D and 3D applications. Projects will include paper cut art for illustration, decoration, stenciling, collage, light projection installation, and fine art.
This class explores the "how, where and who" of artmaking in our community, both at school and just outside our doors. We discuss different approaches to artmaking and how it reflects our culture and travel to venues to see art made and exhibited. You will be exposed to the diverse world of art accessible in our elocal community. Media Arts / Film Offerings production
In this class students will become more aware of their own consumption of media and the role it plays in their understanding of the world. Through current works, we will analyze, not only film and television, but also the advertisements that influence the storytelling of today. Furthermore, we will discuss how all of this affects our own artistic decision-making. We will also read many articles about the world of design and technology that will culminate into a class-wide project where we will create our own short film.
An introductory course that offers a survey of Media Arts: Print design, Web Design and Video. Students will use real-life projects to embrace design elements and develop their own style as a designer in each medium. Projects are completed in Photoshop, InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.
This course is for students interested in developing their knowledge in the most up to date Adobe Photoshop Suite (APS). APS is a complex graphics and image editing software, and paint program. This course will incorporate the Elements and Principles of Design into the methods and techniques associated with APS.
Students will learn how to tell a story cinematically. Students will also learn how to watch actively and interpret visual metaphors. The first half of the year students will focus on documentary techniques. The second half of the year students will write their own short fiction stories and then film them.
This course is focused on training students to learn the art of sound recording as well as mixing and mastering. Students will become an asset for other performers within the student body and will run like an audio production business.
Within the classroom discussions, analysis of films, and assigned readings students will strengthen their understanding of the structural elements behind a screenplay. Learning about plot, characters, setting, and format, students will become familiar with the general guiding principles and idea processes of dramatic structure and character development. They will learn how to execute an idea into a full story and write a short film of their own.
In this class we will compare and contrast the differences between film and television as well as the structure and elements that define them both. We will learn character development, cliffhangers and an overall page-turning style of writing. As an entire class we will also produce our own media series and work with the puppetry students to record our own pilot episodes.
The bulk of the course will involve analyzing film techniques and learning the fundamentals of research and development. Students will pitch ideas and stories that are important to them, they will then engage in forming a simple thought into an entire concept and learning investigative techniques to better the execution. We will review script breakdowns and film language on our journey from idea to image.
Animation I is an introduction to cartoon animation. This class will explore the areas of animation, character and story development, and motion graphics. The basic principles of design and animation will be a key part of the class.
This course introduces students to the basics of film analysis, cinematic formal elements, genre, and narrative structure and helps students develop the skills to recognize, analyze, describe and enjoy film as an artpand entertainment form. To understand how films are constructed to make meaning and engage audiences, students will be introduced to the basic “building blocks” and formal elements (narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound and editing) that make up the film as well as some fundamental principles of analysis, genre, style, performance and storytelling. Music Offerings
Why do humans make music? What happens in our brains when we listen to music? How does music reflect the people, times, and places it comes from? In this class students will take on the roles of music critics, theorists, historians, and psychologists as we learn to listen more deeply, think more critically, and speak more eloquently about music of many genres and styles.
Students will work together to create a short musical. In this process, they will brainstorm a story, write a script, write songs for the characters, act out the parts, and present the final product to another class or a small audience.
Students will learn to play drums, bells and shakers from Ghana, West Africa, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Cuba. They will learn the importance of drum conversation along with different drumming techniques. Students will play together as a team and grow as a community.
This class will take an active approach to music theory.Through the analysis of existing music we will explore concepts of melody, rhythm, tonality, form, and sound. We will put our ideas into action using the soundtrap application to complete composition assignments.
This class will focus on the performance of American jazz and blues repertoire. We will explore the genre through constant listening and practicing of important historic recordings. Ensemble playing, melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and scales will all be introduced and developed.
Strings Ensemble offers instruction and performance on violin, and cello in a wide variety of contemporary styles. Fundamentals covered will include proper posture and playing position, development of tone quality and training in music literacy.
Through performing a wide variety of music from different times, places, and cultures, students in this class will improve their instrumental technique, music literacy, and overall musicianship. Through a focus on chamber music (each person playing a different part), students will improve their ensemble skills while having opportunities to practice musical leadership and gain confidence as artists and performers.
Students will learn how to play simple piano music in a variety of styles using both hands. Students will also learn to read music notation in treble and bass clefs and to apply basic music theory concepts when learning new music.
Students will build on music theory and note-reading skills learned in Piano 1 and apply them to increasingly difficult repertoire. They will also design their own independent projects and create recorded performances.
Through group warm-ups, one-on-one work with the instructor in front of the class, constructive feedback from peers, and self-evaluation, students will gain an understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology, a general understanding of breath control, and an exposure to singing in different registers. Students will be guided in repertoire selection.
This course is an introduction to the Ukulele and will provide students with instant access to creating and playing music. Students will learn a variety of techniques on the Ukulele including strumming, fingerpicking, chords, and rhythms. As students build their confidence with this versatile instrument, they will also be introduced to reading music, improvisation, and beginning songwriting.
This class provides students with a solid background in the art and craft of songwriting. Students will study the elements of songwriting: lyrics, rhythm, melody, harmony, and song structure. Students will work on their original compositions through a series of group and solo activities.
Academy Therapy Band is a traveling music and dance company. In class, students will learn how to play music as an ensemble. Instruments will include drum set, piano, guitar, bass, percussion and vocals. Students will explore a variety of music and dance styles, including swing, salsa, country, African and pop. The students will prepare a repertoire of songs (cover tunes and originals). The intention of the ensemble is to involve the ‘host community’ through dance, movement, musical and vocal expression.
In this class, students will learn the basic rhythms and dance steps for Latin music, including salsa, bachata and merengue styles. Instruments will include congas, clave, guiro, maracas, bell, bongos, timbales, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, piano and vocals. The center of the Latin beat is the conga drum. This will be our starting point. Everyone will then learn to play all instruments in the ensemble. Latin music is not just music, though, but dance too! You do not have to be a dancer to learn salsa dancing. But, you may find out that you are more of a dancer than you thought you were.
Guitar focuses on understanding the basic principles of playing and writing music for guitar. Students learn how to write chord progressions, create melodic leads, as well as tunes and string their instruments. No prior experience with music or guitar is necessary, but a passion for exploration and patience are necessities.
comedyOne of the primary purposes of music is to bring people together as a community. In this class, students will curate a songbook that represents the diversity and values of the Academy community and search for ways to support and celebrate each other through song. We will strive for true community music-making experiences that break down the divide between performers and audience. Open to both vocalists and instrumentalists. Theater Concentration
Throughout the semester, this physical, high energy beginning acting class will take students on a journey into the world of physical comedic acting and clowning. Students will work within the ensemble to explore the rules of clowning and various clowning techniques to create scenes featuring original clown characters.
Students will develop the skills needed to write and deliver individual public speaking performances. Class will explore stand-up comedy and speech writing that will result in student performances of prepared works. There will be plenty of opportunity for collaboration, but ultimately the spotlight will be on each student individually.
Students will develop the skills needed to produce and perform collaborative short works. The class will explore the anatomy of a joke, writing short pieces and learn how to produce student creations for stage and/or film. The class will end with a student performance to showcase their sketch comedy pieces.
This acting class will explore various ways in which social justice theater is created. Physical storytelling, playwriting, and spoken word will be the vehicles of expression used to explore contemporary issues facing teenagers and young adults today. Prerequisite: Acting Technique or Movement for the Actor or Race, Gender and Identity.
This class will focus on movement, voice, and speech to improve the performer's natural capacity for moving, sounding, and speaking. Students will learn to feel the way the human body naturally functions when it is free of adverse conditioning. You experiment with vocal and body energies, discover numerous choices in communicating text, and find new ways of tapping into the imagination and soul of a character.
In this class, students create original theatre based on the themes of race, gender and identity. Students will draw from personal experiences, current events, and dramatic texts to develop devised pieces that bring light to various aspects of race, racism, gender roles and gender stereotyping, sexism, sexual orientation and homophobia.
Puppetry is an ancient art form that can be found across many cultures. Puppetry is utilized in storytelling, theatrical productions, mainstream entertainment, and social activist movements. In this class, students will be introduced to a variety of puppetry styles, techniques, and create their stylized puppetry performances.
This course will support students in developing effective audition preparation techniques, such as identifying their actor strengths, selecting the right monologues, making specific acting choices on and off camera, and much more. Students will leave this course with the tools and confidence to prepare for any theater or film audition.
Using a series of progressive exercises, students will practice and perfect the techniques of visual storytelling. By creating an artistic laboratory setting, the curriculum challenges the students to make strong, clear choices and effectively communicate to actors and designers on a daily basis, developing practical applications of the theories behind directing.
Students will acquire a broad overview of the many faces of on-camera work, including the vocabulary, skills, and techniques for working on a set. The sessions are divided into a didactic lesson and a practical on-camera lab.
The basics of acting will be explored through physical and vocal exercises, improvisation, monologues, and scene study. We will learn how to approach the text in preparation for character and performance.
In this advanced acting class, students will continue to work as an ensemble to develop awareness, focus and vocal and physical dexterity, strength and freedom. Various dramatic texts will provide the foundation for analyzing and developing the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of characters and will serve as the sources for monologue and scene work.
In this class, students learn the basics behind improvisational performance, a theater style where the only motto is, "Don't Be Prepared." A serious approach to comedy will be practiced and something brand new will be created at every class meeting. By using short, long and competitive forms, students develop an active approach to improvisation and hone their skills to become comedy confident. |
Extracurricular Offerings | Clubs
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