Encouraging Creativity and Self-Expression
The Visual and Performing Arts program at Stuart strives to make the arts a vital part of a student’s education, with an outstanding arts curriculum for every grade level in:
- Music
- Drama
- Visual art, and
- Dance (at upper levels.)
With an emphasis on skill building, art history, aesthetics and critique, the curriculum supports the conviction that arts are an essential part of the academic experience for the achievement of human, social and aesthetic growth. The program embraces all learning styles, encouraging teamwork and fostering leadership skills.
Students find the arts to be a vibrant aspect of the Stuart community. Opportunities for creative expression are found at all grade-levels. Click on the tabs below to learn more about the program.
Visual Arts
Visual Art classes expose students to a variety of media, including:
- Ceramics
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Painting, and
- Drawing
Each course of study includes an emphasis on technique, allowing students to fully explore the media and its evolution. Visits to area museums, and to Stuart's own Considine and Hamill Galleries, enable students to form impressions of art, both historical and modern.
In late spring, the AP Portfolio, Honors Art and Advanced Photography students mount an exhibit of their work. Students in Pre-School through grade 12 celebrate their work with an All-School Art Show at the end of the school year.
Drama
Beginning in third grade, the drama curriculum helps students develop creative expression, concentration, poise, teamwork and self-confidence. At each grade-level, students have an opportunity to perform a short theatrical piece, often in conjunction with the music department. Each year, the fifth and eighth grades present a full musical production.
Middle School students explore playwriting and theatre history. Upper School students may participate in a fall dramatic production and/or the spring musical. Upper School drama classes include:
- Acting
- Directing
- Musical theatre
- Film, and
- Stagecraft
Technology is used in age-appropriate theatre and film classes. Upper School students can also participate in improvisation, playwriting, comedy, film and a myriad of other creative club activities.
Music
Music classes are designed to teach an appreciation of music and develop the musical capability of each child. Vocal and instrumental music are both part of the curriculum, and Stuart students may take instrumental lessons at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart. The program is administered by the Westminster Choir College.
At each level, students participate in a chorus experience. In the Lower School, students learn to play recorders and hand bells. Middle School students learn guitar and conduct from a score, and there is an opportunity to participate in an instrumental ensemble. Upper School students may audition for Stuart’s vocal ensemble, The TartanTones, which performs at Stuart events, local concerts and, on alternating years, outside the U.S. There is also a small, select choir ensemble.
Music theory and technology are taught at age-appropriate levels. Students have an opportunity to perform at assemblies throughout the school year.
Dance
Stuart offers dance as an elective in the Upper School. These electives include:
- Ballet
- Modern dance, and
- Broadway-style dance
- Students receive physical-education credits for these electives.
The Considine Gallery
The Considine Gallery is located in the lobby at the main entrance and along the adjacent corridors. It offers three exhibits of regional artists during the school year, including an all-school student exhibit in the spring.
One of the objectives of the gallery is to make art a part of everyday life and stimulate aesthetic appreciation. In addition, it is the intention of the gallery director to offer exhibits that reflect the Goals and Criteria of Stuart, while encouraging reflection, contemplation and dialogue.
The Hamill Gallery
The Hamill Gallery is located in the lobby area adjacent to the Upper School entrance. Revolving exhibits throughout the school year showcase the artwork of Upper School students.
Visiting hours: Students, faculty, parents and the public may view the exhibitions Monday through Friday from 8 am – 6 pm when school is in session.
Online Galleries
We welcome you to explore our online galleries featuring the work of Stuart students.
View the Galleries