The Arts

Art courses are designed to help students discover interests and provide avenues for self-expression, creativity and development of specific skills. Basic, as well as advanced instruction, is offered in each area.

Students in grade 7 enroll in either Band or Choir and may also choose to take another Arts class as an elective. Those in grade 8 may enroll in Performing or Visual Arts classes as electives. Students in grades 9-12 must earn one credit in the Arts, either in the visual or performing categories, for graduation.

Performing Arts

The Academy offers Performing Arts courses in the areas of Band, Choir and Dance. The Performing Arts program fosters creativity, enhances collaboration, connects the arts to other disciplines, relates skills to life experiences and develops the ability to accept critique and improve performance skills.

Throughout the school year, students showcase their talents and skills through various school and public performances, including concerts in the winter and spring, Mass and liturgies, community events, and more.

Courses offered:

• Advanced Dance
• Beginning Band
• Beginning Choir
• Concert Band I-IV
• Concert Choir I-IV
• Dance (for Grades 7 and 8)
• Dance Technique
• Hawaiian Chant and Dance I-IV
• Intermediate Band
• Intermediate Choir
• Intermediate Dance
• Select Choir
• Wind Ensemble

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program helps students ignite creativity; express ideas visually using various media, tools and processes; recognize and understand different styles throughout history; appreciate understand art as cultural expression; work collaboratively on projects; employ technology to create and enhance projects; and communicate about artifacts orally and in writing.

The Visual Arts Department is housed in the McKeough Visual Arts Center, and student artwork is prominently displayed throughout the year in the school’s Administration Building. Art students often participate in community service projects and competitions.

Courses offered:

• Art (for Grades 7 and 8)
• Art I & II
• Ceramics I-III
• Commercial Design
• Digital Photography
• Graphic Design
• Videography and Broadcast Journalism
• Yearbook