Visual Art - Heritage Christian School

Whether it's an oversized crayon in a kindergarten class or an artist's paintbrush and acrylics in the high school, Heritage students of all ages have many opportunities to cultivate their creativity in the visual arts. In visual art classes, students develop their practice of art-making in skill, expression, and originality with a wide variety of mediums and subject matter in both traditional and innovative techniques.

Visual Art Education Across Our Schools

Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 4)

Our elementary art program encourages students to explore their creativity as image-bearers of our creative God. They learn to appreciate both the works of great artists and their own creations, gaining a deeper understanding of art’s power to inspire and reflect God’s design.

Our curriculum covers the key elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, and more) while teaching design principles such as balance, harmony, and variety. Students work with diverse media, including painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking, in alignment with National Art Education Association standards.

Intermediate School (Grades 5 & 6)

In 5th and 6th grade, our students are invited to explore God’s creation through the visual arts, learning to glorify Him by both creating and appreciating art. By developing technical skills, expanding their imagination, and integrating biblical truth, students experience how art connects them to the Creator.

As they progress, students gain hands-on experience with various art forms, including drawing, painting, mixed media, and 3-dimensional artwork. These opportunities help them develop a well-rounded foundation in artistic expression, preparing them for more advanced studies in the future.

Students are also introduced to the works of famous art masters, gaining an appreciation for the rich history of art. They understand that artistic abilities are a gift from God, meant to reflect Him as the Creator. Through collaborative projects, students learn the value of working together in a creative community.

Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)

Our middle school art courses focus on building a strong foundation in the elements, principles, and design concepts that form the core of all artistic endeavors. Students will explore key art forms such as design, illustration, and both 2D and 3D art, using a variety of media and tools to create their own masterpieces. Through these hands-on experiences, students deepen their understanding of art while learning about different artists, art styles, and cultures.

A Variety of Art Courses to Choose From
Middle school students have the opportunity to choose from four distinct art courses that offer unique creative experiences. These courses provide students with a broad exposure to the world of art, allowing them to discover their personal interests and talents.

2D Art: An introduction to drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage.
3D Art: Students explore sculpture, weaving, ceramics, jewelry, and glass.
Mixed Media Art: Students create a visual journal using bookbinding, collage, painting, drawing, typography, and assemblage.
Ceramics: An exploration of slab and hand-built forms, with an introduction to wheel-thrown forms.

High School (Grades 9-12)

Our high school visual art classes provide students with the opportunity to grow in their imaginative, creative, and critical thinking skills. Students not only explore art across history and cultures, but also learn to make informed judgments about artworks while engaging in discussions about biblical views of beauty and the nature of art. This holistic approach encourages students to deepen their appreciation for art while developing their unique artistic expression.

A Wide Range of Art Courses for High School Students
Our high school students can choose from a broad selection of art courses designed to suit various interests and skill levels. These courses offer students a chance to explore traditional and innovative techniques across a wide variety of media and subject matter, fostering both skill development and originality in their art-making.

Introduction to 2D Art
Advanced 2D Art
Introduction to 3D Art
Advanced 3D Art
Ceramics
Drawing
Painting
Photography
Sculpture
AP Studio Art

VIEW DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Fast Facts About Visual Art at HCS

Top AP Scores

AP Studio Art students consistently achieve top scores in all art disciplines, demonstrating the high level of excellence and skill they develop throughout their studies.

College & Career Readiness

Our students are equipped to apply and be accepted into prestigious art schools as well as interdisciplinary visual arts majors, opening doors to a wide range of opportunities in the art world.

School & Community Impact

Heritage students actively serve within the school community and in their churches and neighborhoods, creating theatre sets, promotional materials, and more, using their artistic talents to enrich their surroundings.

Collaborative Annual Art Show

High school students work together to plan and implement the annual student art show, showcasing the talents of all visual art students. Each AP and Portfolio student has the opportunity to create an individual gallery to feature their personal work, highlighting their artistic growth.

Visual Art for Every Student

All students participate in visual art classes through 6th grade, laying a solid foundation for creative expression. Starting in 7th grade, students can choose from a variety of art electives to continue developing their skills and artistic interests through high school.

Boundless Creativity: A Spotlight on Lucy Gard's Art Journey

Senior Lucy Gard first discovered her talent in art while in middle school when she started taking art classes. “I really enjoyed them, but didn’t think I was good enough to continue in high school art classes, so I initially didn’t sign up for any,” said Lucy. It wasn’t until about halfway through her freshman year that she decided to switch her study hall to an Intro to 2D Art class for the second semester.

“That’s when I really started to connect with art, especially painting,” she explained. The class gave Lucy the space and freedom to explore, and she began to realize just how much she enjoyed the creative process. “It was in that environment that I started to feel more confident in my abilities and truly understood my love for art,” she said.

READ LUCY'S STORY IN THE MESSENGER MAGAZINE