Curriculum

Creative Writers study story structure, poetry forms and writing techniques. In advanced classes, students perfect the craft of revision and learn from each other in workshop groups. Students organize and perform in our school-wide poetry slams and story slams, collaborate on plays and films, and contribute to and edit our literary blog and print anthology. Learn More

The Academy's Dance curriculum model reflects our desire to provide dance instruction aligned with what students will experience at the college level. Most college dance programs focus on technique, performance and choreography (dance making). Dance majors will likely be enrolled in several sections of technique and/or repertoire at various levels. Learn More

Actors focus on character understanding through literary and historical contexts; understanding the vocabulary of the stage; learning to perform and make choices on stage; and understanding how acting can enhance the understanding of literature and history. Actors work on formal critiques, improvisation, monologues, dialogues, poetry performances, and the creation of original works. Students will have opportunities to perform at assemblies and community functions. Actors will gain a better understanding of how acting enhances literary and historical understanding, and be comfortable with the vocabulary and physical aspects of the stage, management of the stage, and becoming comfortable with all aspects involved in putting on a full production. Learn More

Musicians are encouraged to grow from beginner to advanced levels of musicianship. Exploring the fundamentals of playing music, from an introduction to the basic chords, scales to advanced reading music and understanding music theory. Students analyze and critique their sound and performances regularly. Daily practice routines focus on physical technique and sight reading while developing an understanding of music theory. Students expand their knowledge base in theory, notation, and practice techniques in a variety of styles and college bound music students are supported in their preparation for scholarship and acceptance auditions for universities and conservatories. Learn More

The Digital Arts curriculum at the Academy truly fosters the innovative spirit by pairing creativity with the extensive reach of modern capability. By engaging students through the analytical and constructive processes of Art & Art History, while offering hands-on interactivity with modern tools, students utilize their creative and cognitive abilities to develop the skills to provide the current solutions that will create a brighter future. In a Digital Arts classroom, artists are presented with creative challenges which present various opportunities for students to engage through discussion & independent learning to develop thinking strategies, empowerment of identity & self-expression, and gain imperative technological skills which contribute to their success as an artist in the modern age Learn More

Arts Academy in the Woods Visual Arts Department offers a wide variety of courses including Visual Art Survey (covers all beginning art), Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Studio Art. All classes focus on encouraging students to think and behave like independent artists while also grounding students in the conventions of their chosen medium. The visual arts courses are modeled on the college art curriculum. Focus is put on skill building in the first few years of high school, much like an artist would do at the university level. With an emphasis on creative thought and drawing from life early on, students build on their abilities and grow as skilled artists working independently towards college level portfolios. Our Visual Art students are taught how to properly and safely use all art mediums and materials through teacher demonstrations, hands-on experimentation, and one-on-one guidance based on their own artistic goals. In the classroom we encourage students to make the most of their own choices with materials, process, and interpretation. We embrace our students’ unique, personal vision because the freedom to express also encourages planning, problem-solving, and the production of new ideas. Learn More

Singers focus on music theory as well as sight reading music. Prior singing experience is not required for survey classes. As singers progress, the focus becomes gaining vocal skills and being able to perform as a group. Students will work to achieve and maintain a high level of musicianship, leadership, responsibility, and respectable character. Vocalists work daily on their class music in preparation for performances throughout the year. During the school year the group will perform outside of school at civic, cultural, and educational activities. Students analyze and critique their sound and performances regularly. Learn More

Our World Language courses provide opportunities to acquire a second language, language appreciation, and language consciousness.  The work shall be toward the development of accurate pronunciation and appropriate usage of the mechanics of the language; an ability to listen and understand, to speak, to read, and to write the language in its simple forms; and an awareness and understanding of the culture of other cultures. Learn More

The Academy's Health and Wellness curriculum includes focus on many life skills to help improve and maintain physical, mental, emotional, and academic wellness, with an added emphasis on mental health. Learn More

We create, cultivate, motivate, and inspire English language arts learners who practice and appreciate personal, social, occupational and civic literacy. Learn More

We prepare students for all possibilities through the reinforcement of foundational knowledge and the teaching of conceptual/logical thinking via arts integration. Learn More

The study of science encourages creativity, develops analytical skills, improves communication skills, develops a love of learning, and broadens perspectives. Students involved in the experimenting experience have room to try new ideas fosters creativity and resourcefulness. Students look closer and examine the natural world through observation, predictions, and forming conclusions. Scientists develop organization through writing and tracking data and describing the process in a clear and well-developed way. By seeking answers scientists learn to pursue knowledge.Science changes how you see other subjects, including art and music. Someone may examine works of art with more interest after studying how our eyes see color. Students may notice the variety of tones in orchestra instruments after studying sound waves. Learn More

Social studies encourages an understanding of and action in local, national, and global issues.  Students will practice critical thinking skills which encourage informed civic action. As members of a globally interconnected democracy, students will understand, participate in, and make decisions about their world. Through the core social science disciplines of history, geography, economics and civics, an education in social studies provides students with tools to understand human behavior, culture, and development, as well as to become agents of change. Learn More