In the Lower School, visual arts is a regular part of students’ weekly schedules and a joyful space for exploration and discovery. From PreK through Grade 5, students work in a dedicated art classroom, experimenting with drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and clay while learning about line, shape, color, texture, and form. 

As they grow, students begin to work with greater intention—building confidence, persistence, and an understanding of art as both a creative process and a finished piece.
 

Visual arts remains a required course for all Middle School students, reinforcing its role as a core part of a Shipley education. In Grades 6–8, students engage in a sequential studio curriculum focused on drawing from observation, contour line, value and shading, perspective, sculpture, and design. Through projects such as portrait drawing, clay sculpture, and spatial design, students refine techniques, plan and revise their work, and grow more confident in their creative decision-making. Each spring, student work is celebrated in a Middle School art exhibition alongside the School’s Spring Concert.Visual Arts

At Shipley, the visual arts are an essential part of every student’s education. From PreK through Grade 9, art is a required and regular part of the school day, ensuring that all students build creative confidence, visual literacy, and hands-on experience as they grow. 

Through a thoughtfully sequenced PreK–12 program, students explore ideas, develop skills, and discover new ways to express and understand the world through art.
 

Art continues as a required course in ninth grade, providing a shared foundation before students pursue more specialized study. Beginning with Art Foundations in Grade 9, students may then elect full-credit and minor courses in areas such as studio art, ceramics, photography, sculpture, video, and graphic design. Purpose-built studios—including a darkroom, kiln, portfolio lab, and digital design spaces—support experimentation and advanced work. Through critique, independent projects, and sustained practice, students develop a strong visual voice and prepare for creative work in college and beyond.