The Creative and Performing Arts program is designed to develop the interests and talents of students in the arts and at the same time enhance the academic discipline, through an interdisciplinary approach stressing creativity, artistic expression, and culture experiences. The training is designed to challenge and develop skills of all students as well as to provide exceptional opportunities for the artistically talented child. The curriculum provides specialized instruction and in-depth experiences in each art discipline plus related arts experiences and an infusion of the arts in the overall curriculum. The arts become an integral part of the child’s education within the structure of a sound academic program. The ultimate goal is to have each student achieve his/her maximum potential both artistically and academically. The program will provide educational opportunities not otherwise available for students in Prince George's County Schools, or most other areas.
The K-8 Creative Arts program follows the general curriculum guidelines that are used for all Prince George’s County Public Elementary and Middle Schools. Instruction is provided in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies along with specialized instruction in the arts—visual art, drama, instrumental and vocal music, dance, media arts, creative writing, literary arts and related computer lab experiences
In addition, the school is intended to provide an environment for students to develop their intellectual insight, leadership, and sense of community responsibility. Underlying this goal is the belief that sound training and discipline in the arts builds character, judgment, sensitivity and insight important to good citizenship as well as academic and career success.
Fundamental to the philosophy of the K-8 Creative Arts School is the precept that children learn by doing and performing. It is the goal of the school to provide as many performance opportunities as possible with the highest level of quality. High quality performance must be preceded and accompanied by professional high quality instruction and training. Classes in the arts will be taught to students at all grade levels by qualified arts specialists.
K-8 Creative Arts School will provide each student with the opportunity to experience a broad spectrum of arts and to train and develop his/her talent in the arts of his/her choice. A partnership with the community is an integral facet in providing a broad spectrum of opportunities for intellectual, artistic, and cultural growth as well as exposure to careers in the arts.
Qualities valued by the school for the creative arts are dedication, integrity, a desire to learn, and the commitment for excellence.
Team A: The Primary Grades (K-2):
The primary grades are given a strong academic background. In addition, students are provided with 60 minutes of creative arts every day. The classroom and creative arts teachers work together to integrate the academic and arts curriculum.
Team B: The Intermediate Grades (3-5):
The intermediate grades concentrate on a strong academic program in a structured setting. Emphasis is placed on cooperative and group experiences with opportunities for individual expression. Students are provided with 85 minutes of creative arts every day. The classroom and creative arts teachers work together to integrate the academic and arts curriculum.
Team C: Middle School Grades (6-8):
The program includes arts integrated instruction in all basic subjects (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) as well as in-depth and specialized instruction in one art form (major) and abundant opportunities to perform and to explore other art forms.