Early Childhood
Pre-K 2 to 4
Early Childhood at RIS embraces a child-centered approach to visual arts, rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which encourages exploration and self-expression and an enriching and meaningful experience. Teachers observe and follow each child’s unique interests, using art as a tool for investigation and learning. In Pre-K, art is integrated into the daily routine, with students engaging in hands-on activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. Through various media, including drawing, painting, and sculpting, children interact with their environment and build their understanding of the world.
Elementary School
Kindergarten to Grade 5
The elementary school art program, based on the National Core Arts Standards (NCAS), emphasizes creativity, artistic expression, and skill development, offering a structured yet flexible approach where students explore different media, techniques, and cultural influences as they progress through the grades.
In Kindergarten, students are introduced to the basic elements of art—line, shape, color, and texture—through guided activities and open-ended exploration. By Grade 1, they begin to develop observational skills and gain confidence in expressing themselves independently through both two- and three-dimensional projects. In Grade 2, students explore new media and techniques, with projects inspired by artists like Hundertwasser, encouraging them to experiment and express emotions through their artwork.
As students move into Grades 3, 4, and 5, they deepen their artistic skills and expand their creative expression. In Grade 3, they explore ceramics, cultural art, and collaborative installation projects, while Grade 4 students experiment with mixed media and sculptural work inspired by Gothic architecture. By Grade 5, students refine their artistic abilities, mastering techniques like contour drawing, sculpture, and narrative-driven projects like pop-up books, preparing them for further artistic exploration in middle and high school.
MIDDLE School
Grades 6-8
Visual Arts in middle school offers students a range of creative courses designed to foster self-expression, critical thinking, and skill development. Through these courses, students explore various art forms and mediums, enhancing their ability to communicate ideas visually and develop an appreciation for cultural diversity. Whether pursuing art, design, photography, or multimedia, students are equipped with valuable skills that prepare them for future opportunities in creative fields such as graphic design, architecture, art therapy, and more.
Courses include introductory to advanced art classes, where students in grades 6-8 can explore different artistic techniques, styles, and concepts. The Art class helps students develop foundational skills, while Intermediate and Advanced Art courses offer more focused, skill-building opportunities for those interested in deepening their creative practice. Additionally, students can engage in specialized courses like Industrial Design, which covers the fundamentals of product design, and Audio and Video Production, where students create multimedia projects and learn about visual storytelling.
The program also offers courses like MS Photography and MS Yearbook, where students can dive into visual storytelling and media production. These hands-on courses allow students to develop technical skills in photography and design, while also gaining experience in publishing and project management. The Visual Arts program at RIS not only nurtures creativity but also prepares students for future studies in diverse fields, making it a vital part of their overall education.
HIGH School
Grades 9-8
Visual Arts for high school offers a wide range of courses designed to foster creativity, technical skill, and self-expression. A foundation course, such as Art Foundations or Art 1, is required before students can pursue other visual arts electives. The program is ideal for students interested in exploring various art forms, from traditional media like drawing and painting to digital design, photography, and 3D modeling. Students can also gain skills in more specialized areas like ceramics, fabric arts, and graphic design.
Courses like Drawing, Painting, and 3D Studio Art offer students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills through hands-on practice and exploration of different media. In more advanced classes, such as Photography, Graphic Design, and Computer 3D Modeling, students dive into the technical aspects of visual arts, learning digital tools and techniques for creating both two- and three-dimensional works. Students are encouraged to experiment, express individual ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of art through projects and assignments.
For those seeking college-level preparation, the IB Visual Arts program provides a rigorous two-year course leading to an exhibition of students’ works. Additionally, Independent Art allows advanced students to pursue self-directed projects with mentorship. Whether pursuing a career in the arts or developing a personal portfolio, RIS’s Visual Arts program equips students with the skills needed for success in higher education and beyond.
For more information, see:
Elementary School Program of Studies
Middle School Program of Studies
High School Program of Studies
