Arts-based curriculum?

[Anonymous]

Arts teacher here - what you are looking for is arts integration and is difficult to find in this area, as you can see from so many responses from folks who are legitimately confused about this approach. It’s a shame because arts integration could infuse so much joy back in classrooms that are sterile and uninspiring as they teach to the test in most classes and then have infrequent “specials” of stand-alone arts classes. Arts integration can enliven curriculum and naturally reach students with various learning styles but it is not well understood here in the dmv with our emphasis on achievement. If you find someplace that does it well, please tell me because I would like to teach there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I don't know any local independent elementaries that are 'arts based", and I can see wanting that. However, every independent school I know of in the area offers robust "specials" (a variety of arts, movement,library, language, SEL) that will be head and tails in terms of variety and dedicated time over what is the focus in many public schools, where 'time on academic task" is often the rallying cry. Public schools have traditionally been driven by the year end standardized testing, and draw a direct line between classroom academic lessons and results. This makes sense since students and teachers and whole schools are evaluated by these high stakes tests. Unfortunately, many have lost the long term perspective on the over arching benefits of an enriched early education. Any of the area private schools are going to have many specials and plentiful outdoor time. You may take a closer look at Sheridan, which I believe had outdoor education as a focus during the year (this is an ethos, like arts education) as well as I believe a really fleshed out arts summer camp. I personally wish more schools had driving identities and specialty programs like you seek, but we do have a few around here.

Written like someone who has never had a kid in public school.
My fourth grader's specials in public school per week:
PE 2x
music 2x
band/orchestra/choir 2x (depending on what the child chooses)
art 1x
library/media 1x
Global Studies 1x

The art room in my seventh grader's small private schools is *way* smaller and less stocked, and they don't offer any music beyond the once a week generic music class. There are lots of other benefits for him at his private school, but stating that publics don't have art and music is simply a lie.

New poster here. It depends on your public. Our MCPS public in 4th grade had PE 1x, Music 1x, and art 1x, and library 1x. In our private we have PE every day or 4 times a week, music twice a week, and art twice a week. Also art is more incorporated into the social studies and language art curriculum. So maybe not "art based" like OP wants, but much more of the arts in our private than public.

The other thing that I noticed (as a teacher) is that my DMV private has more recess and outdoor time than the DMV public where I taught. In elementary, that unstructured play can be incredibly creative and socializing for children - plus, fresh air, movement and exercise. I know it's not "arts based", but just adding in to what I've noticed in prioritized in each .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Doesn’t Field start every day with first period Art? It can be music, visual art, etc. This was stressed as a big part of their mission.

They used to. Just one of the many horrendous decisions that the new Head made to de-emphasize the core values that made Field Field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Incorporating arts into the classroom (at the elementary level) would include, for example using visual arts-based projects to teach social studies, or making extensive use of drama in the language arts curriculum. Some progressive schools might do this to some extent -- for instance, Lowell's website seems to indicate that this might be true to some extent at that school.

I'm looking for a school where art isn't a once-a-week "special", but where art is a daily class, in addition to art being incorporated into other subjects.

OP, my kids are at the Springwell School. I think you will find what you are looking for there. Both of the Elementary school teachers for next year have a background in the Reggio Emilio approach. Kids chose the ways that they develop their projects so some are very focussed in arts, some less so. One of the things that I like about Springwell over WWS is that there is also a firm foundation in teaching the basic skills that kids need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I don't know any local independent elementaries that are 'arts based", and I can see wanting that. However, every independent school I know of in the area offers robust "specials" (a variety of arts, movement,library, language, SEL) that will be head and tails in terms of variety and dedicated time over what is the focus in many public schools, where 'time on academic task" is often the rallying cry. Public schools have traditionally been driven by the year end standardized testing, and draw a direct line between classroom academic lessons and results. This makes sense since students and teachers and whole schools are evaluated by these high stakes tests. Unfortunately, many have lost the long term perspective on the over arching benefits of an enriched early education. Any of the area private schools are going to have many specials and plentiful outdoor time. You may take a closer look at Sheridan, which I believe had outdoor education as a focus during the year (this is an ethos, like arts education) as well as I believe a really fleshed out arts summer camp. I personally wish more schools had driving identities and specialty programs like you seek, but we do have a few around here.

Written like someone who has never had a kid in public school.
My fourth grader's specials in public school per week:
PE 2x
music 2x
band/orchestra/choir 2x (depending on what the child chooses)
art 1x
library/media 1x
Global Studies 1x

The art room in my seventh grader's small private schools is *way* smaller and less stocked, and they don't offer any music beyond the once a week generic music class. There are lots of other benefits for him at his private school, but stating that publics don't have art and music is simply a lie.

New poster here. It depends on your public. Our MCPS public in 4th grade had PE 1x, Music 1x, and art 1x, and library 1x. In our private we have PE every day or 4 times a week, music twice a week, and art twice a week. Also art is more incorporated into the social studies and language art curriculum. So maybe not "art based" like OP wants, but much more of the arts in our private than public.

The other thing that I noticed (as a teacher) is that my DMV private has more recess and outdoor time than the DMV public where I taught. In elementary, that unstructured play can be incredibly creative and socializing for children - plus, fresh air, movement and exercise. I know it's not "arts based", but just adding in to what I've noticed in prioritized in each .

All that outdoor time is also a liability for the school. Our experience in a private K-8 was that all the bad behavior happened outdoors and teachers were often oblivious until it got REALLY bad. If your child’s homeroom teacher is even the one outside with them they are likely distracted by their phone or colleagues. Usually it’s another teacher or staff member that doesn’t know your kid or who is bullying who, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I don't know any local independent elementaries that are 'arts based", and I can see wanting that. However, every independent school I know of in the area offers robust "specials" (a variety of arts, movement,library, language, SEL) that will be head and tails in terms of variety and dedicated time over what is the focus in many public schools, where 'time on academic task" is often the rallying cry. Public schools have traditionally been driven by the year end standardized testing, and draw a direct line between classroom academic lessons and results. This makes sense since students and teachers and whole schools are evaluated by these high stakes tests. Unfortunately, many have lost the long term perspective on the over arching benefits of an enriched early education. Any of the area private schools are going to have many specials and plentiful outdoor time. You may take a closer look at Sheridan, which I believe had outdoor education as a focus during the year (this is an ethos, like arts education) as well as I believe a really fleshed out arts summer camp. I personally wish more schools had driving identities and specialty programs like you seek, but we do have a few around here.

Written like someone who has never had a kid in public school.
My fourth grader's specials in public school per week:
PE 2x
music 2x
band/orchestra/choir 2x (depending on what the child chooses)
art 1x
library/media 1x
Global Studies 1x

The art room in my seventh grader's small private schools is *way* smaller and less stocked, and they don't offer any music beyond the once a week generic music class. There are lots of other benefits for him at his private school, but stating that publics don't have art and music is simply a lie.

New poster here. It depends on your public. Our MCPS public in 4th grade had PE 1x, Music 1x, and art 1x, and library 1x. In our private we have PE every day or 4 times a week, music twice a week, and art twice a week. Also art is more incorporated into the social studies and language art curriculum. So maybe not "art based" like OP wants, but much more of the arts in our private than public.

The other thing that I noticed (as a teacher) is that my DMV private has more recess and outdoor time than the DMV public where I taught. In elementary, that unstructured play can be incredibly creative and socializing for children - plus, fresh air, movement and exercise. I know it's not "arts based", but just adding in to what I've noticed in prioritized in each .

Teacher, can you share which schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I don't know any local independent elementaries that are 'arts based", and I can see wanting that. However, every independent school I know of in the area offers robust "specials" (a variety of arts, movement,library, language, SEL) that will be head and tails in terms of variety and dedicated time over what is the focus in many public schools, where 'time on academic task" is often the rallying cry. Public schools have traditionally been driven by the year end standardized testing, and draw a direct line between classroom academic lessons and results. This makes sense since students and teachers and whole schools are evaluated by these high stakes tests. Unfortunately, many have lost the long term perspective on the over arching benefits of an enriched early education. Any of the area private schools are going to have many specials and plentiful outdoor time. You may take a closer look at Sheridan, which I believe had outdoor education as a focus during the year (this is an ethos, like arts education) as well as I believe a really fleshed out arts summer camp. I personally wish more schools had driving identities and specialty programs like you seek, but we do have a few around here.

Written like someone who has never had a kid in public school.
My fourth grader's specials in public school per week:
PE 2x
music 2x
band/orchestra/choir 2x (depending on what the child chooses)
art 1x
library/media 1x
Global Studies 1x

The art room in my seventh grader's small private schools is *way* smaller and less stocked, and they don't offer any music beyond the once a week generic music class. There are lots of other benefits for him at his private school, but stating that publics don't have art and music is simply a lie.

New poster here. It depends on your public. Our MCPS public in 4th grade had PE 1x, Music 1x, and art 1x, and library 1x. In our private we have PE every day or 4 times a week, music twice a week, and art twice a week. Also art is more incorporated into the social studies and language art curriculum. So maybe not "art based" like OP wants, but much more of the arts in our private than public.

The other thing that I noticed (as a teacher) is that my DMV private has more recess and outdoor time than the DMV public where I taught. In elementary, that unstructured play can be incredibly creative and socializing for children - plus, fresh air, movement and exercise. I know it's not "arts based", but just adding in to what I've noticed in prioritized in each .

All that outdoor time is also a liability for the school. Our experience in a private K-8 was that all the bad behavior happened outdoors and teachers were often oblivious until it got REALLY bad. If your child’s homeroom teacher is even the one outside with them they are likely distracted by their phone or colleagues. Usually it’s another teacher or staff member that doesn’t know your kid or who is bullying who, etc.

Wow. We are not allowed to look at our phone or 'cluster'--supposed to spread out and pay attention. And yes, conflict happens--you are correct. But as part of the whole curriculum which includes addressing everyday conflict proactively and responsively, playtime is very important. I am sympathetic to your bullying concerns--often under the radar and not always addressed that well. I think all schools can work on better bullying plans for the rare, but deeply egregious times it does occur . I would ask any school I sent my child to what their approach to overall behavioral development is, and for their framework for addressing bullying incidences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Norwood has an emphasis on arts. I’m not sure what you mean by “arts-based,” but they definitely have a strong arts program.

What is your basis for claiming it’s an “emphasis” on art? Visual art and general music twice a week in LS. 2-3 times a week in MS. Not much different than other schools. No common planning time between arts teachers and homeroom teachers. I don’t know if any area school that does that.

Go visit Norwood ( in the fall, obviously) and see what you think

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Norwood has an emphasis on arts. I’m not sure what you mean by “arts-based,” but they definitely have a strong arts program.

What is your basis for claiming it’s an “emphasis” on art? Visual art and general music twice a week in LS. 2-3 times a week in MS. Not much different than other schools. No common planning time between arts teachers and homeroom teachers. I don’t know if any area school that does that.

Go visit Norwood ( in the fall, obviously) and see what you think

They do not have an arts integrated curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I don't know any local independent elementaries that are 'arts based", and I can see wanting that. However, every independent school I know of in the area offers robust "specials" (a variety of arts, movement,library, language, SEL) that will be head and tails in terms of variety and dedicated time over what is the focus in many public schools, where 'time on academic task" is often the rallying cry. Public schools have traditionally been driven by the year end standardized testing, and draw a direct line between classroom academic lessons and results. This makes sense since students and teachers and whole schools are evaluated by these high stakes tests. Unfortunately, many have lost the long term perspective on the over arching benefits of an enriched early education. Any of the area private schools are going to have many specials and plentiful outdoor time. You may take a closer look at Sheridan, which I believe had outdoor education as a focus during the year (this is an ethos, like arts education) as well as I believe a really fleshed out arts summer camp. I personally wish more schools had driving identities and specialty programs like you seek, but we do have a few around here.

Written like someone who has never had a kid in public school.
My fourth grader's specials in public school per week:
PE 2x
music 2x
band/orchestra/choir 2x (depending on what the child chooses)
art 1x
library/media 1x
Global Studies 1x

The art room in my seventh grader's small private schools is *way* smaller and less stocked, and they don't offer any music beyond the once a week generic music class. There are lots of other benefits for him at his private school, but stating that publics don't have art and music is simply a lie.

New poster here. It depends on your public. Our MCPS public in 4th grade had PE 1x, Music 1x, and art 1x, and library 1x. In our private we have PE every day or 4 times a week, music twice a week, and art twice a week. Also art is more incorporated into the social studies and language art curriculum. So maybe not "art based" like OP wants, but much more of the arts in our private than public.

The other thing that I noticed (as a teacher) is that my DMV private has more recess and outdoor time than the DMV public where I taught. In elementary, that unstructured play can be incredibly creative and socializing for children - plus, fresh air, movement and exercise. I know it's not "arts based", but just adding in to what I've noticed in prioritized in each .

All that outdoor time is also a liability for the school. Our experience in a private K-8 was that all the bad behavior happened outdoors and teachers were often oblivious until it got REALLY bad. If your child’s homeroom teacher is even the one outside with them they are likely distracted by their phone or colleagues. Usually it’s another teacher or staff member that doesn’t know your kid or who is bullying who, etc.

Wow. We are not allowed to look at our phone or 'cluster'--supposed to spread out and pay attention. And yes, conflict happens--you are correct. But as part of the whole curriculum which includes addressing everyday conflict proactively and responsively, playtime is very important. I am sympathetic to your bullying concerns--often under the radar and not always addressed that well. I think all schools can work on better bullying plans for the rare, but deeply egregious times it does occur . I would ask any school I sent my child to what their approach to overall behavioral development is, and for their framework for addressing bullying incidences.

Of course you’re not supposed to do a lot of things but it happens anyway. Aftercare is also another unstructured time to watch out for poor supervision. Private schools are in the business of keeping things private. This means a lot happens that parents never find out about unless it happens to your kid. Of course teachers can’t speak up because then we are blacklisted if we try to leave for better schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again. In the pre-high-school years, I'm willing to trade off classroom time spent on 'pure' academics in return for substantially more time spent on arts subjects.

I went to a school for the creative and performing arts for part of my childhood -- in a different part of the US, of course. There was daily art, daily general music, daily chorus, daily drama, and daily PE. There was a period in my school day that I could use for instrument practice time. I spent more time in arts classes than in academic classes, and the academics were fast-paced and compressed. But the academics weren't low-quality; the assumption was that the students were bright and capable of learning academics without repetition (and that kids should be pushed to think critically, to write well, etc.)

Explain more about the timing. The average elementary day is 6.5 hours. Even if you only spent only 30 minutes a day on each of the things you named, with no transition time, and 30 minutes for lunch with no recess, that would leave only 3 hours for reading/writing/math/social studies/science combined. That would be approximately 36 minutes/day for each core subject.

OP again. By "compressed academics" I meant that the amount of the day spent on traditional academics was indeed shortened. I don't remember the length of the academic periods, but my best guess is that maybe two hours of the day were devoted to "homeroom" which contained the academic subjects. Instruction was integrated, though. The drama class had a heavy language arts component, and the social studies had a heavy writing component. Math and science were integrated.