Art is an integral part of the MCCPS curriculum, with every grade receiving a dedicated 90-minute block each week. Students develop skills in the elements and principles of design while exploring a variety of materials and media. Art history is taught chronologically, aligned with our Global Studies curriculum, helping students understand how art reflects society and culture.

From Grade 4 through Grade 8, lessons are carefully scaffolded. Younger students build foundational skills through projects like cave paintings, Chinese dragon puppets, and Greek mosaics. In middle grades, students deepen their understanding of color, perspective, and composition while exploring diverse styles, from Renaissance self-portraits to Native American-inspired clay masks and optical art. By Grade 8, students study 20th-century movements including Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art, creating projects that integrate skills from earlier years with real-world applications.

Most lessons are integrated with other subjects, making projects engaging, meaningful, and relevant. Over five years, MCCPS students gain both artistic skills and an appreciation for the cultural and historical context of art, preparing them for continued exploration and creative expression.

Please visit the Artsonia page to view your child(ren)’s artwork