Middle School Art and Design

From ensemble performances to full-scale theatrical productions, Middle School students experience the arts in action. Whether singing, acting, playing an instrument, or designing a set, they find their creative voice and discover the joy of artistic expression.

The arts at King School are more than just classes—they’re an adventure in creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Exploring Identity, Promoting Creativity

Middle School Art is a time for students to refine their artistic skills and embrace personal expression. Through a variety of art forms, students explore their unique identities, build confidence, and develop their artistic voices. By Grade 8, they have the opportunity to dive even deeper by choosing to major in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, or both. A Hands-On Art Experience

Art classes meet two to three times per rotation, providing students with consistent opportunities to experiment and grow. At each grade level, they take on increasingly complex projects using a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media.

Throughout the program, students:

• Develop critical thinking skills
• Take creative risks
• Build technical proficiency
• Study the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through art history

Each class culminates in an independent project known as the OPEN Project, where students brainstorm, sketch, practice, and reflect using a digital sketchbook. These original works are then showcased in the OPEN Art Show.

Grade 8 Major Course Options

Advanced Art

Open to any Grade 8 student with a passion for art and design, this course builds on foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, and printmaking. Students examine the Elements of Art and Principles of Design while analyzing works from diverse cultures worldwide.

• Regular critiques encourage reflection, experimentation, and revision
• An OPEN Project each semester allows for the synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas
• Evaluation is based on the A&D department’s rubric, focusing on effort, engagement, and participation
• Prepares students for the Advanced Art track in the Upper School

Exploring Digital Media

For students interested in digital art and design, this full-year major introduces them to:

• Graphic design
• Video production
• Motion graphics
• Digital photography
• Digital painting & illustration

Students work hands-on with professional equipment such as cameras and drawing tablets, using industry-standard software to create digital content for video, audio, and the web. The course emphasizes:

• Collaboration and storytelling
• Visual literacy and self-expression
• Hands-on projects and exploration

Like Advanced Art, this course culminates in an OPEN Project, allowing students to showcase their creative growth. Evaluations follow the A&D department’s rubric, ensuring a focus on effort, engagement, and participation. This course prepares students for the Advanced Art track or any Digital Art courses in the Upper School.

Middle School Art is more than just learning techniques—it’s about discovering one’s creative identity, taking bold risks, and sharing a unique vision with the world.