As an Independent school, Staten Island Academy is proud to offer a curriculum carefully designed to educate the whole student. Critical to the success of this curriculum is the myriad of arts opportunities we offer students of all ages. From creative writing to theatrical performances to dance and music, SIA students enjoy opportunities to express themselves individually or as a group. No matter a student’s strengths or interests, at The Academy, they’ll find a role in the arts curriculum or an extracurricular opportunity perfectly tailored to them.
The Arts are Central to a Well-Rounded Education
The Arts foster self-confidence and artistic expression in students, developing each student’s unique talents. Building on a strong foundation of skills, students learn to think creatively and understand that risk-taking is a natural part of the artistic process. Through exposure and experience, students develop a life-long love and respect for the arts.
Arts education fosters “collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking,” says academic Dr Jelena Trkulja(opens in new tab). A recent study of students(opens in new tab) in Houston, TX, also showed that arts education empowers students to:
- develop superior writing skills
- become empathetic, social citizens
- become more engaged at school
- pursue higher educational aspirations
From experience, we know arts education also nurtures self-expression, drives confidence, reduces stress, helps students hear constructive criticism, encourages connection-building, and challenges students to consider their place in the world. Quality arts education isn’t simply about producing results – it’s about the journey.
The Arts in Action at SIA
Staten Island Academy is proud to embed the arts across our curriculum at all levels. Arts study begins in Pre-K with painting and drawing class, music, song, and dance, and continues through to Grade 12.
Our Fine and Performing Arts department is led by a team of expert, experienced artists working across a variety of media who guide our students to become active participants in painting, sculpting, music, and theatrical performances. Students also enjoy numerous opportunities to create, perform, or exhibit work, including at our Atrium Gallery and Art Barn. To learn more about our Fine and Performing Arts department’s impact at The Academy, please watch this video(opens in new tab).
The theatre program provides opportunities to sing, dance, act, construct sets, and design programs for performances, including the Grade 7 and 8 spring musicals, the Upper School fall plays, and the Upper School spring musicals. Students perform and create music through their daily curriculum and participate in the Concert Choir, Something Musical, Sweet Harmony, and The SIA Orchestra. Private instrumental music lessons taught by experienced professionals are also available.
See it for Yourself: Attend a Performance!
The arts at Staten Island Academy keep our school alive with music, song, theater, and visual and digital art all year long. Art is meant to be shared, and the appreciation of the arts is a communal activity that should involve the entire school. We invite students, parents, teachers, administrators, and alums to every art show or performance, and many of our theatrical productions are open to the public – so come enjoy a show(opens in new tab)!
