We believe that the arts are the means through which children construct knowledge, investigate and represent what they are learning. In the process, they explore different forms of expression and gain deeper understanding of content. Concepts learned through other modes are enriched when children can express their ideas creatively through the arts. The visual arts in our modern digital age, have come to encompass a wide area of tools and media and new forms of artistic expression. All of these "new" media have their foundations in the traditional areas of painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage.

Education in the arts not only provides insight into these new forms of art but also provides a means for understanding and our global community and the continuum that links us to our past. The visual arts provides a means of expressing, and reflecting on our experiences and feelings both as individuals and as members of the larger community.

A strong arts program develops self esteem and a wide range of students' abilities; imagination, focus, problem solving, flexibility, analytical thinking and independence as well as teamwork to name a few.

Today the arts permeate every aspect of our culture. A significant percentage of jobs are art related -- design, architecture, entertainment and marketing. A strong foundation in the arts prepares a student to succeed not only in these areas but in any field of endeavor. Many corporations and universities highly value candidates with a background in the arts.