Academics

Holy Cross Academy’s visual art curriculum aims to to provide a rich, comprehensive program and adheres to national art standards and Diocesan benchmarks. Our Visual Arts program involves a multi-faceted Diocesan practice that consists of art media and processes, design and function, content, creative expression, art heritage, inquiry in the arts and interdisciplinary studies, such as science,  experiments with light and color, vocabulary and writing, and incorporates art from other cultures.

Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 2

The standards for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grades serve as building blocks for further visual arts instruction. Skills will vary among these three grade levels, but they all will be achieved by the end of second grade. Students will learn that art is a personal expression, has value, teaches us about other times and places. It is also important for students to begin to develop an art vocabulary and fine motor skills. Students will understand that their works of art are unique and valuable as self- expression. Emphasis will be placed on the artistic process including idea development, production and reflection to achieve a final piece of art. Typical projects are inspired by artists or books initially discussed during the introduction of each project. Students are encouraged to use their creativity and be proud of everything they have created.

Grades 3 - 5 

The standards for grades three, four and five emphasize learning through inquiry. Students will examine aspects of the artistic process: generation of ideas, problem solving, and self- assessment. Skills and concepts can vary among these three grade levels, with all achieved by the end of fifth grade. The standards for grade five will enable students to use their knowledge and skill to produce and respond to works of art. Students will gain fluency in using and understanding the elements of art and principles of design. Emphasis is placed on the artistic process including idea development, production and reflection to achieve a final piece of art. Students begin to utilize more three-dimensional skills and visualize the production of the works of art. Students will also begin to pre plan their ideas and work through any issues there might be when creating the final piece. Creativity and using problem solving skills to answer the given project are encouraged. Projects are inspired by books and artists.

Grades 6 - 8 

The standards for grades six, seven, and eight will use the elements of art and principles of design as a framework to investigate a variety of experiences and concepts. Skills and concepts can vary among these grade levels. Students will understand the factors that distinguish artistic styles and the role of art in culture; students will determine how artists convey meaning through the use of forms, media and symbols. Students will begin to evaluate the effects of various influences on the visual arts. Emphasis is placed on the artistic process including idea development, production and reflection to achieve a final piece of art.