Grade(s): 09 - 12 
Prerequisite:  None
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Design Arts provides students an opportunity to develop projects based on the knowledge, understanding, and application of the elements of art and principles of design. Students will experience the creative problem solving process, learn technical skills in a variety of media and learn to verbally evaluate their work and the work of others.

Grade(s): 09 - 12 
Prerequisite:  None
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Students will be taught how to use line, shape, value and compositional strategies to create drawings from observation. A variety of subjects will be covered, some of which might be still life, portraits, figure drawings, landscapes, and interiors. A variety of materials will be used.

Grade(s): 09 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Drawing
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

This course is for the student who loves to draw and wishes to pursue in-depth work with new and familiar techniques and materials. Color theory may be studied and used. Original ideas will be expressed through classroom assignments.

Grade(s): 09 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Design Arts, Drawing, or permission of the instructor 
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Instruction is offered in the materials, techniques, equipment, and vocabulary of ceramic art, including pottery and other forms. Hand-built and wheel-thrown forms may both be taught. Emphasis will be on skill development and craftsmanship using clay as a medium of expression.

Grade(s): 10 - 12 
Prerequisite:   Ceramics (grade of A or B recommended) 
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Students will further improve and refine their skills on the potter's wheel. They will undertake more complex hand-building projects and will learn and become responsible for the mechanics of a ceramic studio such as mixing glazes, stacking and firing kilns, recycling clay, and maintaining equipment.

Grade(s): 10 - 12 
Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher standing
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Students can learn to produce good photographs. Instruction includes operation and use of a single-lens reflex camera, black and white film processing, and darkroom enlarging procedures. While the development of technical skill is necessary, the application of artistic concepts is essential in the production of photography as an art form. Students will be asked to purchase consumable supplies for this course.

Grade(s): 10 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Photography
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Work in Photography 2 will continue to build on the basic concepts and skills learned in Photography. Students will have an opportunity to experiment and work in-depth with a single-lens reflex camera and digital cameras. Advanced darkroom procedures will be extended and creative, open-ended assignments will be utilized. Students may be asked to purchase consumable supplies for this course.

Grade(s): 09 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Drawing or Design Arts
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

In this course, one can learn to paint using the techniques and materials that could include: acrylics, oils, pastels, opaque and transparent watercolors. Emphasis is placed on developing color schemes and compositional skills necessary for effective personal expression. (Students may register through University of Missouri - St. Louis to receive Painting college credit.)

Grade(s): 10 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Painting, or permission of instructor. (grade of A or B recommended)
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

In Painting 2, students will continue to use and expand the skills learned in Painting. They may initiate direction for study with emphasis on unique visual statements.

Grade(s): 09 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Drawing or Design Arts
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Digital Design will explore elements and principles of art through computer imagery. Students will use drawing, digital photography, scanning and manipulation of images and text to understand graphic design. Photoshop and Illustrator software will be used to create complex and diverse images that may be incorporated into an art portfolio. This course can be taken for three college hours of credit through UMSL.

Grade(s): 10 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Digital Design
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

Digital Design 2 will build upon skills developed in Digital Design. Students will continue to problem solve more complex and challenging graphic visual ideas and will use more sophisticated Photoshop and Illustrator techniques. Projects may be incorporated into an art portfolio.

Grade(s): 11 - 12 
Prerequisite: Drawing I, Drawing II, & any other art course (Painting Recommended)
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

AP Drawing is structured like a college course. Its purpose is to enable those enrolled to work toward building a portfolio for assessment by the College Board in AP Drawing. This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to a serious study of drawing. AP Drawing involves a higher level of proficiency and significantly more time than other high school art courses. Performance in other drawing courses will be the criterion for placement in this class. The quality of the work should reflect first-year college-level standards. A weighted grade is given.

Grade(s): 11 - 12 
Prerequisite:  Photo I &  II, or Digital Design I & II and 1 additional art class
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

AP 2D Design class is structured like a college course, intended for highly motivated students committed to a serious study of  2D Design concepts in the studio setting. This year-long course will enable students to work toward building a portfolio that will be assessed by the College Board in AP 2D Design. The course will require a higher level of proficiency and significantly more time than other high school art courses. A variety of artistic media can be explored in this class including but not limited to photography, printmaking, painting, digital design, illustration and mixed media processes. The quality of the work should have substantial quality, breadth, and concentration.  Performance in previous studio courses will be the criterion for placement in the class. A weighted grade is given.

Grade(s): 11 - 12 
Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 & 2 and one additional art class (Sculpture recommended) 
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

AP 3D Art and Design is structured like a college course. Its purpose is to enable those enrolled to work toward building a portfolio for assessment by the College Board in AP 3D Design. This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to a serious study of 3D Design. AP 3D Design involves a higher level of proficiency and significantly more time than other high school art courses. Performance in other 3D courses will be the criterion for placement in this class. The quality of the work should reflect first-year college-level standards. A weighted grade is given.

Grade(s): 10 - 12
Prerequisite:  Design Arts or Drawing
1/2 ELECTIVE credit each semester  

This course will give students the opportunity to improve their skills in mentoring others as they serve as assistants for students with physical and developmental disabilities who are enrolled in Visual Arts. Students will take on the role of “buddies” to provide leadership in a variety of artistic activities in a studio setting.

Grade(s):  09 - 12
Prerequisites: None
1/2 Fine Arts credit each semester 

This course provides modified instruction for students with unique abilities in the area of visual arts. Students will develop studio art skills, an appreciation for different genres of art, and an ability to respond to art in a variety of ways . Each student will be working together with general education mentors in grades 10-12, to increase their overall awareness and enjoyment of art making, as well as being creative and innovative.