The Arts at Steward

At Steward, students innovate and explore through hands-on learning in all disciplines, including the arts. The arts enrich every aspect of the Steward experience and are integrated throughout the entire curriculum. Spartans of all ages engage in cross-disciplinary learning enhanced by the arts; in doing so, they develop skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. 

Spartans in all divisions are encouraged to explore the arts in all its facets. Student-created masterpieces take shape in art classes, on our stages, in our music rooms … where Spartans go, art follows! 

Craig Smith, chair of the Fine Arts department, said, “One thing that makes the arts vital in a well-rounded education is that the arts teach the skill of trying different approaches to see what can work: Add a little color/take a little color away, play/sing louder/softer, make this phrase more/less important, etc. And the best thing is, there are no wrong answers! This constant idea of trial and error makes arts students willing to try different methods and modes in other areas as well.”

Steward’s Lower School core academic content is complemented by lessons in art, music, and theatre. We are proud that Steward is the only local independent school that does a theatre intensive with all Lower Schoolers beginning in kindergarten.

Visual Arts: Throughout the year, Lower Schoolers have art instruction that corresponds to what they are studying in the classroom. They learn the elements of art and principles of design and, under the guidance of their art teachers, imagine, dream, and create!  

Music: Thanks to an extensive music program, Lower Schoolers discover and nurture their musical talents. Lower School music classes culminate in the popular Winter Program and Grandparents and Special Friends Day Program each year.

Theatre: Starting in kindergarten, each Lower School grade presents an annual BlackBox play that allows them to combine what they’ve learned in class with theatrical performance. The plays also have a visual arts and musical component. Recent examples of Spartan Lower School acting talent include the Grade 2 play and the Grade 5 play.

Oratorical: The annual Lower School Oratorical gives young Spartans a forum in which to practice their public speaking skills. With the guidance of their teachers, youngsters delight the audience of their peers, teachers, and families with stories, poems, and speeches onstage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre.

Visual Art: Sixth graders explore art, choral music, instrumental music, and theatre, while seventh and eighth graders choose the full-year fine arts elective that best allows them to express themselves. Visual arts classes in Middle School cover sketching, watercolor, printmaking, sculpture, 3-D arts, ceramics, and photography. 

Music: Students learn the fundamentals of vocal development, reading traditional notation, and developing competency in ensemble and individual performances. They share their talent in Steward’s choral ensembles and have opportunities to perform at school events. Instrumental music students learn in a collaborative environment, and lessons emphasize proper tone production, note reading, and musicality. 

Theatre: In Middle School, students develop a foundation of acting, improvisation, and playwriting, with opportunities throughout the year to perform, including the Grade 7 Play and in mainstage productions. One of the most popular yearly events is Middle/Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day. And the yearly seventh-grade play allows students to take the stage and perform in front of family and peers. 

Visual Arts: Upper School students explore the visual arts through photography, videography, media studies, and studio art. Steward artists regularly display their work on campus and at community art shows and local businesses.

Music: Upper Schoolers build on the repertoire of skills for performance and creativity, and vocal literature advances in difficulty as the students move through the program. 

Instrumental music instruction is offered in a variety of band and string instruments, and students have lots of opportunities to perform! The band and choir often collaborate, including a recent performance at University of Richmond. 

Theatre: Our theatre winter program offers Upper Schoolers electives such as theatre history, playwriting, and design. Acting courses focus on developing students’ personal acting styles. Students interested in technical theatre delve into the arts and sciences that make up the non-acting side of live theatre. All Upper Schoolers participate in Middle/Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and all are invited to participate in the yearly Middle/Upper School Talent Show. Recent mainstage productions, including “Spamalot” and “Arsenic and Old Lace,” showcased our Middle and Upper School students’ talent!