The Arts
The arts are a vital and integral part of CSW's academic program. Our commitment to the arts stems from our belief that creativity and the willingness to take risks is central to a meaningful education. Coursework in the arts, both visual and performing, carries as much weight, rigor, and discipline as traditional academic subjects.
Courses in the art department offer tremendous depth and variety—from drawing to sculpture, songwriting to music theory, from ballet to contact improvisation, and lighting design to full-scale dramatic productions. We emphasize process over product, and students of all skill levels will find opportunities to participate and grow within our program.
Students have many opportunities to showcase their work throughout the year, including the spectacular Evening of the Arts in December, when the departments come together for a night of fashion show, art exhibits, theatre and music performances.
Courses in the art department offer tremendous depth and variety—from drawing to sculpture, songwriting to music theory, from ballet to contact improvisation, and lighting design to full-scale dramatic productions. We emphasize process over product, and students of all skill levels will find opportunities to participate and grow within our program.
Students have many opportunities to showcase their work throughout the year, including the spectacular Evening of the Arts in December, when the departments come together for a night of fashion show, art exhibits, theatre and music performances.
Arts Highlights Include:
The End-of-Mod Art Show features an entire mod's worth of student work in the visual arts. The shows take place on the last day of each mod in the Community Gallery in the Garthwaite Center for Science and Art.
The Fall and Spring Productions feature full-length dramatic or musical productions. Students are a part of nearly every part of production, from acting to costume and lighting design.
Rock/Pop Ensemble features a musical performance around a particular style or artist. In recent years, the ensemble has performed tributes to the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Queen.
Student Directors Workshop offers students chance to direct their peers in one act plays.
The annual Dance Concert brings together student-dancers from a variety of disciplines and styles as they showcase the work they have completed in movement and performance throughout the year.
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.