Arts Home
At Community School of Davidson, we recognize that innovation and creativity are vital to success in the 21st century work place*, and that studying the Arts goes far beyond learning to paint or dance. Utilizing the National Core Arts Standards* we know that practicing creativity builds self confidence, encourages critical thinking, strengthens student motivation and supports well-being on a variety of levels. Additionally, the arts serve to encourage communication, cultural and historical awareness, strong relationships and connections, and community engagement.
Dr. Ernest Boyer, author of The Basic School, identifies the Arts as an important component of literacy. Boyer defines language as including words, symbols, and the Arts. At CSD, all children are expected to become literate in the written and spoken word, including symbols and the arts. Beginning in lower school, the arts are integrated into the classroom environment as well as stand alone visual and musical art classes. In the middle grades, students can access a broad array of creative options that include performing arts, visual arts, and digital media. As they enter the upper school, additional options include technology, word-smithing, integrated creative arts, and independent study to inspire students to find their passion, engage in innovative thinking, and reach proficiency in one area of the Arts. High school students choose an Arts Concentration to pursue for all four years. This requirement is just one unique aspect of our school that sets CSD graduates apart in today’s competitive college admissions and work-place landscapes.
At CSD, the arts are considered core curricula, working hand-in-hand with Language Arts, Science, History and Math to build well-rounded, resilient, curious students who see education as a valuable opportunity. Through consistent exposure to creative problems, projects and possibilities our students increase their capacity to become great thinkers, listeners and leaders.
Links to supporting materials and references:
*The National Core Arts Standards
*10 Statistics You Should Know About Creativity at Work