By Ken Abramczyk
Creative arts programs are critical components of the educational system. Students can learn to use their imagination, work in a team, express themselves and explore their artistic talents. Across metro Atlanta, students’ eyes are opened regularly to this creative world of the arts, which can inspire them and instill in them a sense that they too can grow into artists. Here, we look at several private schools and the standout creative arts programs that are making a difference in the lives of students of all ages.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Nearly 50 percent of Atlanta Girls’ School students participate in classes offered through the performing arts program, which is available to students in grades six through 12. These classes are focused on creating a well-rounded performing arts education with specific focus on dancing, singing, acting and designing. Our curriculum also includes advanced classes in directing, production design, choreography and independent studies.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Our school has been recognized as two-time state champion in the Georgia Independent School Association One-Act Play and Literary Competitions, and we consistently have students receive the Best Performer award at the state level. We also have students participate in the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in theater.
What does the program bring to your school?
Atlanta Girls’ School’s Performing Arts program is a place where our school’s mission of inspiring girls to lead lives of purpose comes to life. Our productions are student-created, student-built and student-directed, making them a place where our students’ voices, creativity and hard work shine.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The theatre program starts early with primary school productions that encourage younger students to get involved on stage and behind the scenes. In middle and high school, the theatre company, Atlanta International School Theatre Players, produces shows that are run and operated by students.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
We are proud of our accolades (Niche voted Atlanta International School #1 Best High School for arts in Georgia 2024), but it is the confidence and agency the theatre programs bring to so many of our students that we count as our biggest success.
What does the program bring to your school?
The theatre program at AIS goes far beyond performing. Students create their own pieces in addition to studying works by established playwrights. They collaborate and work individually to create works that explore a huge range of subjects and issues. They learn how to present in public, take risks, solve problems, persevere, listen and empathize.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The Cottage School’s Drama program offers full stage performance experiences to students in both our middle school (sixth through eighth grades) and high school (ninth through 12th graders). Our elementary school students in third through fifth grade can participate in middle school productions and activities as well.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Our biggest recent successes involve the high school group’s participation in the Georgia Independent School Association’s One-Act Play contests. In fall of 2021, we were the regional runner-up, and one of our students became the first in our school’s history to be named as one of GISA’s five AA State All-Star cast members. In fall 2023, our show won our Regional One-Act Play contest and placed 4th at GISA AA State.
What does the program bring to your school?
Over the years, our drama students have grown into our most reliable student leaders and become top academic performers. We also have a long-running and strong community partnership via our drama program with Georgia Ensemble Theater, which connects us to the greater Roswell community.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Theatre and Performing Arts. The Davis Academy offers five music ensembles, including two choruses. Almost 40 percent of the entire student body participates in the annual school musical, making it the largest Broadway-style musical youth theatre production in Georgia. It is available for all grades (PreK through eighth) and boasts an average participation of 30 alumni-mentors.
What are some of your biggest successes of your program?
The program’s impact is evident in its flourishing success. The annual Broadway-style musicals, such as “Aladdin Jr.,” provide real-world theatrical experience for over 180 students. Access to acclaimed artists like Marcus Martin, the genie from the national tour of “Aladdin,” ensures talent development at the highest level. Diverse electives cater to varied interests, including advanced theatre, Shakespearean theatre, film and video production, fusion rock and more. Impressively, 14 CSPAN National documentary winners showcase students’ skills in critical storytelling.
What does the program bring to your school?
The program enriches the community by nurturing creative leaders. It fosters curiosity and collaborative play beyond entertainment, offering a transformative space for students to discover their voices and develop crucial life skills like creativity, communication, problem solving and resilience.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The multi-sensory music program at GRACEPOINT has about 100 students in first through fifth grades. Students learn how to play ukuleles, recorders, tambourines and keyboards, among other instruments. Singing and dancing is incorporated to give students a feel for musical theater.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
The program builds confidence as students perform in class, at school and in more formal performances. Teaching chants and rhythmic patterns also helps in articulation and memorization, while fine motor skills and focus improve when learning notation and fingering on different instruments. Expression and creativity are encouraged when composing music and lyrics.
What does the program bring to your school?
Music teacher Holly Guice considers her role a blessing, as it gives her students a way to express themselves and learn about gifts they may not have known they have. We also see a relationship between music and literacy skills.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Our band program has 143 students in fourth through 12th grades. The instrumental ensembles include fourth grade beginning band, fifth grade concert band, symphonic band with sixth and seventh graders, symphonic winds with seventh and eighth graders, middle school jazz band, wind symphony with ninth through 12th grades, high school jazz ensemble and various chamber groups.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Our classical music program has achieved remarkable milestones. We have graced prestigious stages, including music festivals at Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. Our upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall this April is not just an event—it’s a testament to our dedication to classical excellence and the transcendent power of music.
What does the program bring to your school?
Our program does more than teach music. It builds a family and teaches life’s lessons. It is an act of worship and a thanksgiving to God. In every note we play, there’s a prayer. This binds us, guides us and enriches our school with tradition and spirit.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The Howard School music program serves students in grades K through 12. Perhaps the most popular and memorable experience for our school is the middle school performance in our annual Battle of the Bands. It begins when eight classes of 12 students each learn modern band instruments such as keyboard, electric guitar and drums. At the conclusion of the year, the classes perform together as a pop/rock band in a schoolwide battle.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Every student, regardless of their musical experience or knowledge, is involved. The students learn not only the skill sets of their chosen instruments, but also the techniques of group rehearsal, how to problem solve as a class and how to work together toward a common goal. Students who never would have imagined performing in front of a crowd find the courage and perform for their schoolmates, teachers, and parents and are excited to do so.
What does the program bring to your school?
Music is the one thread that ties our entire community together regardless of age. It’s the one activity that our youngest students and our oldest students can enjoy together. The Battle of the Bands is an enormous source of joy, excitement and pride and brings the entire school together in celebration.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Landmark Film is one of the most popular electives offered at Landmark Christian School. We have over 90 students from seventh through 12th grades enrolled in film classes for the 2023-2024 school year. The Landmark Film Academy is a unique offshoot for those looking for more advanced training and was set up to train and better prepare students who might be interested in a filmmaking career.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Even though our Film program is only a few years old, we have shown the community that we are a serious program that is on level with many universities. In November, we received nine nominations for our film “You Can’t Walk Backwards into the Future,” which was entered in the 168 Film Project. Our film won the Audience Favorite award, and we were the only team of high school and middle school students competing with industry professionals.
What does the program bring to your school?
This program brings the school an incredible platform for powerful storytelling from a Christ-centered worldview. It creates an avenue for our students to see and experience the professional world of filmmaking. Landmark recruited veteran filmmaker Billy Dickson of the American Society of Cinematographers four years ago to start up this program.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The MSA Visual Arts program includes approximately two-thirds of the student body.
What are some of your biggest successes of the program?
Students have learned their passion for art and went on to study art in some capacity after graduation. Students who may struggle in academic areas are nurtured in the visual arts program and build confidence in their own abilities to think creatively and communicate visually. We have developed our visual arts program to what it is today with popular middle and high school art clubs, a strong ceramics program, student-designed murals around campus, an annual art show and more.
What does the program bring to your school?
The program brings many options for students to express their creativity and enrich their artistic skills. It provides an educational opportunity for students to find success in school outside the academic classroom, as well as to build self-confidence, self-awareness and skills that could lead to possible future career opportunities.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The Dozier School of the Arts (DSA) is a premier magnet program within Mount Paran Christian School. DSA provides a unique opportunity for high school fine and performing arts students to build upon their artistic profile while earning a special seal on their diploma.
What are some of your biggest successes of the program?
Over the past 15 years, participation in the Dozier School of the Arts has grown exponentially, with approximately one-third of seniors meeting the criteria for DSA certification recognition upon graduation.
What does the program bring to your school?
Leveraging the world-class facilities of the Murray Arts Center, the Murray Arts Academy and MPCS arts teaching faculty, the Dozier School of the Arts is a high school arts education curricular program that trains and mentors student artists to become servant-leaders, using their God-given talents to be agents of change in the world of the arts.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Mount Vernon offers comprehensive arts programming focused on the Music Business & Recording Industry. This curriculum is designed to equip students in grades six through 12 with the skills needed for success in recording, commercial music and entertainment law. Through this curriculum, students develop a diverse skill set, empowering them to thrive as entrepreneurs and creatives not only in Atlanta, but also beyond.
What are some of your biggest successes of the program?
Some of our students released original LPs on Spotify. Our program has won awards for arts innovation. We have collaborated with recording studios across Atlanta and worked with the music industry program at Kennesaw State University.
What does the program bring to your school?
The program allows students to create and build a network of professional contacts and develop real-world skills. Students build an understanding of the breadth of skills that the music and recording industry requires.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The NCCS Academy of the Arts is similar to an arts magnet program within the high school. Rising ninth graders can audition for one of four tracks: visual arts, vocal arts, instrumental arts and theatre arts. If students are accepted into their track, they can take specialized courses, meet industry experts, participate in real-word internships, take next-level field trips and access elite performance opportunities.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Our greatest success is in the success of our students, who have performed all over the world, including in New York, Nashville, Pearl Harbor, Disney World and other locations. NCCS alumni have gone on to careers in music, dancing, acting and art.
What does the program bring to your school?
The arts programs bring a rich element of student expression and creativity to NCCS. Our Academy of the Arts students regularly host professional artists and musicians. In February, Kristin Chenoweth visited our NCCS academy singers and chorus students.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The strings program has 194 students across the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools, or nearly 17 percent of the student body consisting of grades three through 12.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Pace Academy’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan calls for expanding performing arts programming in all three divisions of the school (Lower, Middle and Upper Schools). Within the school’s thriving strings program, that work is already underway. The 2021 opening of the Kam Memar Lower School added nearly 3,000 square feet of classroom space dedicated to music education, allowing for the strings program to expand to include the third grade.
What does the program bring to your school?
The strings program—and the arts in general—enriches the entire Pace Academy community. Students strive for academic excellence, but the school develops the whole child and builds character so that graduates are prepared to succeed in a global society, using arts education to create lifelong learners and critical thinkers. Pace Arts, in partnership with the Pace Arts Alliance, frequently hosts visiting artists like Broadway star Judine Somerville and filmmaker, multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer Kishi Bashi.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Paideia’s visual arts program spans elementary, junior high and high school. Every Paideia student can take visual art classes from one of our six art teachers spread throughout the school levels. After entering high school, students can choose from a variety of beginning, intermediate and advanced courses, from beginning drawing and painting to advanced jewelry design and ceramics.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Paideia won more scholastic art and writing awards in 2023 than any other independent school in Georgia with 18 Gold Keys, 21 Silver Keys, 28 honorable mentions and 41 awards in photography. Eleven students were selected by jurors for the Atlanta High School Art Exhibit last year, and Paideia’s junior high student work was featured in an exhibit at the Children’s Museum.
What does the program bring to your school?
The visual arts program is an integral part of the school’s curriculum. Students develop problem solving skills. It challenges them to think differently, recognize different points of view and develop empathy. Their creativity provides an outlet for self-expression that they can call on for an entire lifetime.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
In addition to regular art and music classes during the school day, Springmont offers elementary and middle school students Strings lessons as a before school option. Free of charge, small groups of beginner, intermediate and advanced violin, viola and cello players receive weekly instruction and participate in two annual recitals.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
With approximately 25 students opting to participate, the Strings program provides an additional outlet for creativity and collaboration. The cognitive and neural benefits of instrumental music instruction are well documented and include decreased stress and enhanced self-confidence, self-discipline and listening skills, all of which support optimal academic and social-emotional learning.
What does the program bring to your school?
Springmont’s Strings program has been in place for more than 20 years and is integral to our student experience.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Trinity School has a robust choral program that provides a diverse range of opportunities for all students. All students from ages three through sixth grade participate in Trinity’s choral program. Two vocal ensembles—the fifth and sixth grade choir and harmony ensembles—require a bigger commitment from students; there are 28 students in the fifth and sixth grade choir and 49 students in harmony.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
The fifth and sixth grade choir is rehearsing for a performance at Carnegie Hall. Choirs from across the country will be directed by composer and conductor Greg Gilpin. Harmony worked extensively in March 2023 with Trinity’s artist-in-residence Malcolm Dalglish, a noted choral composer, conductor and folk music specialist, and performed several of his works.
What does the program bring to your school?
The choir and harmony serve as platforms for honing performance and public speaking skills while bringing a range of additional benefits. Students are equipped with a rich educational experience that not only deepens their understanding of music but also fosters social and character development. Trinity’s choral program instills a lifelong love of singing in students, preparing them for future involvement in musical settings beyond our gates.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
The middle school theatre program has approximately 80 to 100 students in our classes and afterschool productions over the course of a school year. The upper school produces an annual school musical and play, and there are semester-long elective courses in acting, directing, stagecraft and more. Our directing students produce a bi-annual 10-minute play festival, and our international thespian troupe sponsors an overnight playwriting festival. Between 20 and 30 students participate in upper school dance every year.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Theatre students have been recognized for their work at the Georgia High School Musical Theatre awards with over 30 nominations. We are one of the few annual school musicals with a full student pit orchestra that plays live music for our productions. We also have participated and won awards in acting and directing at the state level and overall productions regionally with the Georgia High School Association One-Act competition and Georgia Theater Conference Festival.
What does the program bring to your school?
Fine arts classes add a nice break to a student’s academic curriculum, but at the same time, our exceptional faculty offers excellent training in all of our fine arts programs so that even the serious performer still has a quality education and preparation if they are intending to head into a college level or conservatory program after high school.
Which creative arts program stands out in your school?
Woodward Academy named its Marching Band in honor of famous alumnus Robert W. Woodruff. The Upper School Marching Band is the culmination of a journey that begins in Lower School and offers many opportunities for students to grow as musicians and as learners throughout their years at Woodward.
What are some of the biggest successes of the program?
Most recently, the Woodward Marching Band traveled to Rome, Italy, to perform in the city’s 2024 New Year’s Day parade. Every year, Woodward band students are selected for All-State band. Over the course of its history, the band has performed in inaugural parades for Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy and at the London New Year’s parade.
What does the program bring to your school?
The band program provides students with a community within Woodward, as they grow up through the program together. It’s a program that builds leadership and academic skills as well. High school students taking music courses score significantly better on exams in other subjects, including math and science.
