The Arts program at Pennington is a hands-on exploration of humanity in all of its glorious forms.

At Pennington, involvement with the Arts nurtures both creative and conceptual skill sets, individual and collaborative. We guide students through creative processes, during which they learn to think critically, create stories, compose worlds, and identify that which unites and divides the human experience. With the tools and techniques of drama, music, and visual arts, we teach students to make sense of and express their understanding of the world.

True collaboration with working artists

Each year, The Pennington School hosts artists for performances and exhibits in the Silva Gallery of Art. Artists are invited into classrooms to share their unique perspectives on their craft and participate in collaborative activities designed to foster creativity and curiosity in every student. Musicians-in-residence also give performances for the entire community, and visual artists mingle with visitors at opening receptions.

Every student engages with the Arts

Arts are integral to the Middle School curriculum. Middle School students delve into a range of disciplines, with courses in visual art, music, and theatre built into the school day. Students also have opportunities to pursue arts activities beyond the daily schedule, such as the Middle School Art Club, cast or crew of the Middle School Play, Middle School Singers, and instrumental ensembles, as well as private music lessons.

Upper School students in the Arts program are empowered with possibilities. Courses range from acting, music theory, and video production to ceramics, studio art, and photography. There are also a variety of extracurricular activities and ensembles to explore. While we are proud of the many opportunities for shared experiences in the program, the students’ unique perspectives, backgrounds, and interests are embraced and guide their artistic explorations.

The Pennington Arts program provides preparation for careers that require creativity, inquiry, empathy, critical analysis, and collaboration. The upper-level classes and extracurricular activities equip students with the skills and experience needed to pursue the arts at the college level and beyond. Whether our students go on to pursue the arts as a vocation or an avocation, the lessons learned in arts classes enrich their lives immeasurably. 

Arts Courses

The Pennington School offers a multitude of arts courses. Check out all the classes that are currently offered here.