Lakeside School

In this course, 5th grade students are exposed to many different media, including drawing, ceramics, and printmaking. Students have a great opportunity to build new skills while expressing themselves creatively. They start the year by building several clay projects using such techniques as coiling and sculpting by pinching. This is followed by instruction in various styles of glazing their projects. Next, they complete drawing projects with colored pencils, watercolor crayons, acrylic paint, and also learn some basics of color theory and drawing and painting three-dimensionally. To end the year, they explore the world of printmaking and experiment with many mono-printing techniques. One overarching theme of the year is the observation and use of negative space as a tool for drawing and for designing more interesting compositions and sculptures. Cooperation, problem-solving, and appropriate use of tools are emphasized throughout the course.

The main goal of this course is to expose students to different materials and techniques that they can use to find their own expression. Students begin the year in clay and learn a variety of hand building techniques and tools. This is followed with instruction in various styles of glazing their projects. They then apply these skills into a final project. Next, students learn traditional drawing and painting techniques such as shading, observational drawing, creating value, grid work, and the basics of color theory. Students draw a series of portraits in different styles and collaborate to create a wall-sized painted mural. To end the year, students carve linoleum and experiment with many different printmaking methods during the printing unit. Fundamental principles of design and composition, as well as cooperation and problem solving, are emphasized throughout the course. Students learn about different artists, cultures, and styles throughout the year, as well as the appropriate use of tools in all media.

This course builds upon what was learned in Art 6, adding more sophisticated approaches to painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. The fall term is dedicated to watercolor painting and perspective drawing. First, students learn many techniques of watercolor painting, such as creating different types of washes, developing textures, and layering. They apply their learned skills to a final large landscape and final realistic painting. Students then move into drawing, focusing on the basic rules of perspective, including identifying vanishing points and creating scenes in one-, two- and three-point perspective. The spring term begins with relief painting, and students build off their perspective drawing skills to create a three-color reduction linoleum cut using linear perspective as a basis for their designs. The last unit of the year is dedicated to clay sculpture, and students learn how to build a sturdy structure with coils, allowing for design within both positive and negative spaces. This project is glazed using a staining technique that brings out all of their detailed imagery.

Eighth-grade art begins with a design and painting unit where students learn and apply the elements of art and principles of design. Working from a favorite design, they create an abstract acrylic painting where they apply foundational skills with color theory and color mixing. Next, students focus on pencil and charcoal drawing and, working from observation, they learn how to get into a “right brain” mode of thinking to enhance their ability to see. They learn how to build a drawing using basic shape recognition, gesture, and shading. In the spring, students focus on clay and build large structures where advanced coiling and slab are added to students’ repertoire of techniques. To end the year, they explore the world of printmaking and experiment with many advanced printmaking techniques. Building on previous skills, personal expression, and creativity are emphasized throughout the course.

This is a yearlong mixed-voice choir course for singers in 6th grade. No audition or prior experience is required and all students are welcome to sign up. This class may be combined with Choir 7 and 8 to form a large choir. The course focuses on ensemble singing, learning healthy vocal technique, building music literacy skills, and developing performance skills. Repertoire covers a variety of styles, languages, and historical time periods. There are opportunities for solos and small group singing. Students may receive small group instruction from our vocal coaches. The choir presents three public performances each year. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This is a yearlong mixed-voice choir course for singers in 7th grade. No audition or prior experience is required and all students are welcome to sign up. This class may be combined with Choir 6 and 8 to form a large choir. The course focuses on ensemble singing, building healthy vocal technique and vocal independence, increasing skills in music literacy and ear training, and developing performance skills. Repertoire covers a variety of styles, languages, and historical time periods. There are opportunities for solo and small group singing. All students receive small group instruction from our vocal coaches. Opportunities exist for solo/ensemble and honor choir participation. The choir presents three public performances each year.  For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This is a yearlong mixed-voice choir course for singers in 8th grade. No audition or prior experience is required and all students are welcome to sign up. This class may be combined with Choir 6 and 7 to form a large choir. The course focuses on ensemble singing, building healthy vocal technique and vocal independence, increasing skills in music literacy and ear training, and developing performance skills. Repertoire covers a variety of styles, languages, and historical time periods. There are opportunities for solos and small group singing. All students receive small group instruction from our vocal coaches. Opportunities exist for solo/ensemble and honor choir participation. The choir presents three public performances each year. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This yearlong class introduces students to the fundamental elements of theatrical storytelling. In a safe, fun, trusting classroom atmosphere, students will learn how to be creative and expressive with their voices and bodies, study character creation and dramatic structure, and explore a number of theatrical forms and styles. Emphasis is placed on building analytical as well as performative skills — training students to think deeply about art as well as to make it. A spirit of playfulness and discovery is fostered in all aspects of the course. Units of study may include storytelling, puppetry, playwriting, miming, and filmmaking. Students will participate in at least one public performance per year. For more information, please contact the drama faculty at drama@lakesideschool.org.

In this yearlong course, students will deepen their understanding of the fundamental elements of creating, designing and performing theatre. There is a focus on working collaboratively with others as part of an artistic ensemble and practicing giving and receiving feedback effectively. At various points in the year, students will work in small groups, pairs, and as a whole class to present a full production as a culminating project at the end of the year. Units of study may include costume design, poetry, solo performance, Shakespeare, filmmaking, adapting texts for the stage, and radio drama. Students will participate in at least one public performance per year. For more information, please contact the drama faculty at drama@lakesideschool.org.

This course builds upon the work done in previous classes, helping students hone and expand their skills as theatre makers and interpreters. There is an increased emphasis in Drama 8 on self-directed learning, and students will have opportunities to take on leadership roles by serving as directors, designers, and playwrights. Projects and classwork continue to emphasize collaborative skills, giving and receiving effective feedback, and analysis of both text and performance. Units of study include improvisation, sketch comedy, stage combat, filmmaking, and playwriting. Students will participate in at least one public performance per year. For more information, please contact the drama faculty at drama@lakesideschool.org.

This yearlong beginning instrumental course is for 6th grade students. No previous experience in instrumental music is necessary. Students will learn to play a wind instrument through small group instruction. Students may receive small group instruction from our instrument coaches. The band presents three public performances each year. The choice of instrument(s) varies from year to year and is determined in the first week of class; families do not need to make any purchases or plans prior to the start of the school year. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This yearlong course is required for 5th graders. Students learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass through small group instruction and participation in a string orchestra. All ensemble members have the opportunity to work closely with our teaching staff including small group work with instrument coaches. Students develop an ability to read music notation, improvise, and compose melodies. No previous instrumental music experience is necessary. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

Open to students in 6th grade, this yearlong course is for students with approximately one year of training on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students reinforce music literacy skills and build instrumental technique. All students receive small group instruction from our instrument coaches. The orchestra presents at least three public performances each year. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This is a yearlong course for 7th grade students with experience in flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French Horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion. This class may be combined with Band 8 to form a large concert band. Students may receive small group instruction from our instrument coaches. The band presents three public performances each year. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to participate in the Upper School music program. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This is a yearlong course for 8th grade students with experience in flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, French Horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion. This class may be combined with Band 7 to form a large concert band. Students may receive small group instruction from our instrument coaches. The band presents three public performances each year. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to participate in the Upper School music program. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This yearlong course is open to 7th grade students with some experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. This class spends a significant portion of the year rehearsing and performing with the band for a full symphony orchestra experience. All students receive small group instruction from our instrument coaches.The orchestra presents at least three public performances each year. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to participate in the Upper School music program. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

This yearlong course is open to 8th grade students with some experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. This class spends a significant portion of the year rehearsing and performing with the band for a full symphony orchestra experience. All students receive small group instruction from our instrument coaches.The orchestra presents at least three public performances each year. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to participate in the Upper School music program. For more information, please contact the music faculty at music@lakesideschool.org.

In fifth grade, the Digital Life curriculum equips students with essential digital skills and awareness. Students learn to manage their academic life using Canvas, edit and manipulate various media, and conduct effective online searches. Collaborative projects foster teamwork and communication skills, while programming languages and MakerSpace activities spark creativity and problem-solving. The integrated Cyber Civics program teaches digital citizenship, internet safety, and responsible technology use. Throughout the course, projects incorporate design thinking, research, user experience, and creativity, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

In sixth grade, the Digital Life curriculum focuses on essential 21st-century skills through project-based units that encourage creativity and skill development. Students explore topics such as game design, video production, computer programming, and 3D modeling. They are given the time and space to learn, build, and grow, while being introduced to design thinking concepts. This skill allows them to tackle unstructured problems using their digital and design abilities to address challenges in the community and worldwide. The curriculum also emphasizes digital citizenship, ethical technology use, and internet safety. The Digital Life course challenges students to explore the unknown through mentorship, collaboration, and fun, preparing them to become innovative and responsible digital citizens.

The Seventh-grade Digital Life class allows students  to engage in a semester long elective. All seventh grade students must take one semester of Digital Life at a minimum, ​​students interested in taking more electives can sign up after discussing their options with their advisor.  These electives are also available for 8th grade students, but are not required.

The electives offerings may change every academic year. Always refer to the most recent list. 

Students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of game design and programming, using both block-based and text-based languages. They will also delve into creating game art through 3D modeling and 2D sprite-making. By the end of the semester, students will showcase their games to their peers.