The Fine Arts

Providence’s Fine Arts program is ordered towards the development of the skills required to engage with and produce music and visual art informed by the Western tradition. The fine arts are an opportunity for the students to express themselves during the different stages of a classical education, as they learn to produce work that is beautiful.

The Visual Arts

In the grammar stage of the art program at Providence Academy, the foundational text is Art is Fundamental by Eileen S. Prince. The instruction is aimed at building a visual vocabulary, because we recognize that students are more likely to notice and explore things that they have words for. Projects are designed to reinforce foundational art concepts, and the curriculum is centered on exploring the elements of art as the building blocks of artwork. Students are also introduced to a wide variety of media and techniques to build familiarity. Finally, students start their journey through art history.
In the logic stage, students are asked, “What makes a great work of art?” The principles of design and composition are explored to help students create and appreciate better art. During this stage, the skill of observational drawing is focused upon while learning about visual concepts like perspective and light and form to help them make sense out of what they observe in reality. Students also continue to move through the study of art history.
With these foundational concepts and vocabulary, the goal is that students will be able to notice and understand more when it comes to analyzing famous masterpieces or critiquing their own works of art. We embrace the view that true creative freedom comes from a sequential foundation that builds mastery and knowledge and allows students to understand the possibilities.
The upper school art elective runs on a four year rotation. Each year focuses on different advanced concepts, skills, and media techniques. Students are given the opportunity to explore individual interests in media and subject matter in the final quarter of each year. The students also discover how God calls the artist in the pursuit of truth and beauty by studying St. John Paul II’s Letter to Artists. Topics covered are: an artistic vocation, advanced color theory, advanced composition, texture, elements of art, principles of design, creativity/style development, analysis and discussion of artwork, observation and application of advanced color and light concepts, linear perspective and atmospheric perspective, anatomy and proportion, foreshortening, the art of gesture, advanced media exploration and techniques, drawing: graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, soft pastel, oil pastel, sculpture: clay, carved, assembled objects, ink/wash, and paint: watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil.
Providence’s senior portfolio program* is available for senior students who have devoted themselves to the visual arts and wishes to undertake an intensive project during their senior year. Students will work on this project over the course of the year and then display their work in a show during the end of Spring Semester.
*Providence Academy offers seniors the ability to specialize and produce a work over the course of one year that reflects their unique talents and interests. They will work closely with an advisor who will guide them through this process. The project will culminate in a public presentation of their work, at which the entire school community is welcome. Students must find a faculty member willing to direct their work, as well as a second reader if applicable. This project is an elective, but it represents the full flowering of a student’s time at Providence Academy.

The Musical Arts

Our Providence music program includes the study of theory, sight singing, and vocal technique, while mastering and performing works of folk, classical, and sacred music in three and four-part harmony. This formation will enable the students to pursue participation in other choral settings after graduation.
The Schola Cantorum is an upper and middle school elective that enables students with particular interest in singing to perfect their technique and skill. Focus is especially placed on Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony from the Middle Ages to contemporary compositions in the classical spirit. We sing for a traditional Latin Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe once per semester, and we regularly sing for the school's daily Masses.
Providence’s senior recital program* is available for senior students who have devoted themselves to the mastery of voice or an instrument and wishes to work on a special project for their senior year. At the end of the Spring semester, they will perform a recital.
*Providence Academy offers seniors the ability to specialize and produce a work over the course of one year that reflects their unique talents and interests. They will work closely with an advisor who will guide them through this process. The project will culminate in a public presentation of their work, at which the entire school community is welcome. Students must find a faculty member willing to direct their work, as well as a second reader if applicable. This project is an elective, but it represents the full flowering of a student’s time at Providence Academy.

Clubs & Activities

The Providence Chess Club is a combination of both a club and a class. Each session begins with an interactive lecture, where students engage with the material, followed by paired games where they can apply what they've learned. From the very beginning, we teach students how to read and record chess moves (using chess notation), empowering them to continue learning independently through books.
The main goal is to make students stronger chess players, while also encouraging habits like careful, thoughtful reasoning rather than impulsive moves. Along the way, we also incorporate some chess history to help students appreciate the beauty of the game. The instructor is an experienced tournament player, and all teaching is done hands-on, with no use of computers.
A club open to students interested in the fiber medium crochet. Members will learn and practice different crochet techniques and enhance their skills in the craft.
The St. Genesius Guild offers students the opportunity to explore and grow in the dramatic arts. Drama provides an irreplaceable means of developing confidence, public speaking, poise, emotional formation, camaraderie, and a deeper understanding of literature (all of which are elements of the rhetoric stage of education). In a play, students don't just analyze or study a work of art, they live it. Furthermore, members can gain practical knowledge of what it takes to put on a production, both on stage and behind the scenes. Drama club is led by faculty members with acting experience and includes a range of activities, from informative videos and acting exercises to skits and full-length plays.
A council of students interested in honing their leadership skills by collaborating, planning, and running school events.
Members of Student Council engage in various initiatives, including organizing fundraisers, social events, and community service projects, all aimed at enhancing the student experience.
A club for students to assist with the assembly of the upper school yearbook. Through this club, students get the opportunity to strengthen their skills in photography, graphic design, writing, interviewing, and leadership. The project is year-long, and assignments are given based on student interests and availability.