High School: Ninth-Twelfth Grades

Students in ninth through twelfth grades have the opportunity to continue their art education by enrolling in elective art courses specialized in the areas listed below:

2D Art - In this course sequence, students will explore different 2 dimensional art concepts. This hands-on studio course focuses on creative problem-solving through 2D art. Students will experience a variety of materials and techniques, including but not limited to; acrylic paint, watercolor, pencil, oil pastel, charcoal, chalk pastel, colored pencil, gouache, printmaking, and mixed media.  Courses in the sequence include 2D Art Intro (semester), 2D Art 1, 2D Art 2, Advanced Studio 2D Design, and Advanced Studio 2D Drawing and Painting.  2D Art Intro and 2D Art 1 are also available in Spanish-language instruction for Dual Language students.

3D Art - In this course sequence, students will focus on creative problem-solving through 3 dimensional artmaking.  Students will develop a personal style while experiencing a variety of materials and techniques, including but not limited to clay, wood, plaster, foam, metal, glass, and paper mache.  Courses in the sequence include 3D Art Intro (semester), 3D Art 1, 3D Art 2, and Advanced Studio 3D Design.

Photography - In this course sequence, students will utilize photography techniques (both digital and analog) to support creative problem-solving through photography. Students use digital and film cameras to extend their photographic skills. Students will edit images using the Adobe Photographers Suite for sharing and presenting. Darkroom and digital projects will be used as students develop a portfolio of their work, reflect on their work, and respond to work of peers and professionals.  Courses in the sequence include Photography & Design Intro (semester), Photography 1, Photography 2, and Advanced Studio 2D Design.

Digital Art - In this course sequence, students will explore different digital medias and art-making processes to focus on creative problem-solving through digital media arts. Students will experience a variety of materials and techniques, including but not limited to Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Animate.  Courses in this sequence include Photography and Design Intro (semester), Digital Art 1, Digital Art 2, Advanced Studio 2D Design, and Advanced Studio 2D Drawing and Painting.

Graphic Design (formerly called "Commercial Art") - In these courses, students will explore different commercial 2 dimensional art concepts. These hands-on studio courses focus on creative problem-solving through graphic design and advertising. Students will experience a variety of materials and techniques, including but not limited to Adobe Illustrator, color theory, branding, graphic design, and graphic print layout.  Courses in this sequence include Commercial Art 1 (semester) and Commercial Art 2 (semester).

Each year, School District U-46 collaborates with Elgin State Bank to host the VISION high school art showcase at the Randall Road branch of the Elgin State Bank.  Approximately 25 student artworks from each high school are selected for display.  The artwork is adjudcated by professional artists from the Elgin area, and students receive awards and people's choice recognition for work in each category: Drawing, Painting, Photography, 3D Art, Digital Art, and Mixed Media.