Visual Arts

Our artists express themselves and discover their own personal style. 

Thornton Academy’s Visual Arts program is a rigorous, academic, and sequentially-based study in Aesthetics, Art History, Art Creation, and Art Criticism with problem solving and the joy of creativity at its heart.

Alumni of the Thornton Academy Arts department regularly attend top art schools across the United States. Our classes prepare students for success at the post-secondary level through development of their skills and knowledge in theory, design, and creation. 

Thornton Academy arts classes are not just for students looking to pursue a career in the arts. Thornton Academy students begin their arts journey in Visual Arts I, which provides them a foundation in the elements and principles of art. We encourage all students to develop their talents further by taking studios in drawing, painting, photography, and pottery. 

a student works in a notebook in art class

I am so grateful I took my art class this year. I was able to form skills of observation, imagination, problem solving, critical thinking, and productivity through creating artwork. It is one of my favorite classes this year.


rachael fox '24

featured class: AP STudio art

AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The AP Studio Art Program consists of three portfolio options: 2-D Design, 3-D Design and Drawing, which correspond to the most common college foundation courses. Coursework during the school year is rigorous and requires an advanced skill set in diverse media, technique in the art- making process, complex concept and ideation, and high-paced sophisticated work production. 

Visual Arts Courses

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a girl does a drawing