In an age dominated by technology and tests, high school art classes offer a refreshing break giving students a chance to express themselves and develop important skills.

From drawing and painting to digital design and sculpture, art classes at our school are more than just a way to make things look pretty—they help students build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking.

For many students, art classes are a much-needed escape from academic pressure.

Senior Abigail Russo stated, “Art is a form of expression that sometimes during schoolwork can be suppressed from repeated activities.” She continued, “Using your creativity can bring a spark to school.”

Our school offers a variety of art classes from Art I to Fundamentals of Clay. Plus, with the rise of digital tools like Procreate, used in our digital art class taught by Mrs. Emily Sgrignoli, students are finding new ways to explore their creativity.

Art also teaches valuable problem-solving skills.

Each project—whether it's creating a sculpture or designing a digital poster—requires planning, decision-making, and creative thinking.

Art teacher Ms. Rachel Zahn shared: “More than ever we just need to start doing stuff: we spend too much time watching people create art; we need to start expressing creativity.”

Ms. Zahn believes people spend too much time thinking about doing something: “We need to think less and do more!”

While core academic subjects like math and science are important, art classes offer benefits that go beyond the classroom. Studies show that creative activities can improve focus, boost self-confidence, and even improve grades in other subjects. By encouraging creativity, art helps students build a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for a variety of careers and life challenges.

In a world that often prioritizes standardized testing and rigid subjects, high school art classes provide a much-needed space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. So make sure to select an art class when completing next year’s course registration, because they teach more than just how to make art—they help students develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.