K-12 Art Curriculum
Waukee CSD uses the National Coalition of Core Arts Standards as a base for our students. These standards divide the artistic process into four components: creating, presenting, responding, and connecting. Our curriculum aims to instill a love for art-making in every student.
Elementary Art
Our elementary curriculum is designed to nurture creativity and imagination while providing a solid foundation in artistic skills and concepts. Skill development is rooted in artistic discovery, experimentation, and problem-solving. K-5 students will explore a variety of artmaking processes, from drawing and painting to clay and 3D sculpture. They will also gain an understanding of concepts related to the color wheel and secondary colors. Depending on their grade, students will complete 6-10 projects throughout the school year, each tailored to their developmental stage and artistic growth. Projects are completed during class, which meets once during a six-day cycle.
Middle School Art (Grades 6-8)
In 6-8th grade, students will engage their creativity, observation, problem-solving skills, and individuality through planning, creating, and refining their creations. Students will enhance their understanding of how to use techniques to communicate an idea with their audience through different styles including paint, clay, digital art, sculpture, and drawing. Middle school students will learn how to revise and refine personal projects and learn details of display and presentation. During middle school, students take a required exploratory 9-week Art course in 6th and 7th grades; elective art classes begin in 8th grade.
High School Art (Grades 9-12)
Students may electively enroll in Art I in 9th-12th grade, a prerequisite for most courses in an expanded high school catalog that promotes greater exploration of specific styles and practices. Courses range from introductory levels to Advanced Placement and DMACC dual enrollment offerings. Our course descriptions give a better understanding of what’s offered to our high school students. From drawing and ceramics to graphic design and jewelry — the options are designed to broaden and deepen student expertise before graduation. Art is an elective experience throughout high school.
Related Activity Offerings
Waukee CSD teachers regularly submit student work to be showcased in events like the Des Moines Arts Festival, Waukee Arts Festival, and other local shows. Beginning in 6th grade, students may join the Art Club at their school to engage in additional activities as well as individual and collaborative projects.
