subject: East Bay Schools for the Creative Child [print this page] East Bay Schools for the Creative Child East Bay Schools for the Creative Child
Creative children think differently and have non-traditional attitudes that clash with the institutional settings of the average school. If you want to encourage your child's creative side, he or she has to be situated in an environment that allows spontaneity and creative expression. So instead of sending your child to a traditional school, look into the following East Bay schools, which are known all over the Bay Area for their excellent art programs.
St Paul's Episcopal School
Children with the gift for music and arts are a perfect fit for St. Paul's Episcopal School, an independent K-12 school that admits anyone regardless of race, religion, and ethnic origin. Although the school's curriculum is rooted in Christian principles according to the Episcopal Church, the school is very tolerant towards religious differences. In addition to this open-mindedness, St. Paul's has an amazing music and performing arts program. The Fine Arts Department has a variety of programs and instructors that will hone the talents in every student and help them gain recognition locally, in the state, nationally, and internationally. There are choirs for those in K-2, 3rd, 4th, 5th grade, and 6th grade, as well as a marching band for students in grades 5-12. All students in band and choir get lots of opportunities to perform, particularly during holiday programs, Grandparents Day, the spring concert, and on African American Cultural Night. Third grade students can enter the school's musical instruments programs, which specializes in percussion instruments like the conga. In addition, students are taught music theory, basic terminology, and singing. You can even sign your child up for after-school private lessons in piano, guitar, violin, and other string instruments.
Besides supporting the gift and talents of artistic students, St. Paul's has a solid academic curriculum as well as an alternative curriculum for students with special needs. If you want a school that has a healthy balance of academic instruction and fine arts, St. Paul is well worth looking into.
The Crowden School
The Crowden School is the first of its kind in the country. Founded in 1983 by violinist Anne Crowden, the school provides academic and musical education for children from grades 4 to 8. While Crowden is clearly known for their distinctive musical program, the school's primary goal is to provide children with quality education while meeting their musical needs. Hence, students spend five hours a day on academic subjects like English, Math, Science, Art, French, History (Music, World, and American), and Physical Education. The first two hours of the day, however, are dedicated to the music program. The very heart of the curriculum is chamber music, with coaching done in small and large ensembles. The program also includes technique classes, music theory, and music history to help every child discover their own musical voice. All students are expected to continue studying their primary instrument with their private instructors outside of school; if you wish, the school can also match your child with a recommended instructor.
Admission requirements of The Crowden School include musical ability, grades, teacher recommendations, and an entrance exam.
