Fine Arts

The Albemarle County Public Schools provide comprehensive K - 12 visual and performing arts instruction in all schools. Beginning in the elementary grades, all students participate in weekly music and visual arts programs led by teacher specialists. Middle school students have the opportunity to take at least one introductory course in both the visual and performing arts and may elect to take more advanced courses as interested. Formal instrumental music instruction, band and strings, begins in grade six. At the high school level, students choose from a full range of fine arts electives in instrumental music, publishing, theatre, visual arts, and vocal music. For graduation, high school students must successfully complete one fine arts elective.

Fine Arts associations in the community - including The Paramount Theatre, and Charlottesville Symphony - annually sponsor a number of professional performances for students at all grade levels. Through these partnerships and through the effort of individual schools, students enjoy a variety of fine arts programs at the school and in the community.

In addition to the curricular experiences, there are a number of opportunities available to fine arts students who excel. District and all-state band, orchestra, and choir programs compliment the vocal and instrumental music curriculum. The Commonwealth of Virginia administers summer residential Governor's School programs in visual arts, theatre, vocal music, instrumental music, and dance for highly qualified students. The Independent Study program encourages students to pursue artistic and career interests beyond what is offered in the present high school curriculum. Division-sponsored events include middle and high school honors bands and elementary, middle, and high school honors choirs.  These programs annually bring together outstanding musicians under the leadership of a guest conductor. Our comprehensive high schools each annually produce a Broadway musical for the community.

Albemarle County Public Schools values the fine arts and continues to support the fine arts as an essential component of a rich and excellent education.