Arts | Worcester Academy

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Worcester Academy Upper School student painting.
Worcester Academy Middle School students performing a theatre production of Alice In Wonderland.

Experiencing The Transformative Power Of The Arts

Since its inception, Worcester Academy has fostered young artists with the knowledge that a rich and holistic educational experience starts with a profound engagement with the arts.

Through an array of artistic opportunities, Worcester students learn to see, engage with, and respond to the world around them through the lens of creativity. As they practice taking artistic risks in a multitude of mediums, our students develop vital problem-solving skills, discover self expression, and become well-rounded individuals. 

Upper School student with art teacher ceramics class

Learning is holistic, hands-on and multidisciplinary, helping students put concepts into practice, and make real-world connections about how art shapes our perspectives.

The arts here are about creative problem solving. We encourage students to look for creative ways to express themselves. They learn how to come together to create something bigger than themselves.

Elizabeth Bowles
ARTS DEPARTMENT FACULTY

 

A Supportive, Student-Centric Approach

Under the passionate guidance of our faculty mentors, students at every level are given the opportunities and confidence to pursue and showcase their creativity. With the freedom to shape their artistic journey, they can engage in multiple mediums or delve deeply into the one they love most.

Our philosophy as a department is that anyone with any level of experience can approach us to try something artistic, whatever that looks like.

Lucy Tew
ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Artistic Offerings

Discover how creative learning and expression unfold for our students in each artistic area—scroll to learn more.

Worcester Academy Middle School student brass players performing with an orchestra.

Music

Music is a universal language that connects across cultures, conveys raw emotion, and transcends time. From classic instrumental to modern music technology, Worcester Academy students delve deeply into music literacy, appreciation, composition, and performance.

Discover Music At Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy Middle School student brass players performing with an orchestra.

Worcester Academy Upper School student sketching an apple in a Visual Arts class.

Visual Arts

Worcester Academy’s Visual Arts program provides the perfect canvas for students to discover new passions, express their creative vision, and push the boundaries of their artistic potential.

Discover Visual Arts At Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy Upper School student sketching an apple in a Visual Arts class.

Student actor on stage alone from the Upper and Middle School performance of Matilda, 2024.

Theater

At Worcester Academy, masterful storytelling, self-expression and collaboration are the driving forces behind every theatrical endeavor.

Discover Theater At Worcester Academy

Student actor on stage alone in Matilda, 2024.Experience Page - Custom Animated Slides

Worcester Academy Upper School student using a potter's wheel to make ceramics in a Visual Arts class.

Arts Facilities

The Worcester Academy hallways are alive with the hum of artistic discovery, where budding sculptors, singers, actors, designers, and musicians find a creative home to express their unique voice and style.

Explore The Arts Facilities At Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy Upper School student playing guitar and singing.

Beyond The Classroom

After-school clubs, special events, and seasonal programs offer student artists time to hone their craft, discover new talents, and develop passion projects. Visual artists can explore a personal oil painting project in Open Studio, aspiring actors and designers can join a production, vocalists can expand their range with the Academy Singers, and musicians can practice and perform with the Instrumental Ensemble Club. From showcasing art on-campus and local museums to performing on stage, every student finds their forum to shine.

Worcester Academy Middle School student in a production of Alice In Wonderland.
 

Middle School Arts: A Foundation Of Exploration And Exposure
Middle School students are intentionally introduced to as many artistic mediums and experiences as possible, including vocal and instrumental music, theater, and visual arts.

That broad exposure not only provides a well-rounded foundation, it gives middlers a chance to stretch their comfort zone, indulge curiosities, and identify what passions to pursue more deeply in the Upper School. 

Through the lens of identity and self-discovery, they explore what it means to be an artist and gain an understanding of how to balance technical skill and artistic expression, building confidence and creative problem-solving skills along the way. With regular opportunities to showcase their work, every middler experiences the inherent growth that comes from sharing your art with the world.

Worcester Academy Upper School student painting.
 

Upper School Arts: Tailoring Artistic Experience And Expression
With an expansive foundation of the arts, Upper School students get to tailor their own experience, dive deeper in their craft, and set tangible goals for their growth.

While exploration and flexibility is still encouraged, more specialized work is emphasized, with many students pursuing art programs at the collegiate level. 

Students have an abundance of opportunities to immerse themselves in clubs, productions, and open studio sessions, where they can apply their technical skills and talents through hands-on projects and performances.

Explore the Worcester Difference

Where Next?

Discover how Worcester Academy's dynamic programs and welcoming community set students on a path of excellence.

Worcester Academy students taking part in a play

Arts Facilities

Upper and Middle School Students performing in 'The Sound of Music.'

Theater

Worcester Academy students performing as part of a choir

Music

Two Upper School students laughing in art class.

Visual Arts

Worcester Academy Middle School students smiling together outside in the sunshine with school buildings in background.

Unlock Your Potential
At Worcester Academy

For over 190 years, Worcester Academy has provided a nurturing environment where students build lasting connections, uncover their passions, cultivate honorable character, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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