Arts
Creative expression plays an important role in helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of accomplishment. Through visual arts, music, and performance, students develop skills that encourage creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful reflection.
The Stafford Arts Center provides dedicated spaces for visual arts, music, and performance, along with a gallery that celebrates student work. Beginning in kindergarten, students of all ages participate in arts instruction that supports both skill development and creative exploration.
After-school programs provide additional opportunities for students to explore interests such as dance, yoga, piano, violin, guitar, and visual arts.
Visual Arts
Twice a week, Canterbury students visit the visual arts studio to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques while developing foundational skills in drawing, design, and creative problem-solving. Students explore artistic traditions across cultures and time periods, gaining an appreciation for different perspectives and forms of expression.
Reflection and goal-setting are part of the creative process, helping students build confidence in their ideas while developing persistence and attention to detail.
Music
Music instruction introduces students to rhythm, melody, and performance. Students sing, play instruments, and explore a wide range of musical styles from different cultures and traditions.
Skills and understanding build year over year, beginning with the basics of rhythm in preschool music classses. Lower school students progress to identifying notes, reading music, and writing their own songs in 4th grade.
Middle school students are given the choice to continue their music education through band or chorus. Both ensembles offer opportunities for instruction and performance.
Drama
Through dramatic performance and storytelling, students learn to express ideas, work together, and develop comfort presenting in front of others.
Younger students gain early experience performing on stage through grade-level traditions such as the preschool Nativity play and annual third grade production.
Middle school students may participate in the the spring musical, contributing both on stage and behind the scenes. Past productions include renditions of Seussical, Shrek, and Matilda.
We’re here to help.
The best way to understand the Canterbury academic experience is to visit campus. Observe classrooms, meet teachers, and see firsthand how students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow each day.
