OUR MISSION

Walnut Hill School for the Arts educates and trains creative and intellectually curious young artists to make an enduring impact in the world.

Our Values Community

At Walnut Hill School for the Arts, you are welcome as you are. Our strength as a community comes from the different people, places, and ideas that inform our work. We strive to accept and celebrate each member’s unique contributions, and we draw on our collective experiences in order to live as more compassionate global citizens.

Creativity

We believe that art and creative thinking are essential to promoting a more tolerant, mindful, and beautiful world. We thrive on curiosity and discovering answers to questions that have not yet been asked. Through imagination, fresh ideas, and innovation, we push ourselves to think differently, embrace challenges, and try again.

Excellence

We strive toward excellence in everything we do. Excellence in any endeavor—artistic, academic, or personal—is not an end. It requires sustained effort, recognizes the possibility of failure, and encourages engagement with the ongoing process of achieving success.

Growth

Growth is an evolving process of awakening and renewal that happens when we are mindful of where we are and where we want to be. It requires self-awareness, resilience, and the courage to embrace the unfamiliar. This journey begins with the idea that we grow with every experience we encounter and the understanding that curiosity engenders lifelong learning.

Respect

Personal conduct and accountability are expressions of the esteem with which we hold ourselves and others. We act with integrity to cultivate an environment where we treat one another, our work, and our physical space with deep respect. At Walnut Hill, respect is maintained through trust, honesty, and mutual understanding.

Course Registration

In addition to the courses and credits required for graduation, students are expected to complete the standard course sequences in each department or transfer equivalent credits via transcript from prior schools.

The courses in the standard sequences cannot be skipped, taken through our partnership with Global Online Academy (GOA), or taken for credit outside of Walnut Hill. Exceptions to these standard sequences require specific permission from the Dean of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.

Each spring, all current students in grades 9, 10, and 11 meet with their advisors to plan their programs of study for the following year. Course choice for all students is dependent upon placement examination results and/or previous coursework.

Diploma Requirements

A minimum of 16 academic credits is required for graduation from Walnut Hill, with a minimum of four academic credits to be completed each year at the School in order for a student to be eligible to advance to the next grade level. Each semester-length academic course yields one academic credit. Each yearlong math course yields one academic credit. Academic requirements are as follows:

ENGLISH

4 credits, one in each of four years

ELL students must take ENGLISH in addition to ELL classes

MATH

3 credits through MATH 2 or the equivalent

HISTORY

2 credits, one of which must be in United States (U.S.) History. Incoming students in grade 9 who are not enrolled in ELL courses are required to take THE EARLY MODERN WORLD.

SCIENCE

2 credits, which must be fulfilled through laboratory science courses (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, BIOLOGY 2, or CHEMISTRY 2)

WORLD LANGUAGES

3 credits in the same world language or equivalent*

*Walnut Hill welcomes students from all over the world and from many different school backgrounds. This means that students come to us with many variations in language learning and language credits. Incoming students with previous experience in French or Spanish are placed in language classes based on their previous grades and credits as well as written and oral placement tests. For specific World Language requirements for graduation, please refer to their department course offerings section.

MUSIC HISTORY and MUSIC THEORY confer one academic credit each upon completion. MUSIC THEORY classes may be repeated on the recommendation of the Music faculty. Repeated MUSIC THEORY classes do fulfill the Music Curriculum requirement, but do not receive any additional academic credit.

Students entering Walnut Hill from other secondary schools may have their prior credits applied toward Walnut Hill diploma requirements upon admission to the School, pending approval of the Dean of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.

A Walnut Hill diploma is awarded to students in good standing upon completion of a four-year high

Pg. 6 school program with at least the senior or postgraduate year being completed at Walnut Hill. Because of the unique nature of the arts program, enrolled students are not permitted to take semesters or years abroad or participate in other alternative programs during the academic year. A senior may not be permitted to graduate if they fail a course in their final semester or if they do not complete a minimum of four academic credits in their senior year.

POSTGRADUATES (PG)

Postgraduate students must take all appropriate art classes in their major and will have additional coursework or independent study opportunities throughout the year. Specific requirements and opportunities will depend on the student’s experience and artistic training needs. Applicants to this program must have completed and received a high school diploma.

Grading

At Walnut Hill, grades are issued on a semester basis (January and June) for all courses except math. The Math Department will share interim grades in January, and final grades in June. What a grade means at Walnut Hill is as follows:

94-100

90-93

87-89

84-86

80-83

77-79

WALNUT HILL’S “KALEIDOSCOPE” / JANUARY TERM

During the month of January, Walnut Hill pauses its regular program schedule to explore creativity and experimentation through dynamic artistic and academic experiences and interdisciplinary courses. Kaleidoscope is an intensive and immersive three-week experience in which students are encouraged to think differently, embrace challenges, and try again. At its core, the program is designed to foster and cultivate originality, ingenuity and innovation across the learning community, with collaborative opportunities for faculty and students, while also providing life skills.

Student-centered, Kaleidoscope course offerings are developed annually with immense input from members of the student body who propose project-based courses for faculty to lead, explorative single-subject classes in subjects not regularly taught on campus or to the entire student body, and classes to teach themselves to groups of their peers and instructors, giving students the invaluable opportunity to share their skills and knowledge in the role of educational leader. Enhanced by visits from inspiring guest artists and prominent alumni, field trips to local museums and professional performances, and the opportunity to engage with students from all grades and artistic disciplines, Kaleidoscope provides students and faculty alike with the excitement and inspiration necessary to drive one’s curiosity and feed one’s art.

Kaleidoscope courses differ from year to year, depending on student and faculty interests. The 2023 Kaleidoscope program featured the following courses (as an example):

PROJECT GROUPS: ACTIVISM IN ACTION

This project group will identify causes that are meaningful to them and collaborate with each other to develop strategies for creating positive change. They will also learn how to enact these strategies and work with community leaders on the step-by-step efforts that can make a lasting impact on the world around them.

Collaborative Storytelling Challenge

This project is like Iron Chef for storytellers. You and your team are tasked to develop and tell a story. No problem, right? The challenge is that you have to tell it using a particular set of materials, in a specific format, and fitting certain funky parameters. Can you do it? Can you and your team develop creative solutions to these challenges and create narrative magic? Class will conclude with a storytelling jamboree.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRUCTURES: LEED & DIGITAL DESIGN

Students will learn about the standards and descriptions necessary for a building to earn the environmental qualification of LEED Certified. They will then focus on the Walnut Hill campus and create a plan to bolster the environmental qualities of an existing building and/or design a new building.

ESCAPE FROM THIS PROJECT! DESIGNING AN ESCAPE ROOM

Suspense! Heroes! Villains! Treasure! Competition! Collaboration! What motivates you? What puzzles, challenges, and ultimate rewards encourage you to keep going? You will explore different types of challenges and puzzles that foster creativity, collaboration, and out-of-the-box thinking to design an escape room experience to entertain (or terrorize) the WH community. You will also discuss the business considerations of creating a financially successful attraction for the public to enjoy! Are you ready to be a game master?

Graphic History

In this project, students will study autobiographical, fictional and non-fiction graphic novels (such as Maus I & II, Persepolis, March, etc.) that describe a certain place and time, and maybe individuals’ experiences living in those environments. They will then create their own graphic novel based on their own history or experiences, or write from the perspective of a character from a particular time period. These may be written in whatever language(s) the student feels best suits the story.

(RE)TELLING YOUR STORY:

TURNING ORAL HISTORY INTO PERFORMANCE

Students will begin by learning oral history interview practices and conducting interviews with one another. They will then develop their interviews into short stories or monologues as they study other writers and performers who have used these techniques as the foundation for their creative work. Next, they will explore different ways they can bring this writing to life through audio, video, or live performance.

SCIENCE FICTION & SCIENCE FACT

Students will explore popular science fiction films and literature to identify cliches and tropes and discuss the scientific possibility of each. Students will then make a short film/play/storyboard that features as many SF cliches and tropes as possible.

WINDOW & MIRROR WRITING: UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVES

Students will explore writing (poetic, narrative, playwriting, songwriting) from different perspectives, including their own and the perspectives of those around them. With an emphasis on accuracy in representation, this project will highlight the difference between writing from another’s perspective and projecting one’s experiences onto another.

EXPLORE CLASSES:

BEGINNER CROCHET & KNITTING (Student-taught)

This beginner fiber arts class will teach the basic stitches of knitting and crocheting. Any level of experience is welcomed. Those who are more advanced can be advised in more difficult projects, as well as pattern reading.

CHINESE ARTS (Student-taught)

This studio art course will allow students to experiment with Chinese art techniques such as ink pen/ ink paper, calligraphy and painting and explore the deep-rooted philosophy behind them. Rather than focusing on mastering techniques, the goal of this class is to use the process of art as a medium for cultivating mindfulness and discovering one’s inner world. Students will be creating at least 3 pieces in the process.

Cpr Certification

Students interested in becoming CPR certified can take this American Heart Association’s HeartSaver CPR course. In addition to learning how to administer CPR, students will explore how to save someone from choking and give basic first aid. No test involved! This class is a plus for anyone hoping to secure a job as a babysitter, camp counselor or lifeguard. Graduates of the course will earn a CPR certification that is good for 2 years.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS (Student-taught)

This class will equip students with the information they need to become environmentally aware citizens and make effective changes in their lives and communities. Discussion topics will include environmental science and personal, community and systematic environmentalism.

FILM AESTHETICS (Student-taught)

The Film Aesthetics exploration class will explore how films generate meaning through moving images. The course will cover a range of filming techniques and aesthetic concepts ranging from cinematography to sound design. Students will participate in presentations, discussions, and activities to learn new topics and strengthen their artistic eye. The goal of the class is to empower students with the knowledge to analyze their favorite films and embolden them to make their own. This class will be a place to celebrate art, collaboration, and exploration. No matter your skill level, this class is for everyone.

Financial Literacy

In this exploration, you’ll find out a bit about the things that will allow you to thrive financially when you enter the “real” world. Learn how to balance a checkbook, why it is essential to establish credit, and how you can invest your money. This will be a low key place to better understand how to interact with money in our world.

Getting Into The Writing Habit

This class will explore how to begin and maintain a practice of writing that fuels creativity and reflection. The focus is not on producing finished pieces but on developing confidence with strategies that help you return to the page and show your mind at work.

Improv Workshop

This class will teach the skills for interacting with an ensemble and a process for creating short sketches that requires timing, listening, and quick thinking. If you are interested in building fundamental theater improvisation skills and confidence, this class is for you! No theater experience necessary.

Leadership 101

Students who are interested in taking on leadership roles at Walnut Hill, or who are interested in gaining leadership skills in general, should enroll in this workshop or take the workshop offered later on this year. Some of the topics the class will explore include: What does it mean to be a leader at Walnut Hill? What skills do you need to motivate and inspire others? How do you communicate your vision and initiatives? The class will culminate with public speaking and speech writing tips to help you prepare for future election speeches.

Nature Journaling

Take some time out of your busy day to sit and stroll in nature. In this class we will focus on quieting our minds so we can truly be aware of the vibrant, living world around us, and documenting our reflections in creative ways.

Theater Dance

This class will explore storytelling through choreography and movement in a variety of different styles of popular music. Each session will begin with a vigorous warm up to get the body ready to move. We will work on communicating a story through the body in many dance styles including contemporary, hip hop, jazz and musical theater. The class will culminate with a performance. Open to dancers of all levels.

Arts Program

The arts education program at Walnut Hill School for the Arts is delivered through five specific arts departments, each distinctly unique with rigorous and engaging arts training and educational courses. Students matriculating at Walnut Hill self-identify by selecting a Major course of study: Dance (ballet), Music, Theater, Visual Art, or Writing, Fim, & Media Arts. In each specific artistic discipline, students are assigned, and in some cases, may select a specific course of training (i.e. acting, composition, jazz vocal music, painting, film making, game design, creative writing, etc.)

At the intersection of the five majors, Walnuts are offered opportunities to study an art form outside of their self-selected focus areas, through ART360 and Kaleidoscope. Young artists today have more agency and more understanding of the changing social, economic, and political landscapes that impact our daily lives. Moving beyond the ages of industry, technology, and information we are thrust into an era where creativity is the leading generator in most professional fields. Our arts training and education curriculum allows our students to both focus on their individual training while at the same time strengthening their other arts skill sets: laying the foundation for excellent, creative collaboration as 21st century artists.

In each department (major) arts courses are listed and limited by major disciplines of study. Each major discipline aims to build students that are conscious of their world, the impact of the art they make, and the source of their artistic inspirations both as individual and collective artists.