Diplomas With Distinction

Distinction In Visual Art

Philosophy:

The Distinction in Visual Arts allows students to pursue a course of study where they will become highly proficient the visual arts and complete a finished portfolio that expresses their views of the world around them. These programmatic areas are in service of cultivating breadth and depth of aptitude in visual arts, pursuing passions in this area of study, learning how all artistic disciplines are linked, encouraging an appreciation for the history of art, and laying the foundation for visual art related college studies.

Program Description:

Students apply for the program distinction, and applications are considered on a caseby-case basis. The course of study is tailored to fit diverse student experiences and motivations, and candidates address three main components:

1. Exceptional achievement in visual arts coursework, and exceptional aptitude in various mediums and disciplines.

2. Defining, planning and executing an intensive exploration into a chosen discipline and body of work.

3. Participation in an independent study in which the student practices new techniques, utilizing design-thinking and inquiry, research, and collaboration with other working artists of the local community. Students are asked to submit applications by December 15th in their sophomore year. Students who successfully earn the Distinction in Fine Arts will receive this distinction along with their NYA diploma and it will be recognized on official transcripts.

*Exceptional achievement in this distinction will be defined and evaluated by the appropriate faculty and advisor. As part of demonstrating exceptional achievement, students will complete a minimum of six semesters or 3 credits: 2 semesters of drawing or sculpture, 2 semesters of a selected capstone project, designated in Drawing, Painting or Sculpture) and one year of AP Art.

Distinction In Creative Writing

Philosophy:

The Distinction in Creative Writing allows students who have demonstrated experience as creative writers (poetry and/or fiction) to pursue a course of study in which they consolidate and extend their practice. In addition to studying the art and process of creative writing, students will be expected to write frequently, eventually assembling a substantial portfolio of original work. Students will also explore the important connection between writer and audience, publishing at least a portion of their writing in print or online and presenting their work to the public in both formal and informal settings. Throughout this process, students will be encouraged to seek writing advice from a professional writer in their chosen area of focus and consult regularly with the DCW advisor as well.

Program Description: Students apply for the program distinction, and applications are considered on a case-bycase basis. The course of study is tailored to fit diverse student interests, styles, and strengths, but all candidates must address the following components:

1. Demonstrated interest in and dedication to creative writing, both in and out of the classroom.

2. Demonstrated breadth of literary reading in student’s area of focus. This requirement can be met through independent work or specific course work, pending approval by the DCW advisor.

3. Ability to produce an accomplished and ample body of written work, as determined by appropriate faculty and DCW advisor.

4. Exceptional Achievement* in Creative Writing courses at NYA, including a seminar and/or independent study in their area of interest.

5. Communication with a writing mentor outside of NYA to help create and edit a body of work, while regularly consulting with DCW advisor on campus.

6. Submission of work for publication in print or digital form (e.g. online publications, literary magazine, personal blog, etc.).

7. Participation in a public reading or other event in which the writer shares their work with an audience.

Students are asked to submit applications by October 15 in their junior year.

Students who successfully earn the Distinction in Creative Writing will receive this distinction along with their NYA diploma and it will be recognized on official transcripts.

*Exceptional Achievement will be defined and evaluated by the DCW faculty advisor. Students pursuing the Diploma of Distinction in Creative Writing are expected to enroll in the appropriate Creative Writing electives (or equivalent independent studies) for their particular area of interest (fiction and/or poetry).