Visual Arts
The Middle School Art Studio invites boys of all skill levels and interests to develop their own artistic voice and discover their passion. The art studio is located in a unique loft-style space that is well equipped to promote artistic inquiry. The visual art curriculum is intentionally designed to challenge and motivate middle school boys through both small and large projects that provide ample opportunity for student choice and self-expression. Developing an artistic mindset and focusing on craftsmanship and responsible studio habits are all a part of the middle school art studio experience. As boys move through the sixth to eighth grade program, they examine the questions “How do I personally define art?” “How do I discover my unique artistic voice?” and “Who am I as an artist?” Boys are asked to consider themes related to global competencies and sustainability. Studio projects include painting, drawing, ceramics, wire sculptures, printmaking, mosaics, Claymation, and photography.
Musical Arts
The music program in grades 6-8 gives boys an opportunity to choose to focus on either instrumental or vocal music. In these settings, boys learn various techniques and musical practices through rehearsing and performing a repertoire that encompasses diverse cultures. All boys study components of theory, history, composition, and other musical disciplines through project-based learning and collaborating with their peers. Additionally, topics related to other subject areas are included in the music curriculum as a way to foster cross-curricular studies for the boys.
Boys in grades 6-8 have the opportunity to join the Middle School Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and/or High Tops Choral Ensemble. These ensembles perform in school concerts and other opportunities in the greater Cleveland community.
Boys in grades 6-8 have the opportunity to join the Middle School Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and/or High Tops Choral Ensemble. These ensembles perform in school concerts and other opportunities in the greater Cleveland community.
Dramatic Arts
The Drama program at University school offers a wonderful venue for boys to explore their social and emotional depths, focusing on theatre as a global hub, character development, public speaking, and self-expression. Boys in grades 5-8 have an opportunity to explore their creativity and delve deeply into their imaginations during the school day in drama class. The program believes in giving students a wide range of experience and instruction in which to develop their skills through scene work, monologues, improvisation, and much more. As boys matriculate in the drama program, they explore questions that include, “What does it mean to be a performing artist and theatre technician,” and “How is theatre relevant in my daily life?” After school, the department stages two major, co-educational productions each year, a fall play and a spring musical.
Shaker Heights Campus
20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260
Hunting Valley Campus
2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves 840 boys in Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence.
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