VPA - Four Year Experience
Every freshman chooses an Arts elective
The first year experience
Select your passion
Whether it’s on stage in our drama productions, in the community as a part of the 12 choral and instrumental ensembles, or in our studio art, film and photography classes, the arts offerings at Jesuit allow our students to develop their God-given talents with their confidence and means of self-expression to be successful in life beyond high school. More than 70% of our students choose to continue pursuing their artistic ambitions, inside and outside of the classroom, beyond the one-year requirement.
When and how do you select your Arts elective?
During the enrollment process, our incoming freshman can rank their preferred electives. If enrollment is completed by the deadline, they’ll get a preliminary schedule during the Welcome Event.
See the Course Catalog for a full description of all the classes.
Earn the Arts Graduation Cord
Recognized Artists: St. Catherine of Bologna Program
A new program celebrating Arts achievement with a cord worn at commencement
The Recognized Artists Program at Jesuit High School, named for St. Catherine of Bologna, the Patron Saint of the Arts, honors students who demonstrate dedication and excellence in the arts. Recognized Artists are students who go above and beyond Jesuit High School’s curricular requirements and strive for greater artistic depth as they cultivate their God-given talents. Our Recognized Artists demonstrate the magis by using their gifts out of gratitude for God’s creation and in service to the Jesuit High School community.
Requirements to earn your Arts cord
Please review the Requirements for Recognized Artists. In recognition of this four-year achievement, students will receive a black and white cord to wear at commencement.
Interested?
Students can access the
Recognized Artist Interest Google Form
(This form is not public—it can only be accessed by students
logged into their school accounts.)
Did you know you can take Arts classes all four years?
Going beyond the one-year requirement
Nurture your passion
Our programs allow you to explore and grow your creativity.
Film
The Art of Film Program invites students to explore the storytelling, visual art, and cultural reflection of cinema. This program develops an appreciation for the art of filmmaking while fostering analytical and creative thinking skills. Students engage with iconic films, timeless narratives, and theatrical performance, discovering how stories shape and are shaped by the human experience.
Digital Media
The Digital Media program blends technical skills with creative expression, empowering students to tell stories, capture the world around them, and express themselves through the lens of a camera and digital imaging software. As photographer Dorothea Lange said, “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
Choir
The Jesuit Choral Program broadens the horizons of singers from all backgrounds through high-quality music instruction, unique musical performance opportunities, and inclusive community building experiences. Throughout the year, members of the Jesuit Choirs maintain an active performance schedule on campus, in the local community, and abroad—proudly representing the school and its commitment to artistic excellence.
Studio Art
In Studio Arts, students are equipped with the tools to expand their artistic expression by experimenting with a wide range of mediums. We encourage students to develop an artistic style, recognizing both the rich history of art and the world around them, while cultivating a sense of gratitude to God for the creative gifts they possess. Our goal is to help artists bring their vision to life with greater skill and clarity. As Vincent van Gogh said, “I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.”
Instrumental Music
The instrumental Music Department is an organization that provides a medium through which students progress academically, musically, and socially. Each ensemble serves as a laboratory for student musicians, allowing for the synthesis of individual skills and talents into unified musical expression and worthwhile displays of artistry. While the focus of an ensemble is largely on group expression, members continue to develop individual musicianship through daily attention to the artistic fundamentals of music and music making.
“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning” – Plato
How do you continue with your Arts elective?
Learn more about the first-year experience. All other students should speak with their counselors.
View the Arts section of the 2024-2025 Course Catalog for a full description of all the classes.