The Arts

Cate’s Arts program embodies the understanding that the skills and activities of perception, creation, expression, and communication are fundamental to the life of individuals, communities, cultures, and civilizations. The arts are truly important at Cate, and provide a continual source of excitement and creativity for our school community. Our program embraces all the visual and performing arts through courses and activities offered for students at all levels of experience. Cate’s arts teachers are enthusiastic about working with students, and they are themselves experienced artists, musicians, and performers. They create powerful learning opportunities for students, and students take great advantage of these opportunities.

Requirements in the arts typically begin with the unique introductory course called Foundation Arts, which engages new students in project-based learning in the visual and performing arts. Students then choose from among a wide array of elective courses, both intermediate and advanced, as they develop their artistic skills and pursue their interests, along the way earning the additional unit required for graduation. Students also thrive in the arts outside of the academic courses offered by the department. In addition to the curricular program, other arts activities range from performance programs in theater and dance to a variety of musical opportunities. Both the academic and extracurricular programs mount frequent performances and shows. Students make frequent trips to shows and museums in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.