Arts

A student carefully shapes clay on a pottery wheel in an art studio at Santa Fe Prep.

arts 

Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes of one of our student productions, Prep's Performing and Visual Arts programs invite students to explore their creativity, take risks, and discover their own voices. At Prep, every student has the capacity to create and perform. Through the arts, they come to understand the world and themselves.

Performing Arts 

The Performing Arts are a vibrant part of student life in both the Middle and Upper School. Through a wide range of electives, students can explore theater, music, singing, and performance techniques. 

Each year, students bring their talents to the stage through productions, including a fall play and spring musical for grades 9–12, and a spring musical for grades 7–8. Winter Arts Night is an annual celebration of the arts showcasing student artwork and musical performances from both divisions. Throughout the year, students also find informal opportunities to perform at assemblies, forums, and concerts, while our highly experienced musicians and vocalists can pursue All-State Band and Chorus opportunities. Prep's musical theater program has earned state-level recognition through the annual Enchantment Awards, where nominated productions compete for honors. Prep has received several awards over the years, including Best Musical Production for Something Rotten!

Students concentrate while playing violins in a music ensemble.
A student shapes a clay vase on a pottery wheel while another works in a bright ceramics studio.
Middle school actors perform a scene together on a lit stage during a theater production.
A cast of students in themed costumes cheers together on stage during a performance.
An art teacher guides a student working on an easel painting in a studio classroom.
A student applies makeup backstage while preparing for a performance.
Students dance energetically on stage during a school musical.
Two high school musicians play acoustic guitars and sing together on stage during a concert.
A teacher smiles and points to a hands-on paper project as two students work together at a classroom desk.

VISUAL ARTS

Prep's Visual Arts program is shaped by the collaborative energy of five disciplines: drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and photography. At Prep, we believe the arts are essential to human expression and cultural understanding. Our classes encourage students to explore personal voice, take creative risks, and engage in meaningful self-reflection. Visual arts are deeply connected to other academic disciplines, and our program emphasizes the value of multiple perspectives, curiosity, and cross-disciplinary thinking.

Over 75% of our students participate in visual arts courses each year. Our studios are led by practicing artists who design experiences that inspire imagination and cultivate craftsmanship. Housed in a registered historic building, once home to architect John Gaw Meem, our light-filled studios offer students space and tools to work across media and explore their creative potential.

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