Academics
Curriculum
Fine & Performing Arts
The Chatham Hall Arts Department cultivates a creative, hands-on learning environment where students develop the skills, confidence, and self-knowledge to express themselves and explore new possibilities. Across a diverse range of disciplines, including visual arts, photography, ceramics, theater, music, dance, digital design, and the MakerSpace, students are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, collaborate with others, and discover their individual artistic voices. Through formal instruction, practical experience, and interdisciplinary exploration, students learn to communicate ideas, think critically, solve problems, and approach their work with curiosity and purpose. From drawing, painting, and printmaking to choreography, musical performance, theatrical production, CAD design, and 3D fabrication, students develop technical proficiency while learning that meaningful creative work requires experimentation, revision, persistence, and the courage to try.
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Beyond the classroom, Chatham Hall provides opportunities for students to connect their creativity with the wider world through performances, exhibitions, competitions, community engagement, museum visits, national projects, and collaborations with local businesses. Students contribute to the life of the school through St. Mary's Choir and Chapel worship, seasonal dance performances, theatrical productions, the Winter Musical, and exhibitions showcasing original artwork. They also engage with the community through public art initiatives, including murals, touchstone projects, and campus-wide creative installations. With specialized facilities such as the Whitner Studio's Blackbox theater, Fiber Lab, ceramic studios, and printing facilities, along with the dance studio in the Wag-La Building and the MakerSpace in Shaw, students have the space and resources to turn ideas into tangible work. By integrating artistic expression, technical innovation, and meaningful community connections, Chatham Hall empowers students to develop their creative identities, discover new possibilities, and create work that reflects both who they are and who they aspire to become.
Our arts program features a curriculum targeted to help you reach your artistic potential in drama, music, or the visual arts.
At Chatham Hall, you can gain the skills of creative expression, as well as self-knowledge. Formal training, practical experience, and an academic approach will help you set high standards for your craft and enable you to take risks in a supportive environment. Learn more about our Arts program here.
At Chatham Hall, you can gain the skills of creative expression, as well as self-knowledge. Formal training, practical experience, and an academic approach will help you set high standards for your craft and enable you to take risks in a supportive environment. Learn more about our Arts program here.
Art Courses
Visual Arts & Design:
Art & Design I–IV
Photography I–III & Portfolio
Makerspace: Materials and Processes
Introduction to CAD/CAM
Portfolio & Independent Studies
Yearbook
Yearbook
Music:
Private Instrumental & Vocal Lessons
St. Mary’s Choir
Theatre & Dance:
Theatre (Fall & Spring productions, daily weekday rehearsals)
Dance (Fall, Winter, Spring, multiple styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, African, hip-hop, musical/Broadway)
Winter Musical
Program Highlights
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Offers a broad, interdisciplinary arts program encompassing visual arts, photography, ceramics, theater, music, dance, digital design, and CAD/CAM.
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Provides specialized creative spaces, including the Whitner Studio's Blackbox theater, Fiber Lab, ceramic studios, printing facilities, the Wag-La Building dance studio, and the Shaw MakerSpace.
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Encourages creative risk-taking, self-expression, collaboration, and problem-solving through hands-on studio work and performance.
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Connects student creativity with the wider world through community art projects, national initiatives, and collaborations with local businesses.
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Showcases student achievement through annual art exhibitions, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and the Congressional Art Competition.
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Develops technical and artistic skills through photography, portfolio development, ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, and interdisciplinary design.
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Brings together music, theater, and dance through the annual Winter Musical and other student performances.
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Supports musical development and service through St. Mary's Choir, Chapel worship, music fundamentals, and private piano instruction.
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Introduces students to design thinking, 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, and material fabrication through CAD/CAM and MakerSpace courses.
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Creates opportunities for students to engage with museums, performance venues, exhibitions, and the broader artistic community.
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List of 3 news stories.
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Bringing Chatham鈥檚 Story to Life
Read MoreWhat happens when a community’s history, people, and stories come together on a single wall?
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Alice, Restored
Read MoreThe present meets the past
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Alumnae Connections: Building Futures Through Shared Experience
Read MoreConnecting students with alumnae who inspire, mentor, and open doors
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.