Art is a major component in the growth and development of a child, giving them the ability to make personal connections about the world around them. St. Philip’s students and non-students in the afterschool program work in creative groups. Through this process, students develop key social skills by learning to see the world with a broader lens. The current curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation and appreciation of fine art including 2D to 3D shapes, color, basic color theory, painting, and sculpting, sketching, mixed media, drawing and art history.

A larger classroom with studio space allows students and non-students alike to explore their innate skills and engage in projects in a professional-level environment. The goal of these new and expanded programs is to expose young minds to consider how art revitalizes neighborhoods and creates economic opportunities.

In addition to meeting our daily student nutritional needs the Culinary Arts Studio will be available to operate on a reserve basis, allowing food prep facilities for under-resourced caterers who seek to transition from their household kitchen to a fully equipped commercial space. The kitchen will be accessible to the community and will provide solutions to help entrepreneurs thrive in their local communities. 

Dance engages students in the artistic process of creating, performing and critical analysis. These processes require students to use critical thinking skills, excel in nonverbal reasoning, exchange ideas, work cooperatively with others, and interact within a multicultural society. St. Philip’s is committed to child development and education through dance, which is proven to help students be self-motivated, expressive in their communication of emotions, thoughts, feelings, and analysis of their own work and that of others.

A larger dance room will allow for the expansion of the current class from 13 students to 25 students. Additionally, the space adjacent to the auditorium will allow the program to create auxiliary classes for non-students to train, practice and have ensemble performances.

In today’s landscape, most sectors of society are driven by computer based tools. Media content is no exception. St. Philip’s endeavors to foster a generation of digital artists who will pave the way and create a landscape of media using their own voices and perspectives. In this way, they gain the tools to be influencers of their collective media presence rather than falling into images, ideas, and paradigms constructed by the mainstream. Through their knowledge of digital arts, they can create a digital venue that represents their culture, point of view, and the values instilled in them.

Students and non-students begin participating in digital arts in 4th grade through photography, graphic design, broadcast media, video production and digital audio production. Increased resources in a new facility and expanded program will allow the program to serve more non-students and equip St. Philip’s with up-to-date, high-quality equipment. Classes will be offered to approximately 100 non-students during afterschool and summer programs.

Musical training helps develop language and reasoning skills, memorization, increase coordination, fine-tune auditory skills, increase pattern recognition, discipline, develop creative thinking skills, and build imagination and intellectual curiosity. Currently, St. Philip’s students participate in a core music class that focuses on the rudiments of music and the music of other cultures. Students learn to read and write music with the opportunity to experience playing several instruments.

As the Fine Arts Department expands, students and non-students, through auxiliary classes and private training, will be offered extensive elective courses in diction, music theory and music composition, and various multicultural musical styles and genres including: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock, Hip Hop, Afro-Cuban Jazz, and Afro-Caribbean music.

Music is a universal language that connects hearts, inspires creativity, and strengthens confidence. In the new Recording Studio, students and community members alike are given the tools to find their voice and tell their story through sound. From songwriting and audio engineering to podcasting and digital production, participants learn both the artistry and the technical craft behind music and media creation.

This professional-grade space empowers young creators to collaborate, experiment, and refine their skills in an authentic studio environment. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment while learning how their creative expression can inform culture, elevate communities, and open pathways to future careers in media, music, and technology.

Students begin to examine scripts, learn basic acting techniques, and explore aspects of technical theatre. Reading scripted materials, students analyze characters, study dialogue, and create blocking patterns to choreograph performers’ stage movements.