Fine Arts
The Grand Rapids Public Schools Fine Arts Department is made up of over 70 dedicated and talented teachers who proudly serve our scholars in all GRPS schools. Our mission is to engage and inspire all scholars through high-quality arts instruction. We believe that Fine Arts applied to all core subjects creates equity where all scholars can realize their full potential.
Our Focus
Through our commitment to providing quality Fine Arts opportunities for GRPS scholars, our area of focus includes visual arts and music that provide foundational and advanced level skills, as well as opportunities to showcase the talent of our scholars.
Visual Arts
Our scholars develop an understanding of visual elements including line, color, shape, space, texture, and form, as well as the history of visual art. Visual Art courses provide essential components of the overall learning process that help develop critical thinking skills. Scholars have the opportunity to showcase their skills in art displays throughout the district and our Annual Citywide Art Show.
Curricular Offerings
Foundational Visual Arts courses are offered at all GRPS schools for scholars in kindergarten through 8th grade. As skills develop, scholars in 9th through 12th grade are offered the opportunity to challenge and advance their skills in high school Visual Arts courses. Course offerings vary by school.
Music
Our scholars in kindergarten through 12th grade explore and practice skills of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, history, and other expressive qualities of music while developing interests that have proven benefits for academic success. Music classes provide essential components of the overall learning process that help develop critical thinking skills. Scholars participate in performances throughout the year that demonstrate these skills.
Music courses are available to all scholars in kindergarten through 8th grade throughout the school year. As skills develop, scholars in 9th through 12th grade are offered the opportunity to challenge and advance their skills in high school Music courses. Course offerings vary by school.
Contact Us
Fine Arts & Shared Time
Call 616-819-2156
Shared Time Program
The Shared Time Program is developed by the State of Michigan to allow public school districts to provide non-core elective instruction to eligible private schools at no cost in areas including Art and Music. We want to give all students in the Grand Rapids area the opportunity to engage in a quality Fine Arts curriculum.
Interested in learning more about our Shared Time Program? Click the button below to contact us and learn more.
