What is the philosophy of the art curriculum at Lev Jewish Academy?
Visual Arts
At Lev Jewish Academy, the visual arts are an integral part of a well rounded education, inspiring creativity, self expression, and a lifelong appreciation for beauty and culture. Through meaningful artistic experiences, students strengthen their imagination while deepening their connection to Jewish life, traditions, and values.
Our art program celebrates both the creative process and artistic achievement. Throughout the year, students create projects inspired by Jewish holidays, Israel, and Jewish artists, discovering how art can express identity, heritage, and the beauty of our traditions. These experiences encourage students to see creativity as another way to engage with their Jewish learning and the world around them.
The visual arts curriculum fosters confidence, problem solving, critical thinking, and fine motor development while encouraging students to experiment, take creative risks, and express their unique perspectives. Artistic concepts such as pattern, symmetry, proportion, and balance naturally reinforce learning in mathematics, science, and other academic disciplines.
Students explore a wide variety of artistic media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, collage, mixed media, textiles, and papier mâché. As they work with different materials and techniques, they develop an understanding of the fundamental elements and principles of art, including line, shape, color, form, texture, space, value, rhythm, balance, and composition.
Throughout their studies, students are introduced to influential artists, artistic movements, and diverse cultural traditions from around the world. They learn to observe thoughtfully, analyze works of art, discuss artistic techniques, and appreciate the many ways art reflects history, culture, and human experience.
At Lev Jewish Academy, the arts encourage students to think creatively, communicate visually, and approach challenges with imagination and confidence. Whether creating artwork inspired by Torah, Jewish holidays, or the natural world, students discover that creativity is a powerful tool for learning, personal growth, and meaningful self expression.
Music:
At Lev Jewish Academy, music is an essential part of school life and an important avenue for creativity, self expression, and joyful learning. Through singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, and composition, students discover the power of music to inspire, communicate, and bring people together.
Our music program nurtures each child’s natural musical abilities while fostering confidence, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Students are introduced to a diverse repertoire of music from many cultures and traditions, broadening their understanding of the world while developing rhythm, melody, listening skills, and musical literacy.
From Early Childhood through Middle School, music classes are highly interactive and engaging. Lessons incorporate singing, movement, instrument exploration, creative expression, and performance, encouraging students to actively participate while developing their musical skills and imagination.
Music also plays a meaningful role in our Jewish life. Students learn songs that celebrate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, Israel, and the Hebrew language, strengthening their connection to Jewish traditions and values through music. Throughout the year, students participate in performances that showcase their learning while celebrating the richness of Jewish heritage and Israeli culture.
Whether performing for family and friends, singing during holiday celebrations, or exploring new musical styles, students experience the joy of making music together. At Lev Jewish Academy, music enriches the educational experience, strengthens community, and helps every child find their unique voice.
Performing Arts:
For more than twenty five years, our students have delighted audiences by showcasing their talents in our beloved Annual School Musical. Under the direction of Mrs. Zelda Kastin, productions have included timeless favorites such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Willy Wonka, and Peter Pan. Each year, excitement fills the halls as students, faculty, and families come together to bring a new production to life.
What begins with auditions quickly becomes a school wide celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are able to provide students with an exceptional theatrical experience that continues to be one of the highlights of the school year.
The Annual School Musical gives students the opportunity to discover and develop talents both on and off the stage. Whether performing, singing, dancing, designing sets, helping with costumes, working backstage, or supporting the technical aspects of the production, every student has an opportunity to contribute to the success of the show. The experience fosters responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and pride while creating memories that last a lifetime.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this tradition is the continued involvement of our alumni. Many return each year to mentor students, assist with choreography, music, lighting, and production, and celebrate the enduring sense of community that the musical creates across generations.
At Lev Jewish Academy, we believe the performing arts play an essential role in a well rounded education. Our Annual School Musical is more than a performance. It is a joyful celebration of creativity, confidence, collaboration, and community, giving every student the opportunity to shine while building skills and friendships that will stay with them long after the final curtain falls.
Last updated September 18, 2026
Arts program: common questions
What does the arts program at Lev Jewish Academy include?
The arts program at Lev Jewish Academy includes visual arts and music. Students create projects inspired by Jewish holidays, Israel, and Jewish artists, and music classes from Early Childhood through Middle School use singing, instruments, listening, movement, and composition.
What art materials and techniques do students explore?
Students work with painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, collage, mixed media, textiles, and papier mâché. As they use these materials, they learn the elements and principles of art, including line, shape, color, form, texture, space, value, rhythm, balance, and composition.
How does art connect to other subjects?
Artistic concepts such as pattern, symmetry, proportion, and balance reinforce learning in mathematics, science, and other academic subjects. The visual arts curriculum also builds confidence, problem solving, critical thinking, and fine motor development while encouraging students to take creative risks.