The Arts
At Country Day, the arts aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Participation in Fine Arts is a vital part of daily life across all divisions. We believe every student should engage with the arts and the creative process every day. Our program is designed to provide a broad range of experiences while also encouraging deep inquiry and dedicated practice—helping students discover, develop, and refine their artistic talents
Lower School—Foundation for Expression & Joyful Learning
Early exposure to the arts fosters curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.
- Weekly art and music classes for every grade
- Hands-on projects that build fine motor skills and creative thinking
- Performances build confidence through seasonal showcases
- Opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning—history, math, science, and storytelling through art
Middle School—Exploration, Choice & Skill-Building
Art electives help students discover their voice, practice discipline, and engage in meaningful teamwork—skills that translate across all subjects.
- Rotating arts electives always include visual art, drama, and music, with a variety of additions include photography, podcasting, knitting, cooking and others
- Performances include two theater productions and seasonal musical concerts
- Emphasis on creative risk-taking, constructive critique, and ensemble work
- Students help shape productions and visual displays
High School—Depth, Mastery & Originality
Creative thinkers stand out. The arts empower our older students to become creative, agile thinkers that approach challenges with empathy and innovation—skills that are indispensable for future leadership and meaningful impact.
- Electives in advanced visual art, drama, and music
- Multiple stage productions, including plays written and performed by students
- Opportunities to exhibit work and perform for the school and broader community
- Teacher-mentored passion projects in creative writing, music composition, or playwriting
Music & Dance
The Department of Music and Dance is an academic enrichment offering at Country Day. A faculty of three full-time teachers and five private-lesson teachers provide instruction to students in music and related coursework from Pre-K through 12th grade. Country Day offerings include Music & Movement, and Instrumental and Choral Music for students in the Lower School. Middle and High School students participate in Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Chamber Ensembles, Choir and one or more student-driven Garage Bands.
Theater
Our Theater Director offers electives for Middle and High School students, and directs and produces several student performances each year. High School productions have included "The Addams Family, " and an original student production "Armageddon." "Into the Woods", "She Kills Monsters," "Spamalot," and "Shrek Jr." are the recent plays performed by Middle School students. As a standout among Sacramento schools with theater, our students engage in performances that challenge and inspire, reflecting our commitment to excellence in arts education.
Visual Arts
The Country Day Art Department is comprised of two full-time teachers and two part-time teachers who teach art to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The Lower School art teacher teaches several projects throughout the year, and lessons include both studio processes and an introduction to concepts from Art History. Our spacious art studio is brimming with artists’ tools and professional quality supplies that enable our youngest artists to experience success in creating work that is not only visually pleasing, but that also develops excellent technique and an appreciation for the process of art creation.
