Visual arts are a vital, exciting, and integral part of student life at Solomon Schechter.

They complement the content learned in Judaic and general studies and present an additional outlet for processing material and for self-expression individually and Jewishly in a supportive and encouraging environment. This approach is part of our school's educational philosophy to educate the whole child and nurture creative skills.

All elementary school students study art once a week and have an additional opportunity to create at the art club that operates during break. Children are encouraged to explore, discover and create in a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. They use art materials and techniques to create works relating to Jewish and American holidays, history, science, and famous artworks.

While the art studio is open to all middle school students during break time, the art class is an elective. The subject of the class varies each quarter and ranges from furniture painting, mural painting and portrait painting, to portrait sculpting, plaster sculpting, photography, and stained glass. The middle school art curriculum emphasizes developing art skills, art appreciation and art criticism skills. It also aims to create connections to Judaism and to other disciplines learned at school in order to enhance knowledge, and empower students’ experimentation and expression.

Check out this YouTube video featuring the work of our middle school student artists. With inspiration from Chagall, the students created magnificent painted windows to decorate the walls of the Sager Makom Tefillah at our Northbrook Campus.