Visual Arts I — 2026–2027 School Year (High School Credit Class)
Recommended Grades: 7–10
Credit: 1.0 High School Credit
Class Size: 4–8 Students
Course Format: In-Person Studio Course
Main Class Time: 2.5 hours per week
Additional Studio Practice: 15 minutes per day, documented
Course Length: Full Academic Year
Total Instructional Weeks: 36 weeks
Weekly Course Commitment
- Students attend one 2.5-hour studio class each week.
- In addition to the scheduled class, students are expected to complete approximately 15 minutes of documented art practice each day. This practice may include sketchbook work, observation exercises, project development, technique practice, or portfolio documentation.
- Daily practice records, assignments, participation, and completed studio work may be included in the student’s course evaluation and final grade.
Course Description
Visual Arts I introduces students to the foundations of studio art. Students build essential skills in drawing, composition, color, observation, and creative expression through structured projects and guided studio practice.
Students also develop strong studio habits, participate in critique, document their creative process, and prepare a body of completed artwork.
2026–2027 Academic Year (Saturday Class)
Quarter 1
September 5 – December 12, 2026
(14 instructional weeks)
Quarter 2
January 9 – March 27, 2027
(12 instructional weeks)
Quarter 3
April 10 – June 12, 2027
(10 instructional weeks)
No-Class Dates:
November 28, 2026
April 3, 2027
Credit Requirements
Visual Arts I is a full-year high school credit course. To earn 1.0 credit, students must:
- Complete all three quarters
- Meet attendance requirements
- Attend the weekly 2.5-hour studio class
- Complete documented independent studio practice
- Complete assigned studio projects and guided independent work
- Participate in critiques and assessments
- Submit a final portfolio of completed coursework
- Meet the course’s academic and studio expectations
Quarterly selections are tuition-payment periods only and do not change the full-year course requirements.
Prerequisites and Middle School Readiness
No formal portfolio is required for Visual Arts I. Students should demonstrate an interest in art, the maturity to participate in a 2.5-hour studio class, and the ability to complete regular assignments and documented independent practice.
Middle school students seeking high school credit may be asked to complete a brief readiness review. Placement will be based on the student’s artistic readiness, work habits, commitment, and ability to meet high-school-level course expectations.
Students should be prepared to:
- Follow multi-step project instructions
- Work independently for sustained periods
- Participate respectfully in critique
- Maintain a sketchbook or practice record
- Complete assignments outside of class
- Submit work by established deadlines
Advanced students below Grade 7 may be considered with instructor approval.
Tuition Options
- Quarterly Payment Plan
- Semiannual Payment Plan
- Annual Payment (Best Value)
Full-year tuition provides the greatest savings.
Students registering for the full-year credit course are expected to remain enrolled through all three quarters. Families paying quarterly will submit tuition before the beginning of each quarter.
Placement
New students may complete a brief placement or readiness review to confirm that Visual Arts I is the appropriate course level.
Placement decisions consider the student’s current skills, maturity, work habits, and readiness to complete high-school-level assignments. Prior advanced training is not required.
Credit Documentation
Students who successfully complete the course will receive:
- A final course grade
- 1.0 high school credit
- Official course and transcript documentation from Champion Academy
Families planning to transfer outside credit should confirm the receiving school’s credit-acceptance policy.
