Students receive in-depth instruction in the arts throughout their education at BHSVA. In addition to fostering authentic achievement in the traditional core subjects, our students take studio art classes for all four years. In their freshman and sophomore years, engage in a two-year foundation sequence (Introduction to Studio Art and Advanced Studio Art) that exposes them to a wide array of artistic materials and methods. Then, they use those experiences and their own interests to choose an arts sequence in their junior and senior years. Junior and Senior electives include Digital Media, Photography, Sculpture, 3D Design Lab, Digital Portfolio, Ceramics, Portfolio, the Bronx Museum Docent class, and Music in the Arts. The integration of portfolio development and college and career prep into these classes results in graduates who are ready to enter art colleges, technical schools, or a career in the arts as productive, thoughtful, and creative human beings engaged in a critical relationship with the world.


introduction to art
required for all 9th Grade and incoming students

Introduction to Studio Art is an art foundations course offering an overview to artistic processes and prepares students for further artistic studies. In this course student projects will include individual and collaborative art making and student presentations of specific projects. Projects will introduce students to the fundamental skills and techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking; along with an introduction to art history and museum studies.


design lab 1
10th grade / visual arts program

This course will build upon student’s foundation experiences and help each student to develop a fundamental understanding of the design process as used by architects, fashion and product designers. The class will study different materials, methods, concepts and history of design by creating unique 3 dimensional artworks. In addition, DESIGN LAB will meet with professional designers, visit design studios, shops and colleges.

design lab 2
11th/12th grade / visual arts program

The Design Lab 2 is an elective class is offered to students who completed Design Lab 1. This course will build upon students’ previous art course experiences and help each student to develop as an artist. Students will work on projects with a focus on social issues and collaborative projects. The class will study different materials, methods, concepts and history of design by creating unique 3 dimensional artwork. In addition, we will visit design studios and shops. Students will also be studying the role oart in society and exploring various environments where art is and begin to interpret the social effect of art.

career technical education
graphic design 1-2 (10th grade)
10th grade / graphic design program

Graphic Design 1-2 is the beginning year-long course in our Career Technical Education Program in Graphic Design. Students will learn about the basic concepts, skills and knowledge used to make a visual statement. Using digital media, drawing, research and photography students will create graphic artworks that address a particular problem or idea. We will also explore career paths to become a Graphic Designer including types of designers, their education and lifestyles.

career technical education
graphic design 3-4 (11th grade)
10th grade / graphic design program

Graphic Design 3-4 is the advance course in Career Technical Education Program in Graphic Design. In this year-long course, students will continue their exploration of concepts, skills and knowledge used to make a visual statement. Using digital media, drawing, research and photography students will create graphic artworks that address a particular problem or idea. Students will also begin to prepare for their career by learning professional skills such as office communication, professional appearance, communication styles, and presentation methods. We will continue to explore career paths to become a Graphic Designer including types of designers, their education and lifestyles.

photography (11th/12th grade)
11th/12th grade elective

In this year long photography course students develop skills and technical proficiency that will enable them to produce good quality, creative photographs that explore multiple photographic techniques. Students will learn about the historical developments in the field of photography and will gain an appreciation for the work of innovative photographers. Students will incorporate their photos into works of art that use drawing and mixed media techniques. Through funding from the Surdna Foundation, students will have the opportunity to publish a printed book. An emphasis will be put on participating in exhibitions & creating a portfolio.

publishing (11th/12th grade)
11th/12th grade elective

In Publishing class students will learn the concepts of design and the basics of page layout. They will experience how to get a yearbook theme from conceptualization to a finished printed book by taking on the roles of a design staff. Students will learn an online layout program and interact with a representative from a publishing company as they learn about design related careers. The focus of the class is to help students learn the importance of dependability, creativity, and attention to detail. Students learn how to be flexible, to accept constructive feedback and to work with other people. Upon completion of the yearbook students work on other school publications such as the graduation brochure, a literary magazine and posters that promote positive behavior in school.

junior portfolio
11th grade elective

In this studio art course students’ focus on creating a portfolio of work in a variety of media. Class projects will include drawing, painting on a range of materials, printmaking, papermaking, book arts, fashion illustration and storytelling. Students will have the opportunity to meet an artist who is currently exhibiting at Cue Gallery and will get the chance to have their own work exhibited at the gallery in June. All students will be required to present a portfolio of work for review at the end of the semester

senior portfolio
12th grade elective

The class is for select senior students who will apply for admission to art, architecture or design colleges. Students will receive intensive support and guidance to apply to a professional art or design college. During the Fall Semester each student will create a sketchbook of 50 drawings from observation, a college essay and admission artwork portfolio. This portfolio will consist of 6 drawings based on observation and 6 artworks that represents the student’s artistic passions and talents. All artworks will be digitized and incorporated into a presentation that may be used for college admission will be completed by early January.

Work-Based Learning
12th grade elective

In their senior year, students who have successfully completed all required academic and art courses, passed all Regents exams and are in good standing may participate in our year-long internship program. CTE Graphic Design Students will be placed in a design internship. Visual Arts students will be placed in a general arts internship. Students may work up to 15 hours per week. Some internships may provide a stipend or pay minimum wage. Students are required to maintain a B average and excellent attendance in all their classes while participating in the internship. Students can earn credit upon successful completion of the internship.