Creative Arts

Where Imagination Grows and Expression Shines
At Carden Conejo, Creative Arts is more than a class—it’s a joyful space where children explore their creativity, express their feelings, and learn to appreciate the beauty of the world around them. Students develop artistic skills and confidence as they work with various materials and study masterworks from history. Each project encourages personal expression, attention to detail, and the simple delight of making something by hand.

What We Teach

  • Kindergarten

    • Contour line drawing and basic color theory
    • Introduction to famous artists like Da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Wyeth
    • Hands-on exploration through painting, drawing, and collage
  • 1st Grade

    • Continued work on line and figure drawing
    • Learning about the styles of Goya, Manet, Matisse, and O'Keeffe
    • Creating expressive, seasonal art using mixed materials
  • 2nd Grade

    • Exploring landscapes, watercolor techniques, and clay
    • Art appreciation includes Sargent, Pollock, Cassatt, and Hopper
    • Developing observation skills and personal style
  • 3rd Grade

    • Primitive art projects connected to cultural studies
    • Introduction to negative space and multi-step compositions
    • Studying Impressionism and Post-Impressionism: Renoir, Seurat, Cezanne, Sisley
  • 4th Grade

    • Crayon resist, watercolor layering, advanced pastel work, and 1-point perspective
    • Art appreciation focused on the Dutch Golden Age: Vermeer and Rembrandt
    • Deeper analysis of color, light, and historical styles
  • 5th Grade

    • Abstract art, design principles, and personal portfolio pieces
    • Exploring Pop and Contemporary Art: Warhol, Lichtenstein, Britto
    • Discussing modern artistic movements and individual voice
  • 6th Grade

    • Refining technical skills in drawing, painting, and mixed media
    • Cross-curricular projects linking art to history, literature, and culture
    • Final gallery-style presentations and portfolio reflections

How We Learn

  • Weekly art classes with time for exploration and guided instruction
  • Projects inspired by seasons, curriculum themes, and master artists
  • Opportunities for campus displays and collaborative murals
  • Focus on both fine art techniques and expressive creativity
  • Art appreciation integrated throughout, encouraging students to observe, reflect, and respond

Why It Matters

Creative Arts fosters more than artistic skill—it helps children see beauty, develop emotional expression, and connect with cultures past and present. Our students gain confidence as they explore who they are and how they see the world. Every piece of art is an opportunity to grow in self-awareness, patience, and joy.
We don’t just make art—we help students see the world through an artist’s eyes.

Experience the difference of Carden Conejo.

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Elementary School

Each day, we nurture the wonder within—helping little ones grow with laughter, learning, and love that lasts a lifetime.

6th Grade

A Confident Step Toward Middle School Independence
Sixth grade is a capstone year where students build advanced skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking while preparing for the transition to middle school. With increasing independence and leadership opportunities, sixth graders grow into capable, thoughtful learners ready for the next chapter of their academic journey.

Core Subjects

  • Language Arts

    • Advanced grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary
    • Essay writing, literary analysis, and creative writing
    • Independent and group novel studies
    • Oral presentations and poetry recitations
    • Critical reading and response journals
  • Mathematics

    • Phonics-based reading instruction with focus on fluency and comprehension
    • Daily reading groups and individual practice
    • Grammar, sentence structure, and parts of speech
    • Creative writing and journal entries
    • Spelling lists, rules, and weekly assessments
    • Memorization and oral recitation to build public speaking confidence
  • Science

    • Phonics-based reading instruction with focus on fluency and comprehension
    • Daily reading groups and individual practice
    • Grammar, sentence structure, and parts of speech
    • Creative writing and journal entries
    • Spelling lists, rules, and weekly assessments
    • Memorization and oral recitation to build public speaking confidence
  • Social Studies

    • Phonics-based reading instruction with focus on fluency and comprehension
    • Daily reading groups and individual practice
    • Grammar, sentence structure, and parts of speech
    • Creative writing and journal entries
    • Spelling lists, rules, and weekly assessments
    • Memorization and oral recitation to build public speaking confidence

Specialist Classes

  • French

    • Conversational French, basic grammar, reading and writing
    • Cultural studies of Francophone countries
    • Role-play, songs, and vocabulary expansion
  • Music & Performing Arts

    • Vocal development and musical notation
    • Instrument exploration (e.g., guitar, keyboard, or percussion)
    • Theatrical performance and public speaking
    • Group performance in seasonal productions
  • Creative Arts

    • Weekly studio art projects with various media
    • Perspective drawing, shading, and color theory
    • Artist studies (e.g., Da Vinci, Warhol, Cezanne)
    • Cross-curricular art connections to social studies and literature
  • Physical Education

    • Team sports, fitness routines, and leadership games
    • Strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility
    • Emphasis on good sportsmanship and perseverance
    • Presidential Physical Fitness program
  • Technology

    • Research skills and safe digital navigation
    • Keyboarding and productivity tools
    • Presentation building (e.g., Google Slides or Canva)
    • Digital citizenship and media literacy

Character & Social Development

  • Student leadership roles and classroom responsibilities
  • Weekly reflections and goal-setting
  • Kindness, empathy, and peer mentorship
  • Opportunities to lead group projects and school events

Typical Day in 6th Grade

The school day begins with warm greetings, homeroom check-in, and organizational support. Mornings focus on core academic subjects and rich discussion, while afternoons allow time for enrichment classes, collaborative projects, and independent learning. Students learn time management and personal accountability in a supportive environment that values both structure and freedom.

Experience the difference of Carden Conejo.

Schedule a Tour

Please tell us about yourself.
You May Also Like...

Elementary School

Each day, we nurture the wonder within—helping little ones grow with laughter, learning, and love that lasts a lifetime.