High School Arts Homeschool Curriculum
Most high school art is isolated from the wider art world. Ours connects students to contemporary practice, professional techniques, and the business of being an artist.
About high school learners
High school art can develop serious artistic practice. Students build technical proficiency, conceptual depth, and professional-level portfolios. Whether pursuing art careers or developing as creative humans, this is the time for substantial artistic growth.
- Ready for sophisticated technique
- Can engage with conceptual art
- Portfolio development for college
- Forming artistic identity
Learning objectives
- Master chosen media technically
- Develop conceptual depth in work
- Build college-ready portfolio
- Understand art history and context
- Succeed on AP Art exam if desired
Before and after high school arts
Before starting:
- Basic art skills
- Commitment to practice
- Interest in artistic development
- Willingness for critique
Previous grade in this subject: 6th grade arts
Sample high school arts assignment
Student interest: professional art practice
Create a portfolio-ready series of work. Develop artist statement, document process, and prepare for actual submission to galleries, competitions, or colleges.
What good work shows: Student produces professional-quality work. Understands how the art world actually works. Has real portfolio for applications.
Sample projects and deliverables
Sustained Investigation
Good fit for: AP Art and Design
AP Art-style sustained investigation: developing a body of work around an inquiry question. Depth through iteration and development.
Skills used: Sustained inquiry, Body of work, Artistic development, Conceptual depth
Deliverable: 15+ works + process documentation + artist statement + presentation
College Portfolio
Good fit for: art school applicants
Develop portfolio meeting college admission requirements. Technical excellence, conceptual depth, and personal voice.
Skills used: Portfolio development, College preparation, Technical excellence, Personal voice
Deliverable: Complete portfolio + artist statement + college-ready documentation
Exhibition Project
Good fit for: curating and exhibitions
Create and present a professional exhibition. Curate, install, document. Experience professional art world practices.
Skills used: Exhibition, Curation, Professional practice, Public presentation
Deliverable: Exhibition + documentation + artist reception + reflection
Same skills, different topics
Advanced artistic development.
- Illustration: Commercial art → editorial illustration → book illustration → creating a complete illustrated book project
- Fine Art: Gallery art → conceptual work → installation → creating a site-specific installation with artist statement
- Animation: Moving image → 2D animation → character animation → creating an animated short film
- Photography: Lens-based art → documentary → photo essay → creating a long-form documentary photo project
Where high school students get stuck
- Developing personal voice
- Conceptual depth alongside technique
- Managing large projects
- Handling critique constructively
Teaching Approach for High School
Progressive technical development with increasing conceptual sophistication. Build portfolio through focused body of work. Prepare for AP Art or college art programs. Support both professional paths and lifelong creative practice.