The Arts Make Learning Fun

The Arts

As soon as you arrive at the Pennfield campus, you’ll feel our passion for the arts come to life. We firmly believe that imagination and creativity are essential to how children learn—helping them understand both themselves and the world around them.

In our classrooms, learning naturally flows into the art studio, the band room, chorus, and even onto the stage. This integrated, hands-on approach adds depth and excitement to every part of our curriculum.

When students explore plant life in science, they also study and draw the 30 plant species found right here on campus. A unit on animals turns into a creative project where students make linoleum block print books featuring animal tracks in the snow. Music and social studies come together as students explore global cultures through indigenous instruments and songs. Even Spanish becomes more engaging when students learn vocabulary through traditional folk music.

The arts are everywhere—in preschool classrooms, the science lab, the Spanish room, the library, and all throughout the halls. Just take a walk around and you’ll see: the arts don’t just support learning—they make it joyful.

One of Our Greatest Strengths

Visual Arts

Creativity fills every corner of The Pennfield School. Impressionist-style paintings line the hallways, the sunny front entrance showcases three-dimensional architectural renderings neatly displayed in rows, and the art studio glows with the colors of brightly fired pottery. Art is a natural part of who we are, and our visual arts program is one of our greatest strengths.

When 3rd graders dive into Native American history in social studies, they bring it to life by making clay coil pots and crafting Kachinas in art class. In 5th grade, nature becomes the muse for rubbings, prints, ceramic dishes, and jungle collages inspired by the style of Henri Rousseau. Middle School students build an ornate Chinese New Year parade dragon during their study of Chinese customs, and they carefully paint traditional designs on terracotta vases while learning about ancient Greece.

By weaving social studies, science, and math into meaningful art projects, we make learning more vivid and connected. These cross-curricular themes—and so many others—guide our students as they explore drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture throughout their years at Pennfield.

Students Gain Confidence

Performing Arts

Public speaking and presentation skills come naturally to our students. Even our youngest learners feel confident and excited to raise their hands and speak during our all-school Morning Assembly. From kindergarten through 8th grade, students build these skills across the curriculum—whether they’re presenting ideas, sharing projects, or taking part in full-scale productions. It’s no surprise that Performing Arts at Pennfield is one of our greatest strengths—our students shine on stage and behind the scenes.

The Lower School theatre program is designed to ignite a life of creative thinking. Our curriculum fosters creativity, self-expression, personal and social growth, collaboration, and problem solving. Most importantly, students gain confidence and an appreciation for aesthetics, all while having fun.

Middle School students explore character motivations, scene work, audition skills, and the discipline required to successfully execute ensemble productions—all while building confidence and emphasizing emotional, physical, and vocal control when speaking before an audience.

A buzz of excitement fills the campus each year as everyone awaits the announcement of the Spring Play. While participation is optional, you’d never guess it—so many students eagerly throw themselves into rehearsals, set-building, costume-making, and more. Our first performance is a beloved tradition, shared with the entire school and always met with enthusiastic applause. The second show welcomes the wider community—and it never fails to sell out. At Pennfield, the stage is more than a place to perform; it’s a place where confidence, creativity, and collaboration come to life.

An Ever-Present Part of the School

Music

There’s almost always a song in the air at Pennfield. Music is woven into classroom lessons, and primary students enjoy one class a week, while kindergarten through 8th grade, students have two music classes each week. On Friday mornings at Pennfield our entire school comes together to sing the Pennfield Song during Morning Assembly, a joyful tradition, filling the air with music and connection.

If a child has a love for music, it will absolutely thrive here. Our music program doesn’t just stand alone—it blends beautifully with other subjects. When students study different countries, regions, or cultures, they also explore native music and traditional instruments. Many of the songs and pieces performed in class or productions directly connect to what students are learning in Social Studies or Language Arts, creating a richer, more immersive experience.

Students of all ages may take advantage of individual music lessons on a variety of instruments as well as vocal instruction. Arrangements for afternoon lessons and instrument rentals can be made through the music instructors.

In 4th grade, students lay the groundwork for reading music and understanding theory as they begin learning to play the keyboard. They also explore rhythm and timing through hands-on experience with percussion instruments.

By 5th grade, students join Pennfield’s Modern Band. From 6th through 8th grade, students have the option to continue Modern Band.

Another option beginning in 5th grade is to join Select Chorus, a performance-based group that takes on more advanced musical challenges, like layered vocal harmonies. These students have many chances to share their talents throughout the year at assemblies, concerts, and special events, such as singing at a P Bruins game and Bowen’s Wharf’s Annual Tree Lighting.

At Pennfield, music is more than a class—it’s an ever-present part of the school community, inspiring confidence, creativity, and joy every day.