As a STEAM school, Keith weaves arts education into every division. The experience grows with each student: Elementary School students are introduced to visual arts, music, and performance; Middle and Upper School students take it further with required coursework, ensembles, and full theatrical productions.
Students explore color, line, shape, and composition, progressing from early projects in Preschool and Elementary School to advanced work in drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed media, graphic design, photography, yearbook, and computer art in Middle and High School.
- Dedicated art studio overlooking the Rock River
- On-site ceramics studio and kiln room
- AP Drawing and AP Art and Design course offerings at the advanced upper school level
- Fine Arts Festival: a schoolwide week celebrating student work through gallery nights, guest performers, and daily student performances
- Rockford Art Museum's Young Artists Show: student artworks are selected for the annual High School art exhibition which includes opportunities to earn museum awards. Keith students have recently received the Women's Art Board Awards, Honorable Mentions, and Museum Staff Awards
- Kiwanis Club of Rockford Budding Artists Gala and Fundraiser: three advanced art Upper School students are selected each year to participate in this visual art opportunity
- Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition: opportunities for student teams to compete in the High School Division
- Volunteer opportunities at local art-related events including the Greenwich Village Art Fair at the Rockford Art Museum and the Rockford Area Arts Council's Art Scene
- Art Museum field trips are an important part of the Upper School art curriculum, broadening students' knowledge and appreciation of visual art and culture
Music begins in Preschool, where students learn to sing and explore rhythm, pitch, and sound. By Middle and High School, students choose from chorus, band, string ensemble, and piano, with opportunities to join Keith’s select choir, “Dodecaphonics.”
- Performances at all school assemblies, concerts, and theater productions
- Academic coursework, including Music History and AP Music Theory
- ILMEA Music Festivals: opportunities for students to audition, compete, and earn recognition at the state level
At Keith, theater starts early with Elementary School students with storytelling and creative dramatics. Middle and High School thespians take the stage in 3 to 4 productions each year, taking on every role, from actors and singers to set builders, stage managers, and lighting designers.
- Full theater with a proscenium arch, moveable sets, and professional lighting and sound
- Students have the opportunity to lead every aspect of production, on stage and behind the scenes
- International Thespian Society: an honors program recognizing High School students for their dedication to the theater department and its productions. It also honors each student on a national level and gives access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school
- Illinois High School Theatre Festival: a three-day, non-competitive festival for Grades 10-12, with performances, workshops, and college audition opportunities
The best way to see Keith’s arts program in action is to experience it firsthand. Visit our campus, meet our teachers, and discover how students create, perform, and grow every day.
