Student draws with marker during art class.

Every Child is an Artist in Oak Knoll Lower School

All children have a natural inclination for creativity – and in Oak Knoll’s Lower School, students in grades preK-6 have extensive opportunities to discover and share their artistic talents through the visual arts, fine arts, painting, drawing, drama, dance, choral and instrumental music, and more. We can’t wait to see what your child creates here! 

Student paints mask during art class.

Visual Arts

Paint. Clay. Plastic. Fabric. Paper. Glass. Oak Knoll students use various media and materials to express themselves, learn the key principles and elements of art, and gain an appreciation for the works of artists spanning history and cultures – from Prehistory to the Renaissance, from West Africa to Ancient Greece and Maya civilization. 

In a culminating and celebratory event, student artists proudly display their artwork during the Spring Arts Festival in Bonaventura Hall.

Performing Arts

The Oak Knoll drama studio, with its miniature stage, is a lively place where young students learn the art and skill of performance and public speaking through movement, pantomime, storytelling, puppetry, improvisation, and small and large group performances.

Students interested in creative dramatics can also expand their opportunities in After-School Adventures, which has many popular classes for children of all ages and talents. (Recent performances have included “Annie” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”)

Music and Creative Movement

Lower School students experience the joys of music in general music classes and an age-appropriate chorus. Children sing, move, and play percussion instruments while learning melodic and rhythmic reading. All classes have a unit on World Drumming, and students in grades 2-4 have a unit on playing the recorder. 

Students also develop foundational movement skills through Creative Movement classes (grades K-2), and girls in grades 4-6 can participate in the Dance Apprentice program with middle and high school dancers, taking formal classes in ballet, modern dance, and jazz.

Our Arts Team

  • Tim Brown Lower School Art Teacher
  • Eileen Dean
    Eileen Dean Lower School Drama Teacher
  • Kelly Hartmann Physical Education and Creative Movement Teacher
  • Brigid Smircich
    Brigid Smircich Lower School Music Teacher

We invite your child to grow with Oak Knoll.

Remote Learning Day
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Due to the weather forecast and winter storm warning, Oak Knoll School’s campus will be closed on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, and will operate on a virtual learning schedule.

Upper School runs from 8:10 to 12:30. Students should check their email from Mrs. McGroarty for more information.

Lower School students in PreK to grade 2 brought home materials from teachers for optional review and enrichment and may also log in to Clever to access all learning apps. Teachers of students in grades 3-6 will post snow day assignments on the Homework grid on Clever by noon.

All after-school activities have been canceled.