Arts
Pilgrim School is committed to integrating arts education into our broader curriculum. Exposure to and participation in the visual and performing arts not only cultivates artists but also fosters creativity and builds confidence. Our Arts Program brings students’ fearless spirits and deep thinking not just to the world of art but also to their other subjects. Look below for more details on each discipline.
The Art Center is dedicated to students' artistic efforts and aspirations. Our studios are designed to inspire creativity, featuring stunning views of Los Angeles, light-filled rooms, and state-of-the-art technical capabilities that support students on their creative journeys.
In Early Education and Elementary School, we focus on expanding imagination by exposing students to diverse mediums and perspectives.
Our Secondary School Art Program incorporates contemporary trends and discussions about the art world. At every level, students engage with real-world art concepts, participate in events, and go on field trips that connect them to the vibrant art culture of Los Angeles.
Our Theater Arts program is a supportive environment that empowers students to embrace their creative instincts. Students are introduced to theater skills, including ensemble work, voice training, and improvisation. The creativity, self-expression, and imagination nurtured by the Theater Arts program are crucial to our culture of student engagement.
Elementary School students participate in the all-school musical each spring. During these productions, nearly one-quarter of the entire student body participates, ranging from Kindergarten through High School.
The Secondary School Theater Arts program is comprehensive, teaching students voice, diction, movement, and character analysis. Students find their distinctive voices through the performance of their original monologues and scenes written by notable playwrights.
Our music program balances technical instruction with personal expression. The curriculum explores classical, jazz, pop, and non-Western styles, providing students with a well-rounded education and an understanding of diverse cultural expressions. Students are encouraged to perform both inside and outside the classroom, in solo and group settings.
In Early Education and Elementary School, students learn the basics of music theory and music history. They are exposed to a repertoire of music and instruments from around the world.
In Secondary School, the music program broadens, ranging from traditional band instruments to electronic music production. For the last two years, students have performed at a Pilgrim Night at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in the Spring.
The Dance program at Pilgrim School is rooted in the Los Angeles community, exploring various dance styles that reflect our diverse population. Students of all ages can learn dance, regardless of their prior experience.
Our dance program is led by Ms. Mina Ortega, who in addition to her role at Pilgrim School, is the Director of the USC Trojan Dance Force and has been coaching the team since 1999. She is a powerhouse in the world of professional sports dance choreography, bringing contagious energy and positivity to the program, and is adored by students and families alike.
In Early Education and Elementary School, students focus on the joy of expressing themselves through movement, developing the foundational skills that they will build upon during Secondary School.
In Secondary School, students transition from the fundamentals of ballet to styles such as jazz and hip hop. Students have the opportunity to work with various choreographers and master teachers from the Los Angeles community.
Proficiency in digital media is becoming increasingly important in both the fine art and commercial sectors. Our digital media classes encourage students to cultivate a personal vision, take risks, solve problems, and learn from both failures and successes.
Students learn the essential tools needed to create various digital media products, including public service announcements, commercials, documentaries, music videos, and short films. Through hands-on practice, they explore all aspects of film production. Each academic year concludes with a film festival that showcases student work at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Visiting Artists Program
Every year, Pilgrim School hosts renowned artists and writers through our Visiting Artists program, which strengthens our students' connection to the arts and the community. Students take part in readings, artist talks, Q&A sessions, lessons, and even one-on-one projects that inspire new ways of thinking about their artistic practices and the world around them.
Japanese Gyotaku artist Dwight Hwang, working with our Secondary students as part of the Visiting Artists program.