Visual & Performing Arts

Our Vision

Empowering Hearts, Inspiring Minds: We are unleashing the transformative power of arts education in our community and beyond. Our NNPS Arts team passionately cultivates a dynamic learning environment that transcends socio-economic boundaries, fostering emotional intelligence, community cohesion, and practicing essential skills required for a future beyond our classrooms. Through relentless advocacy, we champion the universal language of the arts, uniting diverse communities and preparing students to not only master their technical skills but to become empathetic, creative global citizens that shape a vibrant, harmonious future for all.

Our Goals

Support Music, Art, Theatre and Dance courses across Newport News Public Schools, our curriculum is focused on building the technical skills specific to each of our Visual and Performing Arts areas. Interwoven within our city community, we strive to create opportunities that forge career pathways, all while building lifelong advocates for the arts.

Community Partners

State Affiliated Organizations

Parental Support

Encouraging Parent. Competence is the result of dedicated “time on task”. Performing arts are the outcome of study, practice and focused preparation. It is imperative that student invest extra time in nurturing their talents and improving their skills. Parents should encourage a positive practice schedule, echo the value and importance of practice and frame practice as a benefit, not a disciplinary penalty.
Loyal, Appreciative Audience. We recognize families are faced with a full agendas, and it can be a challenge to adjust your schedule to accommodate every school function. However, rehearsals and performances are a vital part of the performance arts education experience. The arts can be a family affair. The best audience is always parents. Don’t miss an opportunity to celebrate your student’s talent.
Booster Member or Volunteer. Volunteering can show dedication to your child’s education. There are many ways to aid and participate in parent support organizations. Please join the force of parents who realize the far-reaching potential of the arts and be an involved member of our students performing arts adventure.

Instrument & Supply Accountability

Shared Responsibility: Students and families are entrusted with the care of NNPS school-issued musical instruments and supplies. It is important to handle instruments and supplies responsibly, following all care guidelines to ensure its longevity for future students.
NNPS Class Fees: Families are responsible for paying any district-issued rental or maintenance fees associated with the use of a school instrument. These fees help cover regular upkeep and repairs. Rental contracts must be signed for instrument use.
Accountability for Damages: Any damage caused to the instrument due to neglect or misuse is the responsibility of the student and family. Timely reporting of issues or necessary repairs is expected to prevent further damage.
Replacement or Repair Costs: In the event of loss, theft, or severe damage to the instrument, families may be required to cover the full replacement or repair cost, as outlined by school policy.

Our Instructional Approach

Students deserve supportive learning environments that create a safe and nurturing space for personal creative expression. These environments are created by providing our students with a variety of learning experiences. These experiences are supported by quality resources, opportunities to regularly perform and critique works of art, exposure to professionals in the field; all while building community through explicit expectations, class procedures and common language. With a unique learning experience targeted at each grade level, visual and performing arts are presented in a continuum of growth. This is achieved through guided, independent and performance based instructional strategies with targeted focus on Skills & Technique, Critique & Evaluation, Performance & Showcase.

Curriculum Based Rehearsals

Newport News Public Schools takes a co-curricular approach to all performing arts classes, ensuring that classroom learning is enriched through combined, ensemble-based practice experiences. Due to the collaborative nature of performing arts and the structure of schools class scheduling, after-school rehearsal time is essential for students to refine the technical and ensemble skills necessary for success. These rehearsals are an integral part of the curriculum and grading criteria for performing arts classes. To support this, transportation is often provided for required rehearsals, making participation accessible to all. Teacher directors are responsible for communicating rehearsal schedules to families in a timely manner. These combined rehearsal sessions are vital for performance execution, precision, and the overall quality of our ensembles—key skills that can only be developed through full ensemble practice.

Summer Institute for the Arts

NNPS Summer Institute for the Arts offers an intensive three or six week program in music, theatre and visual arts. Applicants need to have successfully completed a minimum of 1 school class on their instrument or in their arts field. Because it is an intensive program, students must participate in the full session, no absences. Newport News Public Schools’ students will receive a 1 semester (.5) high school credit for successful completion of the program. Students will be selected after completing the Google Form application and portfolio review/audition. Applicants will be notified of audition time, date and location.

All students must submit evidence of their work to be considered for SIA.

Summer Institute for the Arts is designed for the student who has the ability, interest, dedication, and enthusiasm to pursue a structured course of study in music, visual art or theatre.

Students currently in seventh grade through eleventh grade who are enrolled in Newport News Public Schools are eligible for the program. Bus transportation will be provided. Class times are 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge to all students. SIA is an in-person program, offered in partnership with other NNPS Summer Enrichment programs.

SIA applications open during the 3rd marking period. Information will be shared on social media @NNPSArts and through your child’s school.