A School With An Arts-Driven Curriculum


Arthur Hall, African Dance

Hawthorne School has a vision. Since being designated as a Model School for the Integration of the Arts in 1991, the dedicated staff has been working to make that vision a reality. Powerful art encounters are at the core of all subject areas. The works of master artists in the performing and visual arts serve both as the impetus for introducing basic concepts and for enhancement of curricular themes. Hawthorne's continued success with an arts-driven curriculum is made possible through the dedication and creativity of the principal and staff members, along with support from the Bozeman community.

Hawthorne School has been part of this university community of 35,000 since at least 1896 and the school has occupied the "new" building since it was built in 1939. This public school is located near downtown Bozeman and has an enrollment of approximately 300. An outdoor sign flanked by giant crayons greets members of the school and the community at large. The gymnasium, which includes a stage, serves both as an auditorium and dance studio. It also provides a facility for different workshops. The school's "Art Room" is a creative workspace where everything from simple sketches to intricate clay projects are produced. Visitors often express a sense of awe at the framed artwork as they walk down the school corridors. Their reaction to these creative works is testimony to the emphasis on quality product of a committed arts-driven curriculum.

An "art smart" student population is made possible through the commitment and dedication of all staff. These teachers believe that a rich background in the arts develops a greater capacity for human understanding and creative problem solving. Artists-in-residence have provided opportunities for students to benefit from instruction in a variety of art forms, such as mime, drama and Shakespeare workshops, in addition to jewelry making, weaving, and pottery. The artist-in-residence program is supported by volunteers and members of a school/community partnership who, in turn, weave their strengths into the children's education.



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