The Anthony School - Little Rock, AR

The specialized subjects instill an appreciation of the arts, technology, health, and physical activity. These subjects play an integral part in developing the creative, physical, and social intelligences. Specialized classes begin in the three-year classes and continue through the eighth grade. Spanish, music and art are offered as electives in the seventh and eighth grades.

Music
The music curriculum in our Early Childhood Program balances singing with creative movement. The music curriculum for first through fifth grades integrates different styles of music with music history, music theory, and music appreciation. Various instruments are used to enhance the concepts of rhythm, rhyme, marching, and clapping. Each student in these grades performs in a musical production. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, based in Little Rock, provides instructional support through various programs as well as an annual children's concert for students in the 4th and 5th grades. Other opportunities vary from singing at a retirement home to performing at the Arkansas State Capitol during the holiday season.

Visual Arts
Students in the Visual Arts Program are involved in studio projects designed to communicate creative skills and imagination using a wide variety of media and techniques. They observe and use the elements of art and the principles of design; they study art and cultural influences of different historical periods and cultures; and they analyze how artists and students use the elements of art and the principles of design in their works. Student work is displayed throughout the school.

Violin
The violin curriculum stresses that all students develop an appreciation for the violin and obtain musical literacy. All first and second grade students study violin twice a week. Basic musical notation, note reading, violin posture, and bowhold are taught to beginning students. Third through eighth grade students have the opportunity to continue their violin instruction through small group or private lessons. Each student participating in the Anthony String Program performs in a spring concert.

Foreign Language
Spanish is part of the curriculum from Early Childhood through eighth grade. The main objective of the curriculum is to foster an ongoing interest in the study of languages as well as an appreciation for the Spanish culture. The subject matter emphasizes vocabulary acquisition, grammatical elements, and oral proficiency. This study is punctuated with activities that offer valuable knowledge of cultural perspectives. French, a seventh and eighth grade elective, is optional and is taken in addition to Spanish.

Physical Education
Our Physical Education Program is designed with both the physical and cognitive development of the children in mind. It focuses on the development of motor skills, strength, cardiovascular fitness, aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, and flexibility while the student is involved in activities that develop creative thinking, problem solving, and appropriate social behavior. Physical Education serves a unique purpose in providing students with knowledge, skills, and fitness that will empower them to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Technology
The goal of The Anthony School Technology Program is to empower our students with the technology skills they need to live, learn, and work in an information-rich society by providing innovative and engaging technology opportunities for our school community. These opportunities promote collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in our students as well as communication between parents, teachers, and students. Please see division curriculum overviews for technology curriculum summary. The technology curriculum in also available on the technology teachers' websites.