BGA’s Visual Arts program inspires creativity and skill, from joyful early exploration to advanced portfolios and exhibitions.
Building Artists, Building Minds
At Battle Ground Academy, visual arts are an essential part of a student’s education from pre-K through 12th grade. Through hands-on exploration across a range of media, students develop technical skill, creative confidence, and the ability to communicate ideas visually.
A Program That Grows With Students
Visual arts instruction at BGA is intentionally sequenced to support growth over time. Students begin with exploration and foundational skills, then progress to more advanced techniques, independent work, and concentration opportunities in the Upper School.
Learning Through Making
Students learn by doing. Across drawing, painting, sculpture, design, and mixed media, emphasis is placed on process, experimentation, critique, and reflection, helping students think critically and develop their own artistic approach.
Spaces Designed for Art
Dedicated studios and gallery spaces provide room to create, collaborate, and share work. These environments support daily instruction as well as exhibitions that invite the broader BGA community to engage with student art.
A Community That Celebrates Art
The Mary Campbell Visual Arts Center on our Glen Echo campus is home to dedicated studio spaces, student exhibits, and the on-campus gallery that hosts shows from students, alumni, and visiting artists. Quarterly Mary Campbell Easel Awards recognize standout works from Middle and Upper School students, with winning pieces displayed in the center each term.
Middle School and Upper School students regularly submit work for regional and national competitions, and their creativity is proudly displayed throughout campus, adding beauty, color, and meaning to our daily life.
Opportunities for Growth and Recognition
Visual arts at BGA go beyond classwork. Students participate in after-school programs, clubs, art shows, and interdisciplinary projects. Beginning in Middle School, students can choose from electives in painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital design, and photography. In Upper School, these offerings expand to include advanced and AP-level coursework in studio art and design.
For those seeking to pursue their artistic passion at a deeper level, BGA offers a Fine Arts Concentration in Upper School, providing structure, mentorship, and a vibrant creative community that supports students as they develop their skills and define their voice.