Arts
Pilgrim School is committed to integrating arts education into our broader curriculum. Exposure to and participation in the visual and performing arts creates not only lifelong artists but also art lovers who share the creative spirit with their community. Our wide-ranging curriculum helps students find their creative voice while integrating cultural traditions, history, core skills, and innovative technology. Through our artistic platform, students learn to bring their fearless spirits and deep thinking not just to the world of art but to the other topics they’re exposed to in school.
The Art Center is dedicated to valuing students' artistic efforts and aspirations. We introduce new techniques and approaches that enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. 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 in 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 fosters a supportive environment that empowers students to embrace their creative instincts. Students are introduced to essential theater skills, including ensemble work, voice training, and improvisation, in engaging ways. The creativity, self-expression, and imagination nurtured by the Theater Arts program play a crucial role in our culture of student engagement.
Elementary School students also develop theater skills by participating in the all-school musical each spring. Previous musicals have included *Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World*, *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.*, *Willy Wonka Jr.*, *The Lion King Jr.*, *Fiddler on the Roof Jr.*, *Beauty and the Beast Jr.*, and *The Wizard of Oz Jr.* 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. The classes are further enriched by live theater field trips and guest speakers.
Our music program balances technical instruction with personal expression, producing confident and knowledgeable students who develop a lifelong love and appreciation for music. 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 an extensive repertoire of music from around the world and have access to a comprehensive collection of instruments.
In Secondary School, students enhance their skills in new and exciting ways, ranging from traditional band instruments to electronic music production.
Everyone is a dancer at Pilgrim School.
The Dance program at Pilgrim School is deeply rooted in the vibrant community of Los Angeles, exploring various dance styles that reflect our diverse population. Students of all ages have the opportunity to learn dance, regardless of their previous experience. Our program fosters confidence, creativity, and personal expression, which students carry into other areas of their education and life.
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.
In Secondary School, the curriculum builds on the skills learned in earlier grades, transitioning 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 will 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 will acquire practical skills while exploring all aspects of film production. Each academic year concludes with a film festival that showcases student work.
Visiting Artists Program
Every year, Pilgrim School hosts celebrated artists and writers through our Visiting Artists program, which enhances our students' connection to the arts and the community. Students participate in readings, artist talks, Q&A sessions, lessons, and even one-on-one projects that encourage new ways of thinking about their artistic practices and the world around them.
In 2024, Pilgrim School welcomed artist Brandon John Lasalle, who collaborated with students from K-12 to create a mural focused on the theme of inclusivity. The students explored various aspects of inclusivity, including neurodiversity, physical (dis)ability, race, and religion, ensuring that all kinds of students were represented in the final artwork. The project began with a doodle grid and culminated in a beautiful homage to the inclusion that Pilgrim embodies and strives to achieve. On your next visit, we invite you to view this stunning mural, located on the 4th floor of the Seaver Building and also visible from Commonwealth Avenue.