The mission of the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Visual Arts program is to prepare students to be artistically literate citizens with a lifelong interest and appreciation for the arts.

Students will create, present, respond to and connect to artistic works, define and defend their artistic voice, and become creative and collaborative problem solvers who actively contribute to our global community.

Visual Arts is offered in all elementary and middle schools, and nearly all high schools.

The Burncoat Magnet Visual Arts Program, at Worcester Arts Magnet (grades K-6), Burncoat Middle (grades 7-8), and Burncoat High (grades 9-12), offers a full K-12 continuous curriculum.

The WPS Visual Arts Curriculum is aligned with national core standards and the Massachusetts educational framework with the goal of nurturing scholars' artistic skills, creativity, and critical thinking.

Through diverse art activities, students explore, experiment, and express themselves while building a foundational understanding of art concepts.

The curriculum cultivates the ability to respond to, connect with, present, and create artwork. It provides a supportive environment for creativity and skill development, fostering lifelong appreciation for the arts -- allowing scholars to gain essential skills applicable beyond the art classroom.

WPS students are involved with numerous district and community art events annually. These events are advertised to families at the school and the district level, including on the website events calendar.

• UMass Memorial Health Center Art Show (January)

• Teen Apprentice Program at Worcester Arts Museum (February)

• AP Studio and Senior Portfolio Review and Critique (February; often held at Worcester Art Museum)

• Valentine's Contest (February; at Worcester Art Museum)

• Burncoat Arts Magnet Vertical Show (March)

• WPS Staff and Alumni Faculty Art Exhibit (March; at Worcester Center for Crafts)

• WPS Arts Festival (May; multiple locations)

• Senior in the Arts Award Celebration (Late May; often held at Worcester Art Museum)

• Art in the Park in Elm Park (June-October)

• AP Art History: Last Supper: Open House and Panel Discussion