The mission of the San Mateo Union High School District Visual and Performing Arts Department is to offer a rigorous, professionally-led standards-based curriculum to all students, providing meaningful and significant experiences that foster critical thinking, inspire creative self-expression, and develop a lifelong appreciation of the arts. 

The goal of the Aragon High School Visual Arts Department is to develop student ablities to create, understand, and appreciate art. Beginning with the Class of 2006, satisfactory completion of any yearlong course in the Visual and Performing Arts courses at Aragon High School fulfills the University of California and the California State Univeristy admisssion requirement.

Advanced Placement Studio Art  is a one year course designed for highly motivated art students to do college-level artwork by creating a portfolio of 20 or more original works of art that demonstrate mastery of design issues. For detailed information go to:  http://www.collegeboard.com

 Students will be introduced to the elements of art and the

principles of design through projects utilizing a variety of media (pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, pastel, watercolor and tempera paint).

 An advanced level course in drawing and painting with an emphasis on developing a greater depth of understanding of art.  Creative expression through individual projects is encouraged.

Students will explore the basic processes of pottery, construction methods, and decoration techniques while exposed to artifacts from many times, places, and cultures. Specific projects will be assigned each week with an emphasis given to design, craftsmanship, and surface decoration techniques.

An advanced level course in ceramics with an emphasis on developing students’ creative skills. Specific projects will be assigned with an emphasis given to design and craftsmanship. Students will develop an area of concentration and create an electronic portfolio of their work. Students may submit portfolios of 20 or more pieces of their work for Advanced Placement Studio Art: 3 –D Design consideration.

This course is designed to teach students how to use their digital cameras, develop digital imaging techniques, and foster creativity. Specific projects will be assigned each week.

An advanced level course designed to challenge students’ creativity and enhance digital imaging skills. Students will develop an area of concentration and create a portfolio of their work. Students may submit portfolios of 20 or more pieces of their work for Advanced Placement Studio Art: 2 –D Design consideration.