A person uses a brayer to roll yellow ink onto a metal surface, with art supplies, paper, and painted textures visible on the table.

Arts

Visual Arts

We strive to teach art skills as well as artistic habits of mind such as envisioning, expression, observation, and reflection.

A group of young adults paint a colorful mural on a large outdoor wall on a sunny day; some are smiling at the camera while others focus on painting.A display of colorful, geometric cake slice models made from various materials arranged on a blue tablecloth in a classroom setting.Several colorful ceramic vases filled with various bright flowers are displayed on a black table, each vase accompanied by a printed information card.Three small paintings on easels are displayed on a table, with pottery, a framed photo, and other art items in the background.A group of young adults paint a colorful mural on a large outdoor wall on a sunny day; some are smiling at the camera while others focus on painting.A display of colorful, geometric cake slice models made from various materials arranged on a blue tablecloth in a classroom setting.Several colorful ceramic vases filled with various bright flowers are displayed on a black table, each vase accompanied by a printed information card.Three small paintings on easels are displayed on a table, with pottery, a framed photo, and other art items in the background.
Students sit around a table working on art projects in a classroom; one student in the foreground wears a shirt with “McLean School” on the back. Shelves with supplies are visible behind them.Hands shaping a ball of wet clay on a pottery wheel, with a ceramic cup nearby and clay residue visible on the wheel’s surface.An instructor assists a student with clay work at a table in an art classroom, with pottery tools and materials visible.Three handmade ceramic pieces—a plate, a tumbler, and a bowl—each decorated with large blue polka dots, displayed on a white shelf.Students sit around a table working on art projects in a classroom; one student in the foreground wears a shirt with “McLean School” on the back. Shelves with supplies are visible behind them.Hands shaping a ball of wet clay on a pottery wheel, with a ceramic cup nearby and clay residue visible on the wheel’s surface.An instructor assists a student with clay work at a table in an art classroom, with pottery tools and materials visible.Three handmade ceramic pieces—a plate, a tumbler, and a bowl—each decorated with large blue polka dots, displayed on a white shelf.

Artistic talent shines at McLean! A visual arts education helps to strengthen important skills related to planning and problem-solving, and is a powerful form of self-discovery and expression. We offer a rich, stimulating, and progressively challenging program for all interests and abilities, culminating in several art showcases. Across all divisions and throughout the year, student work is on display on campus and in the greater community. 

Lower School

Art class two times a week explores a wide range of media from drawing and painting to collage, ceramics, and printmaking, as well as general principles of art and design. Art history and world cultures are also sources of information and inspiration. Additionally, art is integrated into other areas of the curriculum, including math, science, social studies, and language arts.

An adult assists a child with an art project in a colorful classroom labeled "ART," with supplies and artwork visible in the background.

Middle School

Students have Art class two times a week in Grades 5 and 6. The program builds on fundamentals, with interdisciplinary units related to perspective, dimension, and observation. Students in Grades 7 and 8 choose at least one semester-long art class per year, such as Computer Graphics, the Art of Motion Pictures, Art Exploration, and Introduction to Ceramics. Middle School marks the start of student participation in clubs that meet during the school day and include those with an art, craft, or fashion focus.

A student wearing glasses and a McLean School shirt paints a ceramic bowl at a classroom table. Art supplies are visible around her.

Upper School

Students are requred to have at minimum one Art credit for graduation (more encouraged!). Courses may include AP Studio Art 2-D Design, Advanced Art, Foundations in Art and Elements and Principles of Design, Ceramics, Independent Study, Mass Communications, Web and Graphic Design, or Yearbook. The goal of all is to build skills, confidence, insight, and for some students, an impressive portfolio.

A student wearing a "McLean School" hoodie kneels while painting a mural with purple, yellow, and blue sections on a classroom wall.

After McLean

Our graduates have pursued degrees and careers in a variety of arts-related fields: fine art, studio art, art history, fashion, interior design, architecture, animation, and digital and graphic design.

A person shapes a round clay bowl with a sculpting tool on a wooden table.

Explore More

Three students play guitars and piano in a music classroom, seated with music stands in front of them; guitars hang on the wall in the background.
Music
A young person in a green costume performs on stage, wearing a headset microphone, with a decorated green frame and chair in the background.
Theater
A person wearing a white polo and black pants swings a golf club on a golf course, with trees and golf carts in the background.
Athletics
The entrance to McLean School.

Discover the McLean Experience

It’s critically important for a child to be in a school that respects them for who they are, and supports their academic strengths and challenges. This has always been true for McLean. 

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