Empowering students with language-based learning differences
Arts
Arts
Arts at Siena
Siena Honors Creativity
The Arts are infused into every aspect of life at Siena. Students study photography, drawing and painting, music, drama, film, claymation and more. The arts are also integrated into academic classes on a daily basis—from English to math to foreign language—as Siena engages the visual and creative strengths of its students throughout the school day.
Exploring Your Strengths
Siena’s art programs encourage students to explore their individual interests and strengths. Whether music, photography, fine art or drama, every art class involves four critical elements: artistic technique, history, critique, and student independence. Teachers help students to explore a wide variety of mediums while providing them strong background in basic techniques and theory. Students work with our accomplished instructors to discover where their interests lie and build upon their experiences and work each year, producing exceptional fine art, music, and photography. Siena student work has won awards in various area competitions, including:
- Washington School of Photography annual competition
- Fotoweek DC
- Congressional Arts Competition
- Photoworks Youth Photography Competition
- Drexel High School Photography Competition
In addition to classroom instruction, students typically take a range of arts-based field trips to several of the outstanding cultural institutions in the area. Typical trips include such events as: the Nutcracker ballet at the Kennedy Center, a visit to the National Gallery of Art, interactive and participatory theater workshops at The Folger Theater, symphonic performances and many others.
Arts Exhibition 2025
On April 3, 2025, Siena hosted an in-person Arts Exhibition on its Forest Glen and Northern Virginia campuses to help celebrate its diverse community of artists. The full show featured over 60 pieces from Siena students, faculty & staff, parents, grandparents, and others across our three campuses. Here are some of the students' pieces:
Building Confidence Through the Arts
My photography skills have progressed each year since I began taking photography in 6th grade. I’ve learned a lot about editing, new techniques, etc., but I think the most important skill I’ve sharpened throughout my photography classes, that is even applied outside the arts, would be my confidence level in trying new things and working with others on projects. –Siena High School Student
International Thespian Society
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As of the 2024-25 school year, Siena is an official chapter of the Maryland branch of the International Thespian Society, connecting our students' dedicated theatre experience at Siena with the larger high school theatre community.
