Arts

The Arts at TNS

The Arts at The New School

At The New School, education has always centered around giving students opportunities to explore and share their creativity through drama, music, art, and dance. Bill Mandrell founded TNS in 1971 with a deep belief in the power of the arts to shape children’s lives, and his vision has guided us ever since. Our arts program creates a welcoming space where students can connect, collaborate, and express themselves creatively, growing in confidence, empathy, communication, and problem-solving while discovering more about who they are.

One-year-olds through kindergartners sing songs and play with Mr. Troy during ECE’s Outdoor Exploration and Fun Fridays in our beautiful woods. Our lower school students learn with Ms. Ashley, who also teaches private lessons and many after-school classes like ukulele ensemble and choir, providing many performance opportunities at the school and around town. Middle and upper school students jam with Mr. Austin up in the Arts Annex, showcasing their talent at performances on and off campus—including Family Fest here at TNS, George’s Majestic Lounge in December and April, The Walton Arts Center’s Masquerade Ball in February, and at the pre-game Hogtown festival.

My background is theatre, so I am particularly thrilled that all of our students from Pre-K up have the opportunity to act, sing, and dance on our stage in productions, two of which are so beloved to our school they’ve been going on for decades (and sometimes starring current students’ parents). Rachel Bland and I offer drama classes to students beginning in 6th grade.

Our visual art teachers are some of our longest-standing faculty members at the school, and their dedication shines each spring in our school-wide Art Show, which launches in April as part of Arts Month and continues into May. ECE students explore art with Ms. Christina, Lower School with Ms. Katie, and Middle and Upper School with Ms. Aaron.

Our after-school program includes dance, music, and art with end-of-semester recitals and performances.

Through hands-on activities, performances, and shared experiences, TNS students have the chance to learn, explore, and shine in meaningful and memorable ways. The arts are truly thriving at The New School and we invite you to be in our audience!

-Jonny Schremmer

Arts Director