SCAD

The School of Communication, Art, and Design

  • The Mission of the School of Communication, Art, and Design at Stranahan High School is to provide talented students with artistic education of the highest-quality while preparing them to become innovative thinkers in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world. The School seeks to instill all students with professional knowledge, collaborative skills, and technical expertise for success as creators in the fields of Drama, Music, and Visual Arts

    The School of Communication, Art, and Design unites a variety of content experts to engage students in self-discovery while building on their strength as artists and performers in a non-traditional learning environment. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we prepare students to go on to college and pursue careers with industry-standard certifications representative of content mastery in the field of their choice. We promote creativity by allowing students to collaborate with peers from any number of our various magnet programs to achieve learning goals and enable them to be versatile as the move forward with their post-secondary endeavors after graduation.

    Our Core Values

    Equity and inclusivity.
    We understand the diversity as a strength and are committed to challenging prejudice and inequality within our school and in society at large.


    Artistic Excellence.
    We hold the belief that learning is centered in the process of inquiry, self-discovery, and creative expression. We offer our students the environment and tools they need to take risks, think critically, and work creatively within and across disciplines.

    Exploration.
    We encourage curiosity, divergent thinking, and multiple approaches to problem-solving. We seek to understand and play a part in the ongoing global evolution of the roles of creators and scholars.

    Creative Entrepreneurship.
    We prepare each student to have the necessary professional skills to transform aspirations and values into a creative practice that will serve as the foundation for a rewarding future.
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  • The Music Conservatory

    Instrumental Ensemble 1

    Students with little or no experience in an instrumental ensemble develop basic musicianship and ensemble performance skills through the study of basic, high-quality music in diverse styles. Student musicians focus on building foundational music techniques, music literacy, listening skills, and aesthetic awareness. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

    PREREQUISITE: None

    Instrumental Ensemble 2

    Students with previous instrumental ensemble experience continue building musicianship and performance skills through the study of high-quality music in diverse styles. Student musicians learn to self-assess and collaborate as they rehearse, perform, and study relevant musical styles and time periods. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

    PREREQUISITE: Instrumental Ensemble 1

    Instrumental Ensemble 3

    Students strengthen instrumental ensemble performance skills, music literacy, and analytical skills through the study of high-quality music in diverse styles. Student musicians learn to self-assess and collaborate as they rehearse, perform, and study relevant history and cultures. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

    PREREQUISITE: Instrumental Ensemble 2

    Instrumental Ensemble 4 HONORS

    Students with extensive instrumental ensemble experience refine their critical listening, music literacy, and ensemble skills through the study, rehearsal, and performance of high-quality, advanced literature. Students use reflection and problem-solving skills with increasing independence to improve their performance and musical expression. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

    PREREQUISITE: Instrumental Ensemble 3

  • Electives correlate to identified pathways. Pursuing electives outside of your pathway depends on availability and instructor discretion (please see instructor for prerequisite details). Students must be a member of their magnet program's career and technical student organization (CTSO) and will be encouraged to participate in CTSO events.

    Magnet Distinction Requirements

    Students earning magnet distinction will have completed 3 pathway courses, earned one or more industry certifications, acquired at least 100 service hours (60 of which related to their program of study known as magnet service hours), completed their summer internship* (summer of junior year), completed and successfully presented senior year project, and maintained academic performance and course requirements consistent with magnet standards for their program of study.

    Students must meet all required program components for magnet distinction. If you have additional questions please contact your magnet coordinator.