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Arts education is an important part of a child's education in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Thanks to the support of the district Governing Board and the community, Paradise Valley Schools lead the way in fine arts education. Courses and co-curricular activities in music, the visual arts, speech, drama and dance challenge our students. The curriculum for all arts classes is based on the Arizona Academic Standards for the Arts.

In 1991, Paradise Valley School District was named a "Model School District in Visual Art" by the Arizona State Department of Education. This recognition was granted because the district provides an art teacher in every elementary school and the curriculum is continuously reviewed to ensure it follows current trends in art education. Students participate in a sequential visual arts program which is offered in grades K - 12. In the high schools, a full range of courses are offered to students interested in art. Career and technical classes in graphic design prepare students for future careers. An annual student visual art show displays the work of our talented students in grades K - 12. Several pieces are purchased by the district to be framed and become a part of a permanent student art collection on exhibit in the district administrative complex. We are very proud that several of our art teachers are presenters at state and national art conventions, and teachers have received statewide recognition as Art Teacher of the Year.

Speech, debate, drama, dance and television production challenge students interested in these areas. Creative dramatics activities are integrated into the classroom at the elementary level. Speech, theatre and debate teams have won many state and national awards and have been invited to compete at prestigious national tournaments such as Harvard and Berkeley invitationals.

Music instruction begins in Kindergarten grade when students experience general music classes taught by specialists. These classes develop students' psychomotor and thinking skills, in addition to developing their love of music. Students may begin instruction on band or string instruments in fourth grade. Elementary school chorus is available to students in most Paradise Valley schools before or after school. These classes remain in the curriculum through high school. Each year the District sponsors elementary, middle, and high school choral and instrumental festivals. After a day of rehearsal, an evening concert is presented to the public. Individual students can demonstrate their talents and win ribbons for achievement at the annual Solo and Ensemble Festival. Our students often earn top marks at festivals sponsored by the Arizona Music Educators Association, and are selected for participation at All-State in all areas of music performance.

Each year, our schools are awarded thousands of dollars in grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, The Scottsdale Cultural Council and Musicfest of Carefree. This money is used to bring community artists into our schools to enhance the total school arts program through direct interaction with students and teachers. It is the vision of individual teachers, administrators, the Governing Board, and parents which keeps our basic arts programs among the best in the state, and enhances student learning.