Upon entering DKJA’s colorful hallways, visitors appreciate the school’s focus on the visual arts.  Our students’ carefully crafted artwork is striking and thought-provoking; however,  the visual arts are just one aspect of our program.  DKJA students also explore drama and music through their class work and extracurricular pursuits.

The arts are the perfect forum in which to express one’s personal, political, and religious beliefs.  What is truly remarkable about our arts program is how well our fine arts faculty works with our classroom teachers to weave artistic pursuits together with our academic curriculum.

Meet the Masters Program – Parents, grandparents, and community volunteers are trained as docents, each presenting to a class the works of the world’s great artists.  Using LCD and CD high-tech equipment, beautiful images make the visits come alive!  We focus on setting a stage for the history of the times, interesting biographical information about the artists, critical discussion of works, and interactive question/answer techniques.  The students truly remember and enjoy each docent visit to their classrooms.

Visual Art Curriculum – Our students create hands-on art projects specifically geared to enrich and highlight the grade-level general studies history curriculum and the Judaic studies curriculum.  Art criticism, art history, and museum visits round out this full and varied program.

Gallery Exhibits – Our hallways speak volumes: they are our galleries!  Every student will experience the pride of seeing his or her work on display in our school.  At the end of each school year, full portfolios are returned to the delight of our DKJA families.  Students and parents can see the growth and progress as they view the entire year’s work.

Meet the Maestros Program – At least twice a year, a professional classical jazz ensemble performs music by a specific composer or from a certain era for our Middle School students.  Prior to the concerts, students learn the history and techniques of the music that will be performed.

Musical Expression – Students express themselves musically at many different assemblies, such as those for Community Service, Israel Independence Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel Memorial Day, Jerusalem Day, and many holiday commemorations.  Music theory is presented through the use of electronic keyboards, which every Middle School student uses in class.

Community Performances – Students have many opportunities to perform for the community, such as a Chanukah Concert with the Jewish Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Independence Day Concert in Mizner Park, the Model Seder for Gould House, Chanukah Celebration at Borders book stores, Chanukah Celebration in Town Center Mall, and many more.

Music with History and Literature – Many units of the Middle School music curriculum are integrated with history, English, and Judaic studies.  Teachers plan together at every grade level to enhance the students’ experience – Native American music, the musical “1776” (American independence), early civilizations music, and “West Side Story” as compared to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
 
Dramatic Arts – Students participate at different levels of production.  Each grade level focuses on various styles of theater that are interwoven to coordinate with their integrated history and English curricula.  Students perform improvisations and participate in reader’s theater.  Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to perform during assemblies or on special occasions; they may also audition for school-wide drama and musical productions.

Shakespeare Festival – Middle School and High School students participate in this lively, annual festival, performing elaborately designed scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, which are accompanied with music and dance.
 
Creative Arts – Young writers and photographers find creative outlets in our acclaimed literary magazine, INK.