Course Catalog
Section F · Visual & Performing Arts
Pre-AP Arts - Visual Arts
UC A-G approved Pre-AP Arts - Visual Arts course delivered fully online through immersive VR and AI-enhanced instruction.
1 Year Online · Remote / Hybrid / In-Person Visual Arts Grades 9, 10 10 credits
Section FUC A‑G Requirement
Visual & Performing Arts — 1 year required
One yearlong course (or two semester courses) in dance, drama/theater, music, visual arts, or interdisciplinary arts. Courses must be UC-approved and meet state visual/performing arts content standards.
Why This Matters for College Admission
Arts courses develop creativity and design thinking — skills increasingly valued in tech and business. Many selective UCs view a second or third arts year as a positive differentiator.
What You'll Learn
Develop a sustained investigation portfolio demonstrating artistic growth
Master compositional principles: form, color, texture, space, and perspective
Create works in multiple media including drawing, painting, printmaking, and digital tools
Analyze art history and connect contemporary work to historical movements
Critique peers' work using formal analysis vocabulary
Prepare a portfolio for AP Art & Design or college-level art programs
Course Structure
Semester 1, Unit 1Weeks 1–5
Foundations
- Core vocabulary and concepts
- Foundational skills
- Context-setting activities
Semester 1, Unit 2Weeks 6–12
Core Skills
- Skill-building exercises
- Primary assessments
- Collaborative projects
Semester 2, Unit 1Weeks 13–18
Advanced Concepts
- Deeper conceptual application
- Research and analysis
- Peer-review activities
Semester 2, Unit 2Weeks 19–24
Synthesis & Mastery
- Cross-unit integration
- Final capstone project
- Portfolio submission
Lectures & Reviews
Curated YouTube videos for Pre-AP Arts - Visual ArtsHand-picked from credible educators — AP teachers, university lectures, and Khan Academy. Click a thumbnail to play in place; cookies are blocked until you click.
SpecialistSmarthistory
Art historical analysis (painting), a basic introduction using Goya's Third of May, 1808
Open on YouTubeSpecialistMiacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel
What Is Art? - Defining Visual Art and All Its Forms
Open on YouTubeSpecialistArt Class with Dave Dees
🎨 Master the 7 Principles of Design: Essential Art Lesson for All Ages! 🖌️
Open on YouTubeSpecialistKeshArt
What Are Even The “FUNDAMENTALS OF DRAWING!?”😤(How to Practice them?)
Open on YouTubeSpecialistDrawing & Painting - The Virtual Instructor
The Drawing Exercise that Changed My Life
Open on YouTubePrerequisites & Requirements
Open to qualifying students in grades 9, 10; no prerequisites required
All students complete a placement conversation with our admissions team before enrollment is confirmed. Questions? Contact admissions.