Creativity is something that should be nurtured in all children. By developing their talents, you allow your kids to grow more fully, developing in every facet of their lives. They learn to be self-confident, self-motivated, and to think critically about every endeavor. If you have a creative child eager to learn, you may want to consider enrolling her in a school that will help her realize her full potential. Two San Jose elementary schools have excellent arts programs for creative children.

The Harker School

Since its founding in 1893, the Harker School has been dedicated to allowing children to grow in every aspect of their lives. Their intellectual growth is fostered by an accredited curriculum and teaching staff, while their social skills are nurtured in the many school-wide activities. For children with strong creative sides, the school offers a fine performing arts program.

As early as first grade, children take performing arts classes, in which they learn about music, dance, and the art of creative storytelling. By the 7th and 8th grade, students can take classes in musical theater production, in which they'll learn the ins and outs of putting together a stage show. All this culminates in the Upper School musical performance, where students have a hand in every major aspect of the program, from the script to set design and beyond.

The Harker School's Lower School, open to students in kindergarten to 5th grade, is located at 4300 Bucknall Road, San Jose, CA. You can contact them by email at admissionls@harker.org. The Middle School for 6th- to 8th-grade is located at 3800 Blackford Avenue, San Jose, CA, with email address admissionms@harker.org. The Upper School is open to 9th- to 12th-grade students, and is located at 500 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA. Contact the Upper School by email at admissionUS@harker.org. For more information, visit the school's website, http://www.harker.org.

Stratford School

The Stratford School has a strong reputation for academic excellence, but were you aware that they have a comprehensive arts and language program for their elementary students as well? The Stratford’s curriculum is a based on the Core Knowledge Sequence, which provides a sequenced, grade-appropriate plan for teaching language arts, science, history, geography, and fine arts.  Topics in this curriculum build on each other, and each student understand how everything is interconnected.

In their language arts program, students will be exposed to a broad selection of classic literature, poetry, and short stories. Not only will they read them; they’ll be able to discuss these works in an intelligent manner. Students will also be taught correct writing techniques and proper use of grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.  Aside from literature, all elementary students get to enjoy an Art Exploration program through several mediums.  There’s Directed Art, which teaches skills and techniques that kids can use for independent work in the future, and Crafts, where students create functional masterpieces. Open-Ended Art encourages students to create for the sake of creation, using any medium and supplies they desire.    

The Stratford School’s San Jose location is at 6670 San Anselmo Way San Jose, CA 95119. Call (408) 363-2130 to schedule a tour, or visit the Stratford website at http://www.stratfordschools.com to learn more.

These are just some of San Jose elementary schools that could help your child reach his or her potential!