Arts
Visual Arts
The Lower and Middle School Art program at AJA nurtures creativity while guiding students in activities in drawing, painting, art history, sculpture, printmaking and crafts. The program is developed on disciplined based art education and is aligned with the Georgia State Curriculum for Visual Arts. Art concepts are taught through activities based on the elements of design: line, shape, form, texture, space, color and value. Students are encouraged to stretch their thinking while participating in the creative process.
Upper School Art at AJA gives students the opportunity to develop an interest in art appreciation and to develop critical and creative thinking skills. The program is designed to help students develop awareness of, and appreciation for, the skills in communicating through art, and a feeling of pride and satisfaction in their work.
Performing Arts
Atlanta Jewish Academy performers in Grades 1 - 12 eagerly cultivate their talents in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theater arts. Experiences throughout our theater season enhance skills, build self-confidence, and spark new interests.
Our Lower School students get in on the act in a Junior Musical and learn about musical theater. They experience the process of building a show, and dazzle their families and friends on our stage. Shows have included: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,101 Dalmatians and Winnie The Pooh. For many children, this is a first glimpse behind the curtain!
The Middle School Spring Musical has been a highlight of our school tradition for more than a decade. Past favorite plays have been: The Wizard of Oz, Annie, My Son Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, The Music Man, and Mary Poppins. With coaching and live musical accompaniment from professional directors, choreographers, and musicians, students gain valuable training, honing their performance skills to stage top-quality productions. Additionally, in recent years, students have formed the Technical Crew. The Tech Crew builds and manages sets, designs computerized stage lighting, and coordinates sound and special effects for shows in our state-of-the-art, 700-seat auditorium.
High School students work all year on our Girls' Chagiga (festivity). Our High School girls write, direct, produce, and act in this full-scale musical show. They base the drama on well-known Broadway musicals or create original scripts and infuse the show with Jewish conflicts, themes, and humor. Past show titles included The Might of Right, Ima Mia, A Tsuris Line, A Might of Right and Cut Loose. Teens also serve as the Technical Crew, orchestrating sets, lights, and sound effects.
Music
Music @ AJA focuses on teaching music and making it fun, exciting and relevant for all students. Our music program is an integral part of AJA’s culture. A big part of that culture is the focus on Jewish and Israeli music and my goal is to incorporate it into our curriculum.
It is our belief that music brings us together as a community and this is especially true at AJA. When we sing or perform together it brings us closer to each other and it strengthens our identity. In addition, this music program allows students to express themselves as individuals in a creative and nonjudgmental environment. It is our goal to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in music class.
It is imperative for a child’s development to be exposed to many different genres, styles and types of music starting at a very young age. Our music program provides that opportunity to all students with a variety of fun and age appropriate activities.