Students in middle school are required to participate in one fine arts course in grades 6, 7 or 8. In Austin ISD, the middle school fine arts course requirement can be satisfied by taking art, band, choir, dance, theater, guitar, orchestra, and piano, if applicable. The fine arts requirement can be met with either a semester or a yearlong course. All courses offered in this section meet the state fine arts requirement.

ART MS 1, Beginning 
Grade: 6-8 
Prerequisite: NONE

This course emphasizes fostering a deep awareness and sensitivity to both natural and constructed environments by exploring and applying the elements and principles of art. Students will engage in creative expression through various mediums—drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photographic imagery, digital art and media, and fiber art—encouraging innovative and imaginative use of materials and techniques. Additionally, the course delves into the role of art within cultural heritage, examines potential career paths in the arts, and cultivates visual discrimination and critical judgment in assessing both peer and renowned artists' works. Students are expected to develop a portfolio. Note that a course fee is determined by the campus. 

ART MS 2, Intermediate
Prerequisite: Art MS 1 
This course builds on the foundational topics covered in the MS 1 beginning art class, aiming to enhance awareness and sensitivity toward both natural and man-made environments. Students will explore and apply art elements and principles while engaging in imaginative expression through various materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking,ceramics, photographic imagery, digital art and media, and fiber art. The course also emphasizes the significance of art within cultural heritage, explores potential careers in the arts, and fosters visual discrimination and critical judgment in evaluating both peer artwork and that of established artists. Students are expected to develop a portfolio that demonstrates progress. A course fee is determined by the campus. 

ART MS 3, Advanced
Prerequisite: Art MS 2 
This course blends theoretical instruction on the elements and principles of art with hands-on studio activities that invite students to explore concepts such as line, color, value, texture, shape, form, and space. Participants will apply principles like unity, emphasis, balance, variety, harmony, and proportion while engaging in creative expression across various mediums, including design, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, digital art and media, and fiber art. Additionally, students will enhance their understanding of art history, cultivate an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions, and develop skills for critically evaluating both their peers' works and those of renowned artists, honing their aesthetic judgment along the way. A course fee is determined by the campus. 

Either of these courses will fill the prerequisite requirement for all Level I visual art courses.

Level 1 Courses

ART 1
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grades: 9-12 
Prerequisite: NONE

Art 1 is an introductory course that welcomes students of all experience levels. Through differentiated instruction, all students will explore and develop their distinctive artistic styles by creating original works across various mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and mixed media, with an emphasis on practical hands-on studio experiences. Throughout the course, each student will compile a cohesive portfolio that highlights their progress and artistic development. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART AND MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS I-II
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: NONE

In this foundation course, students combine study of modern, post-modern, and contemporary visual art and design with media literacy and technology applications. Creation and analysis of student artworks will be balanced with explorations into traditional hand skills with current technology applications to create new media such as animations, digital images, multimedia presentation, digital video, websites, and interactive or site-based installations and performances. Student work will culminate in a capstone project that investigates an issue relevant to the student and uses art, design, and visual communications to address a problem within the community or effect a change. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

Level 2 Courses

ART II: CERAMICS I 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Ceramics is an intermediate course designed to expand upon the skills and concepts learned in Art 1. In the studio, students will have the opportunity to experiment with a range of ceramic techniques, focusing on both hand-building and glazing methods to enhance their personal artistic style. Emphasizing hands-on production, this course encourages students to create a collection of original pieces that reflect their growth and creativity. Throughout the program, they will also compile a portfolio to showcase their work. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II: DESIGN I 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Students will address visual challenges by applying design and technical skills while studying the elements of art and principles of design. They will explore various artistic fields, including fine art, architecture, crafts, advertisements, and natural designs, drawing inspiration from these sources to develop their own ideas. Using a range of media and tools, students will enhance their creative problem-solving abilities and refine their personal style, deepening their understanding of how design choices influence visual communication. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II: DIGITAL ART AND MEDIA I
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

In this course, students delve into cutting-edge techniques for producing original artwork using digital and contemporary media tools, all while reinforcing traditional artistic concepts and methods. Throughout the program, they will develop a visual digital portfolio that showcases their creations. Additionally, the course offers insights into career opportunities in the digital media landscape. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II - DRAWING I
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I 

Art 2 - Drawing is an intermediate course that expands on the techniques and ideas introduced in Art 1. Students will engage in hands-on studio experiences, experimenting with various drawing materials including pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, and pastels. This course emphasizes personal style development through consistent studio practice. As students progress, they will create a collection of original artworks and assemble a portfolio to showcase their journey. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II: FIBERS I 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Students will explore various fiber techniques, building upon their personal themes while applying design skills to create unique textile works. Through the study and analysis of both contemporary and historical fiber art, they will gain a deeper understanding of the medium and its potential for artistic expression. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II: JEWELRY I 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Jewelry I is an intermediate course that builds on the skills and concepts explored in Art I/Art and Media Communications I.  Students will explore and develop various approaches to both natural and man-made jewelry. By expanding on their personal themes and applying design skills, they will gain familiarity with different jewelry styles and techniques through the study and analysis of various artworks. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II: PAINTING I 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Painting is an intermediate course that is designed to enhance the skills and concepts introduced in Art 1/Art and Media Communications I. In this studio-focused environment, students will have the chance to experiment with various painting techniques and processes, allowing them to refine their personal artistic style with a strong emphasis on practical production. Throughout the course, each student will track their growth by creating a collection of original artworks and compiling a portfolio. Please note that there may be a cost associated with enrolling in this course.

ART II: PHOTOGRAPHY I
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Photography is an intermediate course that builds upon the skills and concepts covered in Art 1/Art and Media Communications I. In this studio setting, students will explore a range of photographic techniques and processes, allowing them to cultivate their unique artistic style with a focus on hands-on production. Instruction will include training in camera operation and equipment usage. Throughout the course, students will track their development by creating a portfolio of original works. Please be aware that there may be associated costs for enrolling in this course.

ART II: SCULPTURE I 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts) 
Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite: Art I or Art and Media Communications I

Sculpture is an intermediate course that builds upon the skills and concepts covered in Art I/Art and Media Communications I. Students will explore and develop various interpretations and solutions that connect natural and man-made environments. By delving into different sculpting styles and techniques, they will build on their personal themes while applying design skills and analyzing various artworks. Please note that there may be costs associated with enrolling in this course.

Level III and IV Courses

ART 3 and Art 4 LEVEL COURSES 
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grades: 11-12 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a parallel Art 2 and Art 3 course

All Art 3 and Art 4 courses are advanced and emphasize technique, individual expression, and creativity. Students will be encouraged to pursue independent projects, with a strong focus on producing original artwork suitable for exhibitions at local, regional, and state events, as well as for their portfolios. Please be aware that there may be associated costs for enrolling in these courses.

*Photography courses require that students have access to a DSLR camera.

ART III: CERAMICS II, ART IV: CERAMICS III

ART III: DESIGN II, ART IV: DESIGN III

ART III: DIGITAL ART AND MEDIA II, ART IV:  DIGITAL ART AND MEDIA III

ART III: DRAWING II, ART IV: DRAWING III

ART III: FIBERS II, ART IV: FIBERS III

ART III: JEWELRY II, ART IV: JEWELRY III

ART III: PAINTING II, ART IV: PAINTING III

ART III: PHOTOGRAPHY II*, ART IV: PHOTOGRAPHY III*

ART III: PRINTMAKING II, ART IV: PRINTMAKING III

ART III: SCULPTURE II, ART IV: SCULPTURE III

ART III/IV: AP ART HISTORY
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Either of the two foundational courses (Art I or Art and Media Communications I and II) plus a Level 2 visual arts course.

This introductory college-level course provides the student with an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. Art History also emphasizes understanding works in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. Requires a high degree of commitment to academic work to meet college standards. Students must be successful on AP Exams to gain potential college credit. 

ART III/IV: AP STUDIO ART: DRAWING PORTFOLIO
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Either of the two foundational courses (Art I or Art and Media Communications I and II) plus a Level I visual arts course.

Students develop a portfolio addressing a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Light, shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth can be addressed. Abstract, observational, and inventive works through a variety of means, which could include painting, printmaking, mixed media, etc. may be used. Work will be divided into three sections of the AP portfolio including quality, concentration, and breadth. Please note that it is highly recommended that the student submit the portfolio created in AP drawing, to the AP board, for review. 

ART III/IV: AP STUDIO ART: 2-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Either of the two foundational courses (Art I or Art and Media Communications I and II) plus a Level I visual arts course. 

Students develop a portfolio addressing a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way to demonstrate mastery of 2-D is required. Mediums and processes could include graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking. Work will be divided into three sections of the portfolio including quality, concentration, and breadth. Please note that it is highly recommended that the student submit the portfolio created in AP 2-D Design, to the AP board, for review. 

ART III/IV: AP STUDIO ART: 3-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Either of the two foundational courses (Art I or Art and Media Communications I and II) plus a Level I visual arts course.

Students develop a portfolio addressing sculptural issues. Portfolios will demonstrate an understanding of design principles as they relate to depth and space through any 3-D approach including figurative or nonfigurative. Mediums and processes could include sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, and three-dimensional fiber arts. Work will be divided into three sections of the portfolio including quality, concentration, and breadth. Please note that it is highly recommended that the student submit the portfolio created in AP 3-D Design, to the AP board, for review.