The Visual and Performing Arts Department coordinates the dance, music, theatre, and visual arts programs, grades K-12, the Theatre Facility Management division, and the Gifted and Talented - Artistic programs.

The department is responsible for the development, support and implementation of Visual and Performing Arts curricula that are firmly aligned with state and national standards for the arts. Through on-going curriculum development, professional development, strategic planning, program implementation, program assessment, facilities management and research and development of opportunities to learn, the department strives to provide the study of and the making of arts by all students. These goals undergo frequent assessment and evolve to best meet our students' arts education needs.

To reach these goals, on-going objectives, activities and student opportunities are in place. These include:

	Elementary arts field studies experiences for grades 1-5
	Elementary festival choir
	Elementary talent search and development programs
	Middle and high school honors bands, orchestras, choruses, dance companies and theatre ensembles
	District-wide clinics and festivals for students in all arts areas
	Support for participation in regional and all state festivals and competitions, shows and exhibits
	Honors/Weighted course offerings in all arts areas
	Connections with visual and performing arts organizations within the community, state and nation
	Partnerships with business, charity and other community organizations
	Access to state and national arts initiatives, such as the Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) project and the S.C. Arts Education Alliance (SCAEA)
	Artists-In-Residence in all schools
	Grant support
	Arts advocacy support
	Many varied band, chorus, dance, orchestra, theatre performances and visual art exhibits and shows are provided throughout the district annually
	District-wide Arts Festival

Through district and school program evaluations, teacher surveys, strategic planning committees, lead teacher mentoring and observation and classroom assessments, the Visual and Performing Arts programs, initiatives, goals and objectives continually are being formally and informally evaluated by a cadre of administrators, teachers, students, parents, community and business partners.

It is the belief of the Visual and Performing Arts department that the arts are good for children, education and business, and that a strong arts education builds skills that are useful in all areas of life.