Skip to main content
OUR PROGRAM

Arts

Where everyone can find their place in the spotlight
From the earliest music classes in Pre-K to electives in photography, graphic communications, stagecraft, and more at Fieldston Upper, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School weaves artistic practice into our students’ education. At ECFS, arts education focuses on both individual artistry and community-building and gives students the foundation for a sustainable, fulfilling artistic practice.
Our robust arts program emphasizes both technical skill and creative expression, developing students who feel confidence in their chosen art form. After gaining exposure to visual arts, theatre, dance, and music in the lower divisions, students begin to home in on their specific interests at Fieldston Middle, where the arts program serves as a bridge from the lower divisions’ general education to Fieldston Upper’s more specialized study.
A Creative Outlet for Fieldston Upper Students
At Fieldston Upper, students can request to take a variety of electives in their area of interest. Dance and Theatre majors receive training in acting, dance, directing, choreography, stagecraft, design, writing, and more. Musicians — both instrumentalists and vocalists — can delve into electronic music, music theory, and composition, as well as a variety of small- and large-group performing ensembles. Visual artists choose from courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, architecture, and other disciplines.

Throughout their time at ECFS, all artists have multiple opportunities to showcase their work, including at art exhibitions, concerts, showcases, dance and theatre performances, and the famed ECFS Fashion Show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role do the arts play in the ECFS curriculum?
Arts are integrated into the curriculum from Pre-K through Fieldston Upper, with a focus on both individual artistry and community-building. The program supports a sustainable and fulfilling artistic practice.
Are there opportunities for students to showcase their work?
Yes, students can participate in art exhibitions, concerts, dance and theatre performances, showcases, the ECFS Fashion Show, and more.
What distinguishes the ECFS arts program?
The program emphasizes a balance between technical skill development and creative expression, helping students build both confidence and artistry.
Unity Without Unison: Fieldston Dance and New Second Line
Article November 11, 2018
Fieldston Middle and Upper are Alive with the Sound of Music
Article January 20, 2021
And All That Jazz: Fieldston Upper Performs “Chicago”
Article March 7, 2022
Ethical Culture Fieldston School offers a world-class progressive education in Pre-K–12th Grade at two historic campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. The core of our educational program is the study and practice of ethics, which prepares us — and compels us — to take care of our world, ourselves, and each other.
CFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.

Ethical Culture Fieldston School; ECFS; Fieldston; and the distinctive Starburst logo are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as trademarks of Ethical Culture Fieldston School.
This website use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. If you continue to use our services, we will assume that you agree to the use of cookies. Learn more.