Arts are an invaluable and essential component in the triumvirate of Menlo’s academic and athletic curriculum.

The Upper School Creative Arts programs will inspire you, spark your curiosity, and help you develop the critical creative thinking skills that you’ll be called upon to use throughout your time at Menlo and beyond. You’ll learn the fundamentals of the art forms that interest you as you enhance your ability to articulate ideas, problem solve, and think creatively.

Creative Arts program offers a wide variety of elective courses, clubs, and extracurricular activities focused on a wide range of artistic endeavors.

Creative Arts Graduation Requirements

Starting with the Class of 2025, four semesters of creative arts are required. All freshmen will earn one semester of Arts credit for their Freshman Arts Experience (FAX) class, and students need to take a yearlong Arts class in either freshman or sophomore year. Students in the Class of 2024 need three semesters of arts, one through Freshman Rotation, plus one yearlong class.

What is the Freshman Arts Experience (FAX)?

For one semester all ninth graders will participate in the Freshman Rotation, which fosters social-emotional learning and character development through rich courses in Ethics, Community Engagement, Identity, Human Sexuality, and Human Behavior. The other semester, students will take a semester-long Freshman Arts Experience (FAX) course. Please the Course Catalog and search for Upper School Arts to see what FAX courses are offered.