Introduction to Senn Arts Program
EDGEWATER — A celebrated arts program at Nicholas Senn High School has been made an official program of study with Chicago Public Schools, a move that rolls back some of the drastic cuts to the school’s arts program announced last fall. Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave., is a neighborhood high school with a fine and performing arts magnet program that draws students from outside the neighborhood for its intensive arts-based curriculum.
Background on the Cuts
In November, the school announced it would cut arts class time nearly in half for current and future students after a Chicago Public Schools audit found some students in the program failed to meet graduation requirements. The shortages happened because the arts classes crowded out time for other required classes like physical education and computer science, Block Club previously reported.
New Developments and Exemptions
Now, the Senn arts program is an official program of study, meaning enrolled students will be eligible to request a physical education exemption in their 11th and 12th grades, according to Chicago Public Schools. Students need to initiate the waiver process, and it’s granted on a case-by-case basis, the district said. Being deemed a program of study means Senn arts students will be able to request an exemption from physical education on the ground that another class is “required for admission to an institution of higher learning or preparation for postsecondary success, provided that failure to take the class would result in the student being denied admission to the institution of their choice” and their class schedule wouldn’t allow for physical education, according to CPS.
Impact on Arts Classes
This means students will, at a minimum, take six arts classes and could take up to seven, according to the district and Senn parents. Students in the arts program currently take two daily, back-to-back art classes in their chosen discipline every year: eight over the course of their four years, parents and students have said. The standard CPS graduation requirement is two arts classes. The cuts announced late last year would have meant Senn arts students would take five arts classes throughout their time at Senn.
Previous Walkbacks and Advocacy
In December, the district walked back the decision to change the arts curriculum for current freshmen and sophomores to allow them to take eight art courses over their time at Senn. Diana Smith, a parent of a Senn arts student and vice chair of the local school council, said the school community has been very engaged in advocating for the preservation of Senn arts as it currently stands, with parents sending letters and students speaking at Board of Education meetings.
Nicholas Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave. Credit: Madison Savedra/Block Club Chicago
Parent and Student Advocacy
“It’s really inspiring to see students get up and advocate for a program that they believe so much in,” said Smith, whose daughter is a senior set to graduate from the visual arts program. “I think that parents are very passionate about their students being able to have access to the arts.” The Senn arts program “100 percent” set Smith’s daughter up for success in pursuing a collegiate arts education, Smith said.
Future Possibilities and Commitments
“This program has really opened up possibilities for her that we wouldn’t have had otherwise,” she said. “I wouldn’t say that every [Senn arts] student ends up pursuing arts as a career, but I think that it still definitely teaches skill sets that are valuable moving forward.” Smith said it seems like an “ongoing conversation” around whether there will be an option for arts students to request a waiver for the computer science requirement. She said there’s a desire among some parents to see a solution that combines art and computer science. “I think there’s a lot of possibilities,” Smith said. “A lot of the arts nowadays, they already incorporate a lot of technologies.” In the statement, CPS said it is “committed to investing in and strengthening the Senn High School Arts Program.” “CPS’ goal is for the Senn Arts Program to continue being a point of pride for the community and to provide students with the preparation they need for future success,” the statement reads. “The District looks forward to working together to strengthen this vital program for our students and families.”
Forming an Arts Program Steering Committee
Senn is also forming an Arts Program Steering Committee, made up of students, teachers, and parents, to provide recommendations for the arts program, CPS said. The district didn’t address questions about whether it’s considering allowing Senn arts students to be exempt from computer science. Senn alumni who went on to successful careers as artists include “The Exorcist” director William Friedkin and actor and director Harold Ramis of “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day” fame. Friedkin was honored in 2024 with a street near Senn named after him, and the high school’s theater is named after Ramis.
Conclusion
The decision to make the Senn arts program an official program of study and allow for physical education exemptions is a significant step forward for the school and its community. It demonstrates a commitment to preserving and strengthening the arts program, which has been a point of pride for the community. The formation of an Arts Program Steering Committee will provide a platform for students, teachers, and parents to contribute to the program’s development and ensure its continued success.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Senn arts program, and why is it significant?
A: The Senn arts program is a fine and performing arts magnet program at Nicholas Senn High School, known for its intensive arts-based curriculum. It is significant because it provides students with a comprehensive arts education, preparing them for future success in the arts and beyond. - Q: What changes were announced for the Senn arts program, and how have they been revised?
A: Initially, the program faced cuts that would have reduced arts class time nearly in half. However, after advocacy from the school community, the district walked back some of these changes, allowing current freshmen and sophomores to take eight art courses over their time at Senn and making the program an official program of study with eligibility for physical education exemptions. - Q: What does being an official program of study mean for Senn arts students?
A: It means that enrolled students can request a physical education exemption in their 11th and 12th grades, allowing them to focus on their arts education without having to fit in physical education classes. Students must initiate the waiver process, which is granted on a case-by-case basis. - Q:
