The Creative Arts program is suited for the imaginative and expressive child who
demonstrates exceptional academic abilities.  In addition to displaying an interest in the
arts, applicants must be cooperative, flexible and have responsible work habits.
Students accepted into the program are expected to make positive behavior choices,
develop creative thinking and problem solving skills and achieve a high level of academic
success.

The Gifted and Talented program is for students who need a special challenge beyond
the curriculum.  Emphasis is placed on developing skills in the higher levels of the
cognitive process.  Children are expected to assimilate other learning outcomes;
comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and finally, evaluation, which contain
elements of all the other categories and require value judgments, based on clearly
defined criteria.  As such, the BHAS curriculum is enriched with student projects, report
and research writing, field trips etc ... used to invoke students' critical thinking skills.
Homework is an important aspect of the program, involving daily work; long range
projects and teaching responsibility.

• Art Classes - Way Beyond Crayons.  Students work in ceramics, charcoal, sculpting, pottery.
• Dance Class - Students learn Modern, Folk, Jazz, Ballet, Tap and practice formal
  steps to these genres.  Special performance groups are a part of the Dance
  Classes.
• Drama Class -  Children learn and produce plays, skits and poetry.  Performances
  and staging occur with needed costuming, props and scenery.
• Music Class - Students learn to read the music they sing.  Small percussion
  instruments are used and Recorders are taught in the upper grades.  Special
  performance groups are a part of the Music classes.
• Elective Classes - Further study in small groups of students on a subject.
  (Grades 4 & 5 only)
• Field Trips - As part of an enriched education, are taken frequently.  Annual trips
  to the State Capitol & Museum, Chicago Area Museums, The Krasl and Box Factory
  with many others are part of the learning experience.
• Science Fair - Held annually in the spring.
• Student Performances - Smaller scale showcases are held every 4-6 weeks
  highlighting different aspects of the Arts Integration with standard academic
  topics.
• Piano Lessons - are available in the upper grades.
• Guitar Lessons - will be available in the upper grades.