RADNOR — Radnor Township School District’s Art Department recently received the “Outstanding Visual Arts Community” award from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA).
This distinction recognizes the district’s strong commitment to providing a high-quality visual arts program for its students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The award celebrates the program’s success in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression among students.
Kenneth Batchelor, superintendent of the Radnor School District, announced the recognition during a school board meeting this week.
“Our art teachers in our district just recently received an outstanding visual arts award, and I want to congratulate our entire art department,” Batchelor said. “They’re being honored by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association as an outstanding visual arts community. It’s a distinction, as you can read, that celebrates our districts and their strong commitment to the visual arts and education. Our art classes, K to 12, are just exciting places where there’s so much engagement. Our teachers bring so much passion and energy, and we want to congratulate them for this well-deserved award.”
According to a press release, the PAEA identifies three core pillars that define an Outstanding Visual Arts Community: rigor and inclusion, accessibility, and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
“RTSD’s art program exemplifies these values through its comprehensive, inclusive, and highly visible programming across all grade levels,” according to a press release from the school district. “Art education is a vital component of a well-rounded education. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Through artistic exploration, students strengthen their problem-solving abilities, learn to think innovatively, and develop skills to express themselves both visually and verbally. Exposure to the arts also enhances cultural awareness and empathy, helping to build a more connected and compassionate community.”
School officials also highlighted art programs at each school level.
Elementary School:At the elementary level, students are introduced to the elements of art through engaging lessons that incorporate a wide range of media, techniques, tools, and materials. These foundational experiences encourage creativity and hands-on exploration.
Middle School:The middle school curriculum builds on this foundation, focusing on color theory and composition. Students engage in projects such as observational drawing, painting, basket weaving, and hand-built clay slab construction. By eighth grade, they can accurately observe and draw objects using perspective, shading, highlighting, and color. Sculpture projects further develop their skills through hand-building and glazing techniques.
High School:At the high school level, all art courses are electives offered in a studio/workshop environment. These courses are open to all students, whether they are pursuing a future in the arts or simply wish to deepen their appreciation and understanding of visual expression. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, initiative, and exploration over prior experience or talent. A dedicated and passionate faculty supports both group and individual learning experiences.
“Each spring, the RTSD Art Department hosts a district-wide celebration of student artwork during Youth Art Month,” according to the press release. “This annual event showcases the creativity of students from all grade levels and invites families and community members to experience the power of visual storytelling. The 2026 Youth Art Month Exhibition will be held from March 5–26.”
