Arts & Humanities
Great leaders have a deep understanding of the complexities of the human experience and the tools to use that knowledge for the greater good.
At Castilleja, girls have the opportunity to study how people process and document their experiences in our English, History-Social Science, and World Languages departments. These subject areas develop their foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Academic Departments
English
Castilleja’s English program balances discovery and exposure, creating space for students to find their voice and share their interests, while also introducing them to great works of literature, helpful ways of thinking, and effective methods for analysis and interpretation. Students leave with a solid foundation of advanced literary analysis, extensive experience with creative writing, and a lifelong love of reading.
With an emphasis on the principles of good writing rather than rigid rules, Castilleja's writing curriculum encourages students to develop their own voices. Castilleja's English courses deepen students' ability to think critically, reason abstractly, and reflect upon questions and issues that have no easy answers.
Upper School students in Dr. Valerie Ross's AT: Shakespeare class reenact scenes from The Merchant of Venice in our open-air courtyard.
Middle School teacher Dr. Jasmin Miller helps students discover their voices through reading assignments and class discussions. One of Dr. Miller's innovative approaches is the Harkness Discussion: she keeps time while students practice speaking and listening while gathered at a round table, making sure everyone contributes. Learn more about Dr. Miller's approach.
Meet the Faculty
History-Social Science
In the History-Social Science department, we seek to cultivate a deep understanding of the past in order to provide the skills and tools for our students to actively engage in society. As history teachers, we help students develop a framework for valuing the complex ideas and diverse perspectives of the world in which they live. Through an intentional seven-year program of courses, students hone skills in critical thinking, historical analysis, source analysis, in-depth research, analytical writing, and verbal engagement with teachers and fellow students through presentations, small group discussions, written analysis, and student-led seminars. Spanning world and American histories, civics, and ancient civilizations, as well as special area and social science electives, our courses offer an expansive opportunity for students to consider diverse perspectives, develop a global view on historical issues, and practice strong analytical thinking and writing skills. Students are active participants in learning history and applying their knowledge to answering today's problems.Students hone their skills in critical thinking, thoughtful reading from a variety of sources, deep research, analytical writing, and both formal and extemporaneous speaking. Course offerings range from world and United States history to area studies, economics, and psychology.
Dr. Chrislaine Miller, Castilleja's Middle School history teacher, recently launched a 6th grade Mini Model UN project. Students simulate a UN Assembly and join hundreds of thousands of such students worldwide.
Our teachers often collaborate across disciplines, like Mandarin teacher Lee Kerk and history teacher Dr. Christy StoryHA. Their students got to research global topics, from international law to human rights, while cultivating active listening and presentation skills (and sampling cultural foods). Read about their collaboration!
Meet the Faculty
Visual Performing Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) are an integral part of the Castilleja experience, weaving together knowledge, skill development, and self-expression while enriching the cultural life of our community.
Through an exploration of each arts discipline—dance, instrumental and vocal music, theatre arts, and visual art—students learn to be creators, collaborators, leaders, and risk takers. Students have numerous opportunities to develop abilities, pursue passions, and put their best work on stage or on display.
Middle School students perform in the school production of Matilda the Musical, Jr.
Soaking in some inspiration in the art studio.
Every year, Castilleja puts on a dazzling dance production. Our recent production was "Dancing Through the Decades - Creating Art for Social Change," featuring a cast of over 60 students. The production also highlighted The Misty Copeland Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to dance education.
Meet the Faculty
World Languages
At Castilleja, learning a second language (French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish) is a positive and rewarding experience. Beyond the goal of mastery of the material, our students develop critical thinking skills and effective learning strategies that facilitate second language acquisition and use of the language outside of the school setting.
Students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as they gain an understanding of, appreciation for, and sensitivity to the cultures of the target language. Students enjoy the benefits and values of studying a second language to become engaged and committed global citizens.
Language learning at Castilleja is a joyful experience. It opens up our students’ worlds and teaches them to value different viewpoints. Here, our quadrilingual Mandarin teacher, Ms. Hwai Lin, is helping students say "panda" in Mandarin - hear it for yourself here and read more about Ms. Lin.
French teacher Madame Shannon hosts a tea party during her AT French Language and Culture class. Students savor tea and Madeleine cookies while reminiscing about things that are dear to them and discussing Marcel Proust’s novel In Search of Lost Time and the Proust Phenomenon, the idea that smell and taste can awaken vivid memories. Delicious, fancy, and an excellent way to practice past tense!