Fine Arts

Brief Overview

The WPS Fine Arts Department offers a diverse range of exciting curricular and extra-curricular programs.

Explore the Tabs to learn more about our programs and amazing leaders.

Approximately 300 teachers instruct students in music, theater, and visual arts programs in 87 schools. The extensive Fine Arts Curriculum designed and implemented in the Wichita Public Schools aligns with the Kansas Department of Education Standards and the National Standards for Arts Education.

• WPS Fine Arts Instruction began in the 1887-88 school year and has continued, taught by specialists, ever since. 
• All Elementary students, grades K–5, receive Music twice a week for a total of 90 minutes per week and Visual Arts once a week for 45 minutes.
• Middle School Fine Arts programs provide Band, Strings, Visual Arts and Vocal Music electives at each grade level (Theatre is also offered @ several MS sites).
• Due to high student interest/enrollment and KSDE’s graduation requirement (1 required Fine Arts credit), each of the comprehensive High Schools maintains a full course offering of fine arts electives.

Fine Arts Announcements

The Wichita Art Museum will be displaying USD 259 artwork. There is a free opening celebration on September 27th from 11-3pm. Artwork will be on display from September 24-November 30. Click here to view the flyer. 

Band and Orchestra

Instrumental Music is offered to Wichita Public School students in grades 6-12. Students have the opportunity to begin instruction in strings or band in 6th grade. Wichita Public Schools offers instruments to rent for all students as beginners, and some instruments are available to rent through high school. There are over 40 instrumental music teachers serving band and orchestra students in all of the district's middle schools, both of the K-8 schools, and the 7 comprehensive high schools. Instrumental music students have the opportunity to participate in orchestra, concert band, marching band, pep band, jazz ensemble, chamber ensembles, and honor ensembles. The district hosts adjudicated festivals for bands and orchestras each year in addition to a Middle School Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Students also have the opportunity to participate in All-City Band (grades 7-12) or Orchestra (grades 6-12). 

Students in Wichita Public Schools have the opportunity to take drama classes at 8 high schools, 4 middle schools, and 1 elementary school. Classes include drama, forensics and stagecraft. Students also have the opportunity to participate in many extra-curricular productions. Drama students in Wichita are very involved in the State Thespian Conference.

Wichita High School Thespian troupes participate in several community service projects each year such as: Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, The Angel Tree through the Salvation Army, Wichita Children's Theatre Trick or Treat Street, and community clean-up projects. Students have also volunteered to prepare items for Haiti victims and build homes for Habitat for Humanity.