VPA Mission Statement

Norwalk Public Schools is committed to providing all students with a quality Arts Education through equity of opportunity and quality instruction.

Norwalk Public Schools aim to educate the whole child by providing an Arts Education experience that is robust, rigorous, innovative, multicultural and authentic.  Arts Education learning is reflective of our diverse community and offers the opportunity for a wide array of options for the Visual and Performing Arts.  Through our culturally rich work in the arts, we aim to inspire all students to create, innovate and explore while developing artistic literacy, critical thinking skills and the ability to successfully collaborate, all essential skills in the 21st century.  By teaching and emphasizing artistic process over the product we take a learner-centered approach to art-making. We believe the study of the arts enriches the social, emotional and aesthetic growth of each student.  The benefits of our strong Arts Education approach develop students’ self-esteem, and makes their learning authentic, setting the foundation for life long appreciation for the arts.

Arts Education in Norwalk Public Schools is taught through skills-based instruction. All elementary students take visual art, general music, chorus, strings and band. Students are then allowed to follow their personal artistic path through electives in middle and high school. Norwalk also shares a strong passion for integrated arts curriculum and many schools focus on active learning through the arts and provide opportunities for our students to engage with and experience more fully their class curriculum.

Music Offerings 

Norwalk Public Schools is dedicated to offering any student starting in grade 3 an opportunity to learn an instrument. NPS is committed to offering free pull out lessons for all interested and works with schools, families and local business to provide instruments to anyone in need.

Here are highlights from our two award winning High School Band programs

Norwalk High School

Brien McMahon High School

K-12 Arts Pathway

Norwalk Public Schools is excited to develop a strong K-12 pathway for those NPS students dedicated to the arts. The work on this pathway began in 2018 at Wolfpit Elementary with a plan to continue moving the work over the next five years. 

Wolfpit Elementary (K-5)

The Arts Schools Network Board of Directors has designated Wolfpit Elementary School an Exemplary School in recognition of its commitment to excellence.       

The five-year designation is awarded for 2020-2025. Wolfpit’s curricular shift from a traditional program to an arts-centered focus, provides students with the opportunity to have an integrated arts education, while engaging in rigorous learning practices.

Over the next few years, the Wolfpit community will continue to implement a multi-year, tiered strategic operating plan incorporating the arts focus into curriculum, professional development, staffing, budget, and facilities.

Nathan Hale Middle School (6-8)
Students committed to the arts will have the opportunity with a dedicated arts house to continue exploring arts integrated content as well as skill based arts instruction.

Norwalk High School (9-12)
The Music Department has a long history of excellence from our top performing ensembles, renowned musical productions, and our nationally recognized marching band.  The Award Winning Visual Arts Department is proud of the diverse art mediums students are exposed to. 

Community Partnerships

Norwalk Public Schools is proud of the many community partners that support and enhance the arts in our schools.

• Silvermine Arts Center
• Norwalk Symphony Orchestra
• Westport Country Playhouse
• Rene Soto Gallery
• Disney Theatrical/Disney Musicals in our Schools