Preschool

The HCAA Preschool Program is built upon the CLI Engage Circle curriculum, a research-based framework designed to foster early childhood development through exploration, play, and structured experiences. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning and center-based activities, ensuring that students engage actively with their environment while developing essential academic, social, and artistic skills. 

• Centers-Based Instruction: students rotate through interactive learning centers that focus on literacy, math, science, art, and dramatic play. 
• Experiential Learning: Play is treated as a vital tool for discovery, problem-solving, and creativity. 
• Social Development: Group activities encourage cooperation, communication, and respect for peers. 
• Artistic Expression: Daily opportunities in music, movement, and visual arts nurture creativity and confidence. 

As students progress through preschool, they are gradually introduced to the literary-based instructional model used in HCAA's upper grade levels. This transition ensures:

• Early exposure to structured literacy practices.
• Development of pre-reading and writing skills.
• A smooth academic bridge from experiential learning to more formalized instruction. 

The preschool program is intentionally designed to prepare children for admission into HCAA's elementary program by cultivating: 

• Academic Readiness: Foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving.
• Social Readiness: Independence, self-regulation, and positive peer interaction.
• Artistic Readiness: Confidence in creative expression and appreciation for the arts. 

• Equip students with the skills and maturity required to kindergarten and beyond.
• Foster a love of learning through joyful, engaging, experiences.
• Build a strong foundation in academics, social-emotional development, and the arts.
• Ensure students are prepared to thrive within HCAA's elementary program and embody the Academy's values of creativity, respect, and community. 

A hands-on, individualized, whole-child approach to mathematical thinking

The Hill Country Arts Academy math program is designed to nurture confident, flexible thinkers who understand mathematics as a creative, meaningful, and connected part of everyday life. From Prek-3 through 8th grade, students learn through hands-on exploration, individualized instruction, and project-based experiences that honor each child's developmental stage and learning style. Concrete materials, visual models, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications help students build deep conceptual understanding before moving into abstract reasoning. 

Our approach reflects HCAA's whole-child philosophy: students are encouraged to think critically, communicate their ideas, persevere through challenges, and discover the joy of mathematical inquiry. 

Early childhood math at HCAA is playful, sensory-rich, and rooted in exploration. Students build foundational number sense, pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and early problem-solving through centers, manipulatives, music, movement, and storytelling. Activities are intentionally differentiated to meet each child where they are, supporting curiosity, confidence, and a positive relationship with mathematics from the very beginning. 

In the primary grades, students transition from exploratory counting to more structured understanding of addition, subtraction, place value, measurement, and early geometry. Lessons blend direct instruction with hands-on tools, math games, partner work, and visual models. Students learn to explain their thinking, try multiple strategies, and apply math to meaningful classroom projects-such as designing simple maps, creating pattern art, or planning classroom events. 

Upper elementary students deepen their understanding of multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, and multi-step problem-solving. Instruction emphasizes reasoning, communication, and flexible thinking. Students engage in math labs, collaborative challenges, and long-term projects that connect math to real-world contexts-such as building scale models, analyzing data from science experiments, or creating board games that require strategic mathematical thinking. Individualized pathways allow students to strengthen foundational skills or extend into enrichment as needed. 

Middle school students develop the independence and analytical skills needed for high school mathematics. Coursework includes proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, geometry, statistics, and functional relationships. Students apply math through authentic, interdisciplinary projects-budget planning, architectural design, scientific data analysis, and physics-inspired challenges-while continuing to use visual models and hands-on tools to support deep understanding. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, collaboration, and the ability to communicate mathematical reasoning clearly and confidently. 

A joyful, literature-rich, whole child approach to reading, writing, and communication

The Hill Country Arts Academy Language Arts program nurtures confident readers, expressive writers, and thoughtful communicators. From PreK-3 through 8th grade, students engage with rich literature, explicit skill development, and creative expression in ways that honor their developmental needs and individual learning styles. Instruction blends phonics, vocabulary, grammar, handwriting, and composition with storytelling, discussion, drama, and arts-integrated projects that bring language to life.  

Our whole child approach ensures that students not only master foundational literacy skills but also discover their voice, think critically, and communicate with clarity and purpose. 

Early literacy at HCAA is multisensory, playful, and rooted in oral language development. Students explore sounds, letters, rhymes, and early print concepts through songs, movement, storytelling, and hands-on centers. Foundational phonemic awareness and early phonics skills are introduced in joyful, developmentally appropriate ways. Children build vocabulary, listening skills, and expressive language through rich read-alouds and imaginative play. 

Students transition into more structured reading and writing instruction while maintaining creativity and exploration. Systematic phonics continues to guide early decoding and spelling, ensuring strong foundational reading skills. Students practice handwriting, sentence formation, and early grammar concepts through interactive lessons and writing workshops. Creative storytelling, poetry, and simple informational writing help students express ideas clearly while building confidence and emerging writers. 

Third grade serves as a bridge from learning to read toward reading to learn. Phonics instruction continues as needed to support fluency and accuracy, while students deepen comprehension through chapter books, literature studies, and guided discussions. Grammar instruction becomes more explicit, helping students understand parts of speech, sentence structure, and mechanics. Writing expands into paragraphs, descriptive pieces, and early research projects, supported by graphic organizers, modeling, and peer collaboration. 

Upper elementary students refine reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical thinking through novel studies, nonfiction texts, and cross-curricular literature connections. Grammar instruction strengthens understanding of sentence structure, usage, and mechanics, helping students write with clarity and precision. Writing workshops guide students through narrative, expository, persuasive, and creative forms. Students draft, revise, edit, and publish their work, often integrating visual arts, drama, or technology to enhance communication.  

Middle school students develop the advanced literacy skills needed for high school and beyond. They analyze complex texts, explore literary elements, and engage in thoughtful discussion and written reflection. Grammar study supports increasingly sophisticated writing, including multi-paragraph essays, research writing, technical communication, and creative pieces. Students learn to craft strong arguments, support ideas with evidence, and adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes. interdisciplinary projects, presentations, and performance opportunities allow students to express their ideas with confidence and creativity. 

A literature-rich, hands-on exploration of community, culture, history, and the world.

The Hill Country Arts Academy Social Studies program helps students understand themselves, their community, and the wider world through meaningful, developmentally appropriate study. From early childhood through middle school, students explore people, places, cultures, and historical events through stories, discussion, hands-on projects, and creative expression. 

In the early grades, students build a foundation for understanding the world by exploring themselves, their families, and their communities. They learn about traditions, celebrations, helpers, and the ways people live and work together. Through stories, dramatic play, art, and hands-on activities, students develop cultural awareness, empathy, and a sense of belonging. 

Topics Include: 

• Family and classroom communities
• Local helpers and community roles
• Traditions and celebrations around the world
• Maps, places, and simple geography
• Early citizenship skills such as cooperation and responsibility

Beginning in second grade, students embark on a multi-year chronological study of world history. They explore ancient civilizations. global cultures, major historical eras, and the development of societies over time. Instruction is literature-rich, and story driven, helping students understand history as a connected narrative rather than isolated facts. 

Hands-on projects- such as building models, creating maps, reenacting historical moments, and designing illustrated timelines- help students internalize key concepts and see the relevance of history in their own lives. By fifth grade, students have a broad understanding of world civilizations and the patterns that shape human societies. 

Middle school students expand their global understanding through the study of geography, world cultures, and global interconnections. They apply the historical knowledge gained in earlier grades to analyze how geography influences culture, economics, conflict, and cooperation.

Students explore: 

• Physical and political geography
• Cultural traditions and belief stems
• Global regions and their histories
• Human-environment interactions
• Contemporary global issues

Eighth grade is a focused year of American History that prepares students for high school-level studies. Students explore the people, events, ideas, and movements that shaped the United States from its earliest beginnings through modern times. 

Instruction emphasizes primary sources, literature connections, and thoughtful discussion. Students engage in hands-on projects such as historical journals, mock debates, document studies, and creative presentations that help them understand the complexity and diversity of the American story. 

A hands-on, inquiry-driven exploration of the natural world. 

The Hill Country Arts Academy Science program invites students to explore, question, experiment, and discover the world around them through meaningful, hands-on learning. From early childhood through middle school, science instruction is rooted in curiosity, sensory exploration, and real-world connections. Students learn that science is not just a subject-it is a way of understanding life, nature, and the world they experience every day. 

Our progressive approach encourages students to investigate boldly, learn from both successes and failures, and develop the confidence to think like young scientists. Literature, storytelling, and project-based learning enrich every unit, helping students see scientific ideas come alive through narrative and experience. 

In the early grades, science is centered around hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. Students explore the natural world using their five senses, engaging in center-based activities that encourage observation, wonder, and discovery. 

Children investigate: 

• Plants, animals, and habitats
• Weather and seasonal changes
• Water, soil, and natural materials
• Light, sound, and simple physical properties

Learning is playful and experiential, helping students build early scientific thinking skills through exploration, conversation, and guided inquiry. 

As students grow, science instruction becomes more structured while remaining deeply hands-on. Units are often connected to the storyline of a selected novel, allowing students to explore scientific concepts through narrative, character experiences, and real-world applications. 

Students engage in experiments, models, demonstrations, and long-term investigations that help them understand:

• Life science and ecosystems
• Earth science and environmental systems
• Physical science concepts such as force, motion, and energy
• Scientific inquiry, data collection, and observation

This approach helps students see science as meaningful, interconnected, and relevant to their own lives. 

Middle school science prepares students for the rigor of upper-level coursework while maintaining HCAA's commitment to creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Students investigate increasingly complex scientific ideas through labs, experiments, engineering challenges, and interdisciplinary projects. 

Topics may include: 

• Biology and life systems
• Earth and environmental science
• Chemistry and physical science foundations
• Scientific method, data analysis, and lab skills

Students learn to design experiments, interpret results, and communicate their findings clearly. They also explore how scientific principles connect to everyday life, global issues, and future fields of study. 

Across all grade levels, HCAA science: 

• Encourages curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving  
• Embraces trial, error, and discovery as essential parts of learning
• Integrates literature, storytelling, and real-world connections
• Builds foundational skills for high school science and beyond
• Helps students understand that science is everywhere-in nature, in communities, and in their own experiences

The Hill Country Arts Academy Art Program provides a rich, process‑driven visual arts education for students from early childhood through middle school. Rooted in creativity, exploration, and skill development, the program nurtures confident young artists who think critically, take creative risks, and express their ideas with clarity and craftsmanship.

Students engage in a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum that blends foundational technique with imaginative, hands‑on projects. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and design, learners build both artistic fluency and personal voice. Instruction emphasizes experimentation, problem‑solving, and the joy of creating—ensuring that every student, regardless of experience, feels successful and inspired.

Program Features

🎨 Foundational Skills & Techniques

Students develop essential artistic skills including line, shape, color theory, composition, shading, texture, and form. Lessons build progressively to support mastery and confidence.

🖌️ Studio‑Based Exploration

Learners work with a wide range of materials—watercolor, acrylic, clay, collage, pastels, printmaking, and more—encouraging curiosity and creative risk‑taking.

🧠 Creative & Critical Thinking

Projects integrate observation, analysis, and reflection. Students learn to discuss artwork, make intentional choices, and understand how artists communicate ideas.

🌍 Art History & Cultural Connections

Students explore artists, movements, and global traditions, connecting their studio work to broader cultural and historical contexts.

👐 Process Over Perfection

The program celebrates experimentation and growth. Students learn that art is a journey—one that values effort, imagination, and resilience.

🎭 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

As part of HCAA’s arts‑integrated environment, visual arts often connect with drama, music, literature, and science, enriching learning across subjects.

💫 Showcases & Exhibitions

Student artwork is displayed throughout the year, giving young artists opportunities to share their creativity with families and the community.

The PreK3–1st Grade Art Program at Hill Country Arts Academy introduces young learners to the joy of creating through hands‑on exploration, sensory experiences, and age‑appropriate art fundamentals. Students build confidence as artists while developing fine‑motor skills, visual awareness, and the ability to express ideas through color, shape, and texture.

This early‑childhood sequence emphasizes process over product, encouraging curiosity, imagination, and a love of making.

Program Features

🖍️ Creative Exploration

Children experiment with a wide range of materials—crayons, markers, watercolor, tempera, clay, collage, and natural objects—learning how different tools feel and behave.

🎨 Foundational Art Skills

Students begin developing early artistic concepts such as:

• Line, shape, and pattern

• Color mixing and recognition

• Basic composition

• Texture and form

These skills are introduced through playful, guided activities that meet children where they are developmentally.

👐 Fine‑Motor Development

Cutting, gluing, painting, drawing, and building strengthen hand‑eye coordination and prepare students for writing and other academic tasks.

🌈 Process‑Based Learning

Young artists learn that art is about exploration, discovery, and expression. Projects focus on creativity and confidence rather than perfection.

📚 Story & Art Connections

Lessons often connect to picture books, seasonal themes, and imaginative storytelling, helping children link visual art to language, emotions, and the world around them.

🌍 Cultural & Artist Introductions

Students meet famous artists and global art traditions through simple, engaging stories and projects inspired by their work.

🎨 Art Explorations Class

A Hands‑On Introduction to Multiple Art Forms

The Art Explorations class offers students a joyful, accessible introduction to the visual arts. Designed for Tuesday/Thursday Hybrid students and available as an elective for learners in other HCAA programs, this class provides a broad foundation in artistic techniques, materials, and creative thinking. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to try new things.

Students experiment with a wide range of art forms, building confidence as they discover what inspires them most. Each unit emphasizes hands‑on learning, creative problem‑solving, and the freedom to explore personal expression.

What Students Experience

🎨 Multi‑Medium Exploration

Students rotate through a variety of art forms, which may include:

• Drawing & sketching

• Painting (watercolor, tempera, acrylic)

• Sculpture & clay

• Collage & mixed media

• Printmaking

• Basic design concepts

🖌️ Foundational Art Skills

Learners build early technique in:

• Line, shape, and form

• Color mixing and color theory

• Texture and pattern

• Composition and layout

• Safe and confident use of tools and materials

🌈 Creative Expression & Process

Projects encourage imagination, experimentation, and personal voice. Students learn that art is a process—one that values exploration, effort, and growth.

🌍 Artist & Cultural Connections

Short, engaging introductions to artists, styles, and global art traditions help students understand how art reflects culture and ideas

🎨 Art Fundamentals Class

A Structured, Skill‑Building Visual Arts Course

The Art Fundamentals class is a structured, technique‑driven visual arts course offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Designed for students ready to move beyond introductory exploration, this class provides a systematic study of art mediums, methods, and foundational skills. It serves as the next step above Art Explorations and is divided into proficiency levels to ensure appropriate challenge and growth for every young artist.

Students build artistic fluency through guided practice, intentional skill development, and increasingly sophisticated projects that strengthen both craftsmanship and creative thinking.

What Students Experience

🖌️ Progressive Skill Development

Instruction follows a sequenced curriculum that deepens students’ understanding of:

• Drawing techniques and observational skills

• Color theory and advanced color mixing

• Composition, balance, and design principles

• Shading, value, and form

• Texture, pattern, and detail work

🎨 Systematic Medium Exploration

Students work through a structured rotation of mediums, such as:

• Graphite, charcoal, and ink

• Watercolor, tempera, and acrylic

• Oil and chalk pastels

• Clay and sculpture materials

• Printmaking tools and processes

📈 Leveled Instruction

Classes are divided by proficiency level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—allowing students to:

• Learn at an appropriate pace

• Receive targeted feedback

• Build confidence as they progress

• Take on more complex techniques and projects over time

🧠 Artistic Thinking & Technique

Students learn to plan, revise, and refine their work, developing habits of:

• Creative problem‑solving

• Intentional decision‑making

• Artistic critique and reflection

• Studio etiquette and material care

🌍 Connections to Artists & Movements

Lessons incorporate age‑appropriate studies of influential artists, styles, and cultural traditions, helping students understand how technique and expression evolve across history.

🖼️ Portfolio‑Ready Work

Projects are designed to build a strong foundation for future advanced study, with opportunities to create polished pieces suitable for showcases and personal portfolios.

🎨 Art Techniques Class

Advanced, Leveled Instruction for Dedicated Art Students

The Art Techniques class is an advanced visual arts course available exclusively to full‑time Hill Country Arts Academy students. Designed for serious young artists who are ready for deeper study, this class builds on the foundation established in Art Fundamentals and moves into refined technique, artistic discipline, and expanded creative horizons. Enrollment is by teacher placement only to ensure students are appropriately challenged and supported.

This leveled sequence provides a focused, studio‑style environment where students strengthen technical skill, develop artistic voice, and engage with increasingly sophisticated concepts and materials.

What Students Experience

🖌️ Advanced Skill Development

Students refine and expand their abilities through targeted instruction in:

• Advanced drawing and observational accuracy

• Complex color theory and controlled application

• Layering, blending, and rendering techniques

• Precision in line, value, and form

• Detailed craftsmanship and finishing methods

🎨 Expanded Mediums & Methods

Learners explore higher‑level processes and materials such as:

• Ink and pen illustration

• Advanced acrylic and watercolor techniques

• Pastel layering and mixed‑media integration

• Sculptural refinement and 3‑D design

• Printmaking with increased complexity

📈 Leveled Placement for Growth

Students are placed into levels based on readiness, work habits, and artistic maturity. Each level offers:

• Rigorous skill progression

• Individualized feedback

• Opportunities to take on more challenging projects

• A pathway toward mastery and artistic independence

🧠 Artistic Voice & Creative Direction

Students learn to make intentional artistic choices, analyze their work, and develop a personal style. Emphasis is placed on:

• Concept development

• Creative problem‑solving

• Artistic critique and reflection

• Portfolio‑quality work

🌍 Connections to Professional Practice

Projects draw inspiration from contemporary and historical artists, helping students understand technique, style, and artistic purpose across cultures and time periods.

🖼️ Portfolio & Exhibition Readiness

Students produce polished, high‑quality pieces suitable for showcases, competitions, and future specialized study.

🎭🎶 Hill Country Arts Academy Drama & Music Programs

The Hill Country Arts Academy Drama and Music Programs provide a joyful, process‑driven performing arts education for students from early childhood through middle school. Rooted in creativity, expression, and skill development, the programs nurture confident young performers who communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and bring stories and music to life with imagination and artistry.

Students engage in a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum that blends foundational technique with dynamic, hands‑on experiences. Through acting, movement, improvisation, singing, rhythm, and ensemble work, learners build both performance fluency and personal voice. Instruction emphasizes exploration, problem‑solving, and the joy of expression—ensuring that every student, regardless of experience, feels successful and inspired.

Program Features

🎭 Foundational Performance Skills

Students develop essential dramatic and musical skills including vocal projection, pitch matching, rhythm, expression, character creation, and stage presence. Lessons build progressively to support mastery and confidence.

🎶 Active, Ensemble‑Based Learning

Learners participate in movement activities, rhythm games, scene work, improvisation, and group music‑making—encouraging creativity, collaboration, and artistic risk‑taking.

🧠 Creative & Critical Thinking

Students analyze stories, characters, lyrics, and musical patterns. They learn to make intentional artistic choices, reflect on performances, and understand how performers communicate meaning.

🌍 Cultural & Historical Connections

Students explore theatre traditions, musical styles, composers, and global performance practices, connecting their work to broader cultural and historical contexts.

✨ Process Over Perfection

The programs celebrate growth, experimentation, and expressive courage. Students learn that performance is a journey—one that values effort, imagination, and resilience.

🎨 Interdisciplinary Collaboration

As part of HCAA’s arts‑integrated environment, drama and music often connect with visual arts, literature, and academic subjects, enriching learning across disciplines.

🌟 Showcases & Performances

Students share their developing skills through informal sharings and seasonal performances, giving young performers meaningful opportunities to shine and celebrate their progress with families and the community.

🎭🎶 PreK3–1st Grade Drama & Music Program

The PreK3–1st Grade Drama and Music Program at Hill Country Arts Academy introduces young learners to the joy of performing through imaginative play, movement, rhythm, and age‑appropriate expressive arts. Students build confidence as performers while developing early communication skills, body awareness, listening skills, and the ability to express ideas through voice, movement, and sound.

This early‑childhood sequence emphasizes process over performance, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love of storytelling and music‑making.

Program Features

🎭 Creative Expression & Dramatic Play

Children explore characters, emotions, and stories through pretend play, movement games, puppetry, and simple role‑play—learning how their bodies and voices can communicate ideas.

🎶 Foundational Music Skills

Students begin developing early musical concepts such as:

• Steady beat and rhythm patterns

• Pitch matching and melodic awareness

• Call‑and‑response singing

• Listening and echoing

• Movement to music

These skills are introduced through playful, guided activities that meet children where they are developmentally.

🗣️ Early Communication & Performance Skills

Speaking, singing, moving, and responding in a group strengthen confidence, articulation, coordination, and social‑emotional expression—laying the groundwork for future performance readiness.

🌈 Process‑Based Learning

Young performers learn that drama and music are about exploration, imagination, and expressive freedom. Activities focus on participation and confidence rather than perfection or memorization.

📚 Story, Song & Movement Connections

Lessons often connect to picture books, seasonal themes, and imaginative storytelling, helping children link music and drama to language, emotions, and the world around them.

🌍 Cultural & Artistic Introductions

Students experience simple stories, songs, and performance traditions from around the world through engaging, age‑appropriate activities that broaden their artistic awareness.

🎭🎶 Drama & Music Explorations Class

A Hands‑On Introduction to Performing Arts

The Drama & Music Explorations class offers students a joyful, accessible introduction to the performing arts. Designed for Tuesday/Thursday Hybrid students and available as an elective for learners in other HCAA programs, this class provides a broad foundation in dramatic expression, musical skills, and creative performance. No prior experience is required—just imagination and a willingness to participate.

Students explore storytelling, movement, rhythm, voice, and ensemble collaboration, building confidence as they discover what inspires them most. Each unit emphasizes active learning, creative risk‑taking, and the freedom to express ideas through sound, movement, and character.

What Students Experience

🎭🎶 Multi‑Disciplinary Performing Arts Exploration

Students rotate through a variety of drama and music experiences, which may include:

• Dramatic play & character creation

• Storytelling and simple scene work

• Rhythm games & percussion instruments

• Singing and melodic exploration

• Movement and expressive acting

• Ensemble activities and group performances

🗣️ Foundational Performance Skills

Learners build early technique in:

• Vocal projection and articulation

• Pitch matching and steady beat

• Emotional expression and character choices

• Listening, responding, and ensemble awareness

• Confident use of voice, body, and simple instruments

🌈 Creative Expression & Process

Activities encourage imagination, experimentation, and personal voice. Students learn that performing arts are a process—one that values participation, courage, and growth.

🌍 Cultural & Artistic Connections

Short, engaging introductions to theatre traditions, musical styles, composers, and global performance practices help students understand how the performing arts reflect culture, storytelling, and community.

🎭🎶 Drama/Vocal Fundamentals Class

A Structured, Skill‑Building Performing Arts Course

The Drama/Vocal Fundamentals class is a structured, technique‑driven performing arts course offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Designed for students ready to move beyond introductory exploration, this class provides a systematic study of acting, vocal technique, musicality, and expressive performance skills. It serves as the next step above Drama & Music Explorations and is divided into proficiency levels to ensure appropriate challenge and growth for every young performer.

Students build performance fluency through guided practice, intentional skill development, and increasingly sophisticated dramatic and vocal work that strengthens both artistry and confidence.

What Students Experience

🎭🎶 Progressive Skill Development

Instruction follows a sequenced curriculum that deepens students’ understanding of:

• Vocal projection, breath support, and healthy tone production

• Pitch accuracy, rhythm fluency, and melodic phrasing

• Character development and emotional expression

• Stage presence, movement, and physical storytelling

• Ensemble listening, timing, and collaboration

🎤 Systematic Technique Exploration

Students work through a structured rotation of dramatic and vocal techniques, such as:

• Warm‑ups for voice, breath, and articulation

• Acting exercises, improvisation, and scene study

• Ear‑training, solfege, and rhythmic patterns

• Storytelling through spoken word and song

• Performance etiquette and stagecraft basics

📈 Leveled Instruction

Classes are divided by proficiency level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—allowing students to:

• Learn at an appropriate pace

• Receive targeted, individualized feedback

• Build confidence as they progress

• Take on more complex scenes, songs, and performance challenges

🧠 Artistic Thinking & Technique

Students learn to plan, rehearse, and refine their work, developing habits of:

• Creative problem‑solving

• Intentional artistic choices

• Constructive critique and self‑reflection

• Professional rehearsal etiquette and ensemble responsibility

🌍 Connections to Theatre & Musical Traditions

Lessons incorporate age‑appropriate studies of playwrights, composers, performance styles, and global traditions, helping students understand how dramatic and musical expression evolve across cultures and history.

🌟 Performance‑Ready Work

Students prepare polished scenes, monologues, ensemble pieces, and vocal selections suitable for informal sharing, showcases, and future advanced study in theatre and vocal performance.

🎭🎶 Drama/Vocal Techniques Class

Advanced, Leveled Instruction for Dedicated Performing Arts Students

The Drama/Vocal Techniques class is an advanced performing arts course available exclusively to full‑time Hill Country Arts Academy students. Designed for serious young performers ready for deeper study, this class builds on the foundation established in Drama/Vocal Fundamentals and moves into refined technique, artistic discipline, and expanded expressive range. Enrollment is by teacher placement only to ensure students are appropriately challenged and supported.

This leveled sequence provides a focused, studio‑style environment where students strengthen technical skill, develop artistic voice, and engage with increasingly sophisticated dramatic and vocal concepts.

What Students Experience

🎤 Advanced Skill Development

Students refine and expand their abilities through targeted instruction in:

• Advanced vocal technique, breath control, and tone production

• Pitch accuracy, harmonization, and musical phrasing

• Character analysis and emotional authenticity

• Physical storytelling, movement precision, and stage presence

• Dramatic timing, diction, and expressive nuance

🎭 Expanded Methods & Performance Practices

Learners explore higher‑level dramatic and musical processes such as:

• Monologue and scene study with increased complexity

• Multi‑part vocal work and ensemble harmonies

• Improvisation for character depth and spontaneity

• Acting through song and musical interpretation

• Introduction to directing, staging, and performance design

📈 Leveled Placement for Growth

Students are placed into levels based on readiness, work habits, and artistic maturity. Each level offers:

• Rigorous skill progression

• Individualized coaching and feedback

• Opportunities to take on more challenging repertoire

• A pathway toward mastery and artistic independence

🧠 Artistic Voice & Creative Direction

Students learn to make intentional performance choices, analyze text and music, and develop a personal artistic style. Emphasis is placed on:

• Character development and motivation

• Interpretive decision‑making

• Constructive critique and self‑reflection

• Preparing polished, performance‑ready work

🌍 Connections to Professional Practice

Lessons draw inspiration from contemporary and historical theatre and vocal traditions, helping students understand technique, style, and artistic purpose across cultures and time periods.

🌟 Performance & Showcase Readiness

Students prepare refined scenes, monologues, ensemble pieces, and vocal selections suitable for showcases, auditions, competitions, and future specialized study.

🎤 Private Vocal Lesson Eligibility

Students who demonstrate the appropriate level of vocal maturity, readiness, and artistic discipline may be invited to participate in private vocal lessons. These one‑on‑one sessions provide individualized technical training, repertoire development, and focused coaching tailored to each student’s unique voice and goals.

Private lessons are available exclusively to full‑time HCAA students who have been placed in the Drama/Vocal Techniques class, ensuring that participants have the foundational skills and commitment necessary to benefit from advanced vocal study

🎶 Music Appreciation & History Class

Exploring Music Across Cultures, Eras, and Styles

The Music Appreciation & History class invites students to discover the rich world of music through listening, analysis, and cultural exploration. Designed for learners who want to deepen their understanding of how music is created, performed, and shaped by history, this class blends engaging discussion with active listening and hands‑on musical experiences. No prior musical training is required—just curiosity and an open ear.

Students explore major musical traditions, influential composers and performers, and the social and cultural contexts that shaped their work. Through guided listening, creative response activities, and interactive lessons, learners develop a broader musical vocabulary and a lifelong appreciation for the art form.

What Students Experience

🎧 Guided Listening & Musical Literacy

Students learn how to listen with intention, developing skills in:

• Identifying instruments, rhythms, and melodic patterns

• Recognizing musical forms and stylistic traits

• Describing music using age‑appropriate vocabulary

• Understanding how composers and performers communicate emotion and ideas

🌍 Music Across Cultures & Time Periods

Learners explore a wide range of musical traditions, which may include:

• Classical eras (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern)

• Jazz, blues, and American folk traditions

• Global music from diverse cultures

• Contemporary genres and influential artists

• Music for film, theatre, and storytelling

🧠 Historical & Cultural Connections

Students discover how music reflects the world around it by examining:

• The lives and contributions of key composers and performers

• How historical events influence musical styles

• The role of music in celebrations, rituals, and communities

• The evolution of instruments and technology

🎵 Creative Response & Hands‑On Activities

To deepen understanding, students participate in activities such as:

• Rhythm and movement exercises

• Simple composition or sound‑creation projects

• Drawing, writing, or acting in response to music

• Group discussions and reflective listening

🌟 Building Lifelong Appreciation

By the end of the course, students gain:

• A broader understanding of musical styles and traditions

• Stronger listening and analytical skills

• Confidence discussing and interpreting music

• A deeper connection to music as an expressive, cultural, and historical art form

💃 Dance Program Overview

Hill Country Arts Academy

The Dance Program at Hill Country Arts Academy provides a joyful, technique‑building foundation in movement, musicality, and expressive performance for students from early childhood through middle school. Rooted in creativity, discipline, and healthy physical development, the program nurtures confident young dancers who move with purpose, understand their bodies, and express themselves through the art of dance.

Students progress through a thoughtfully sequenced curriculum that blends foundational technique with age‑appropriate choreography, creative movement, and opportunities for personal expression. Whether exploring dance for the first time or advancing into leveled technique classes, learners build strength, coordination, flexibility, and artistic confidence in a supportive environment.

Program Features

🩰 Foundational Technique & Movement Skills

Students develop essential dance skills including:

• Alignment, posture, and balance

• Coordination and spatial awareness

• Musicality, rhythm, and timing

• Flexibility, strength, and safe movement habits

• Foundational vocabulary across dance styles

Instruction is developmentally appropriate and designed to support long‑term growth.

💃 Multi‑Style Dance Exploration

Younger dancers experience a variety of styles—ballet, jazz, tap, creative movement, and contemporary foundations—while older students may progress into leveled technique classes based on readiness and interest.

🌈 Creative Expression & Choreography

Students learn to express ideas through movement, explore improvisation, and participate in age‑appropriate choreography. Creativity, confidence, and joy are central to every class.

🧠 Discipline, Focus & Artistic Growth

Dance classes support whole‑child development by building:

• Concentration and perseverance

• Body awareness and self‑control

• Teamwork and ensemble skills

• Goal‑setting and personal responsibility

These habits strengthen both artistic and academic success.

🌍 Connections to Dance History & Culture

Students are introduced to influential dancers, choreographers, and global dance traditions, helping them understand how movement reflects culture, storytelling, and community.

🌟 Showcase Opportunities

Dancers share their progress through seasonal performances and informal sharings, giving them meaningful opportunities to celebrate their growth with families and the community.

🌼 Early Childhood Dance Classes (PreK3 & PreK4)

🌈 Creative Movement

Creative Movement introduces our youngest dancers to the joy of dance through imaginative play, musical exploration, and age‑appropriate movement. Children learn to:

• Explore rhythm, tempo, and expressive movement

• Develop balance, coordination, and body awareness

• Respond to stories, music, and imagery

• Build confidence in a warm, playful environment

This class lays a joyful foundation for future dance study.

👣 Tiny Tappers

Tiny Tappers offers a lively, engaging introduction to tap dance for early learners. Students explore:

• Basic tap steps and rhythmic patterns

• Listening skills and musical responsiveness

• Simple combinations that build coordination

• The excitement of making sound through movement

This class strengthens early rhythm skills and nurtures a love of dance.

🌟 Primary Dance Classes (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)

🩰 Primary Ballet

Primary Ballet introduces young dancers to the foundational vocabulary and structure of ballet in a developmentally appropriate way. Students learn:

• Basic positions and simple barre work

• Graceful movement, posture, and alignment

• Musicality, coordination, and spatial awareness

• Short, age‑appropriate choreography

This class builds the technical groundwork for future ballet study while keeping the experience fun and accessible.

🎶 Primary Tap

Primary Tap expands on early rhythm and coordination skills through energetic, structured tap instruction. Students develop:

• Clear tap sounds and beginning technique

• Rhythm patterns, timing, and musical phrasing

• Coordination through simple combinations

• Confidence performing short tap sequences

This class prepares dancers for more formal tap training in later grades.

🩰 Classical Ballet Track

A Structured, Technique‑Driven Pathway

The classical track begins at Level One and progresses through increasingly rigorous technique, artistry, and discipline.

Level One Ballet

Entry Point to Classical Technique

Level One introduces dancers to the structure and expectations of formal ballet training. Students develop:

• Foundational barre technique

• Basic center work and simple combinations

• Alignment, turnout awareness, and safe movement habits

• Musical phrasing and expressive quality

• Discipline, focus, and classroom etiquette

Eligibility:

Level One is open to full‑time students and may also be available to Hybrid students when space and scheduling allow.

Level Two Ballet (Placement Required)

Refined Technique & Increased Complexity

Level Two is reserved for dancers who have demonstrated the strength, maturity, and consistency required for more advanced classical work.

Students progress into:

• Longer and more complex barre sequences

• Expanded center combinations and directional changes

• Strengthening turnout, balance, and core control

• Beginning adagio, simple allegro, and introductory turns

• Greater emphasis on precision, artistry, and stamina

Eligibility:

Level Two and all higher levels are available exclusively to full‑time HCAA students and require teacher placement to ensure appropriate challenge and support.

Levels 3–5 Ballet (Placement Required)

Advanced Classical Training & Progressive Pointe Readiness

Levels 3–5 represent the upper tiers of the HCAA Classical Ballet Track and are available exclusively to full‑time students who have demonstrated the technical readiness, strength, discipline, and maturity required for advanced classical study. Placement is determined by teacher evaluation to ensure dancers progress safely and confidently.

🩰 Level Three Ballet

Pre‑Pointe Foundations & Technical Refinement

Level Three deepens classical technique while preparing dancers for the physical demands of pointe work. Students focus on:

• Strengthening ankles, feet, and core stability

• Increased complexity in barre and center combinations

• Expanded adagio, allegro, and turning vocabulary

• Musical phrasing, artistry, and performance quality

• Pre‑pointe conditioning and readiness assessments

Pre‑pointe work begins only when dancers demonstrate the necessary strength, alignment, and consistency to train safely.

🩰 Level Four Ballet

Introduction to Pointe Work (When Ready)

Level Four continues to advance classical technique while introducing pointe work to dancers who have met all readiness criteria. Students work on:

• Beginning pointe exercises at the barre

• Safe weight placement and proper alignment

• Strength and endurance for sustained pointe work

• More complex center combinations and directional changes

• Artistic refinement and expressive performance

Pointe work begins only for students who have been individually evaluated and approved by their instructor to ensure safety and long‑term success.

🩰 Level Five Ballet

Advanced Technique, Artistry & Performance

Level Five is designed for dancers who are ready for the highest level of classical training offered at HCAA. Instruction emphasizes:

• Advanced pointe work (for approved students)

• Complex allegro, turns, and extended adagio sequences

• Precision, stamina, and technical mastery

• Nuanced artistry, musical interpretation, and performance presence

• Preparation for future pre‑professional or advanced study

This level supports dancers in developing both technical excellence and a mature artistic voice.

📈 Placement & Progression

Advancement into Levels 3–5 is based on:

• Technical proficiency and safe execution

• Strength, flexibility, and physical readiness

• Consistent work habits and classroom discipline

• Teacher evaluation and professional judgment

This ensures that each dancer progresses at a pace that supports confidence, safety, and long‑term growth.

👣 Tap Program Structure

Rhythm, Musicality, and Percussive Expression

The Tap Program at Hill Country Arts Academy develops strong rhythmic awareness, coordination, and expressive performance skills through a progressive, leveled curriculum. Students begin with accessible introductory experiences and advance into structured technique training.

🌟 Tap Explorations (Hybrid & Elective Students)

A Fun, Accessible Introduction to Tap

Tap Explorations is designed for Tuesday/Thursday Hybrid students and serves as an elective option for learners in other HCAA programs. This class introduces the joy of rhythm and sound through movement.

Students explore:

• Basic tap steps and simple rhythms

• Listening skills and musical responsiveness

• Beginning combinations that build coordination

• Confidence and expressive movement

This class prepares interested dancers for Level One Tap.

Level One Tap

Foundational Tap Technique

Level One introduces dancers to structured tap training. Students develop:

• Clear tap sounds and beginning technique

• Basic rhythm patterns and traveling steps

• Coordination, timing, and musicality

• Simple combinations and performance skills

• Safe movement habits and classroom discipline

Eligibility:

Open to full‑time students and Hybrid students when space allows.

Level Two Tap (Placement Required)

Expanded Rhythmic Complexity

Level Two is available only by teacher placement and exclusively to full‑time students.

Students progress into:

• Multi‑sound patterns and increased speed

• Traveling combinations and turning sequences

• Syncopation and rhythmic layering

• Musical interpretation and expressive performance

Levels Three–Five Tap (Placement Required)

Advanced Tap Technique & Performance

Upper‑level Tap classes focus on:

• Complex rhythmic structures and improvisation

• Precision, clarity, and speed

• Advanced traveling steps and turning tap sequences

• Performance‑ready choreography

• Artistic interpretation and stylistic versatility

💃 Jazz Program Structure

Technique, Style, and Expressive Movement

The Jazz Program at Hill Country Arts Academy builds strength, flexibility, musicality, and expressive performance through a structured, leveled curriculum.

🌟 Jazz Explorations (Hybrid & Elective Students)

A Playful Introduction to Jazz Movement

Jazz Explorations is designed for Tuesday/Thursday Hybrid students and serves as an elective option for learners in other HCAA programs.

Students explore:

• Basic jazz steps and stylized movement

• Musicality, rhythm, and expressive performance

• Simple turns, isolations, and traveling steps

• Confidence and stage presence

This class prepares dancers for Level One Jazz.

Level One Jazz

Foundational Jazz Technique

Level One introduces dancers to structured jazz training. Students develop:

• Foundational jazz vocabulary

• Isolations, turns, and simple leaps

• Strength, flexibility, and alignment

• Musicality and expressive movement

• Short combinations and choreography

Eligibility:

Open to full‑time students and Hybrid students when space allows.

Level Two Jazz (Placement Required)

Introduction to Contemporary Jazz

Level Two is available only by teacher placement and exclusively to full‑time students.

Students progress into:

• More complex turns, leaps, and directional changes

• Strength and flexibility for extended movement phrases

• Musical phrasing and dynamic contrast

• Introduction to Contemporary Jazz, including floorwork and fluid transitions

Levels Three–Five Jazz (Placement Required)

Advanced Jazz & Contemporary Technique

Upper‑level Jazz classes emphasize:

• Advanced turns, leaps, and traveling sequences

• Strength, stamina, and technical precision

• Contemporary technique and expressive artistry

• Complex choreography and performance readiness

• Stylistic versatility across jazz genres

Targeted Training for Technique, Strength, and Performance

In addition to leveled Ballet, Tap, and Jazz classes, Hill Country Arts Academy offers a series of specialty classes designed to support dancers in developing the strength, versatility, and performance skills required for advanced study. These classes complement core technique training and are available to students based on level, readiness, and teacher placement.

🔄 Turns & Leaps

Precision, Power, and Technical Control

The Turns & Leaps class provides focused instruction on the technical elements that enhance performance across all dance styles. Students work on:

• Pirouettes, chaînés, piqués, and traveling turns

• Jetés, saut de chats, and other foundational leaps

• Spotting, alignment, and core engagement

• Strength, control, and safe progression into advanced skills

This class is recommended for dancers in Level Two and above who are ready for targeted technical refinement.

🤸 Flexibility & Conditioning

Strength, Alignment, and Injury Prevention

Flexibility & Conditioning supports dancers in building the physical foundation necessary for safe, sustainable technique. Instruction includes:

• Stretching for flexibility and range of motion

• Strength training for core, legs, and feet

• Balance, stability, and alignment exercises

• Conditioning for stamina and endurance

• Injury‑prevention practices tailored to dancers

This class benefits dancers at all levels and is strongly encouraged for those in the classical and upper‑level tracks.

🩰 Variations

Classical Repertoire & Artistic Interpretation

The Variations class introduces dancers to classical ballet repertoire and performance artistry. Students learn:

• Excerpts from well‑known classical ballets

• Stylistic nuances and historical context

• Musical interpretation and expressive quality

• Stage presence, confidence, and performance polish

Enrollment is limited to dancers in Levels Three and above who are technically ready for repertoire work.

🎭 Production

Choreography, Staging, and Performance Skills

The Production class prepares dancers for stage performance through hands‑on experience with choreography and ensemble work. Students explore:

• Learning and rehearsing choreography

• Spatial awareness and staging

• Ensemble coordination and timing

• Performance quality and storytelling through movement

• Rehearsal etiquette and collaborative artistry

This class supports dancers participating in showcases, recitals, and full‑scale productions.

Each spring, students in second grade and above participate in our annual assessment window. New students may join the April testing session, schedule a private assessment, or submit recent standardized test results from the past year. A testing fee applies for students who are not currently enrolled at HCAA. 

Students may be recommended for advanced or accelerated instruction by a teacher or parent. Placement decisions are made thoughtfully and consider the whole child, including personal interviews, screening results, classroom performance, and faculty observations.

Students identified for gifted or advanced learning opportunities receive additional enrichment designed to challenge their thinking and extend their learning beyond the standard curriculum. These students may participate in a dedicated enrichment class offered as part of their elective rotation. Classroom assignments may also be adapted to provide deeper exploration, independent projects, and opportunities for creative and analytical growth. 

Program Overview

The Advanced Academic Placement Program provides a stimulating and supportive environment for students who demonstrate exceptional curiosity, motivation, and academic readiness. The program is designed to deepen learning, encourage independent thinking, and allow students to engage meaningfully with subjects that inspire them. 

Admission into the program is based on a comprehensive review that considers multiple indicators of readiness, including: 

• Cognitive assessments that highlight reasoning, problem-solving, and critical-thinking strengths
• Standardized test performance demonstrating strong academic potential
• Previous academic work that reflects consistency, effort, and achievement
• Teacher recommendations based on classroom engagement, work habits, and demonstrated potential
• Student interviews to understand interests, motivation, and readiness for advanced study

This holistic approach ensures that each student selected is well-matched to the expectations and opportunities of the program.

Students may be placed in one of several pathways: 

• Single-Subject Advancement: For students who excel in a particular discipline and are ready for deeper or accelerated study. 
• Full Advanced Program: A Comprehensive placement for students demonstrating readiness across multiple subject areas. 
• Specialized Enrichment Classes: Unique project-based and inquiry-driven courses designed to nurture creativity, leadership, and higher-level thinking. 

📘 Pre‑AP, AP, and Advanced Academic Pathways

Hill Country Arts Academy is committed to providing rigorous academic opportunities for students who demonstrate exceptional readiness, motivation, and advanced learning potential. Beginning in eighth grade, eligible full‑time students may be placed into Pre‑AP courses designed to prepare them for the demands of future Advanced Placement study. As HCAA expands into high school grades, AP classes will be added to offer college‑level coursework, deeper academic challenge, and opportunities for students to earn advanced standing.

Placement into Pre‑AP and AP courses is selective and based on readiness, including assessment data, classroom performance, teacher recommendations, and demonstrated work habits. These courses are available exclusively to full‑time HCAA students to ensure continuity, support, and appropriate pacing.

To prepare students for this advanced pathway, HCAA offers upper‑level middle school courses that build the analytical, writing, mathematical, and critical‑thinking skills required for Pre‑AP success. Additionally, accelerated enrichment options are available for selected elementary students who show early signs of advanced academic potential, providing them with deeper challenges while maintaining developmentally appropriate expectations.

While many students apply, placement is offered only when it is clear that the program will support the student's growth, confidence, and long-term success. Our goal is to ensure that each child is placed in an environment where they can thrive. 

We welcome all interested students to apply and share their enthusiasm for learning.