The International Baccalaureate art program at North Atlanta High School extends beyond drawing and painting. It’s a representation of the journey students take on self-expression and creativity. The IB program for art holds a high standard, ensuring the hard work put into every piece is evident. Despite its captivating nature, the program doesn’t receive nearly enough attention. 

Ms. Arreguin, an IB art teacher, has been teaching for three years at North Atlanta and has an excellent reputation. Arreguin is a dedicated, driven-for-success individual who is nothing short of uplifting and inspiring towards her students. IB or not, she holds high standards for and believes in all students that want to unleash their inner creativity. This year is especially bittersweet for her, as the seniors she teaches are the very students with whom she began her teaching career and are now graduating. “It’s crazy to see how much students grow into themselves throughout the years of taking art,” said Arreguin

Many who are unaware of the depth of art here at North Atlanta simply see it as a class where you just sketch and draw. However, it goes beyond that and into a world of flourishing creativity and growth. According to Arreguin, she has seen students firsthand find themselves and a new sense of confidence in their art. Students in IB receive freedom with the ability to take a single prompt and transform it into something uniquely their own. “The more the students get into the program, the more freeing it is,” said Arreguin.

For Charlie Sprinkle, a junior, he gets the best of both worlds. He is a member of the Dubs lacrosse team and a committed student in the IB art program. Just last year, he arrived for his first year at North Atlanta as a sophomore. Being introduced to the eleven floors and chaotic stairwells, he found enjoyment in the art elective. Despite the rigor of balancing sprinting down the lacrosse field and sketching in the studio, Sprinkle has dominated it the Dubs way! “Art class gives me a chance to take a break from the noise and zone into what I enjoy,” he said.

Here at North Atlanta, the IB art program goes beyond the classroom and allows for the exploration of creativity and passion. It calls for unique perspectives, building confidence, and capturing imagination to inspire. IB art students work beyond athletics, clubs, and after-school activities, and devote time to their artistic expression.