Art Education at Mantua Elementary integrates Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE) with the Basic School Curriculum. Concepts and skills of art history, art criticism, aesthetics and art production are taught within the framework of the Basic School philosophy. Students explore and assimilate large concepts and specific skills not only to learn the disciplines of art but also to make connections across all disciplines. The art teacher works closely with the classroom teachers in order to integrate and apply classroom themes, core commonalities, key questions, understanding goals and core virtues. Teaching strategies, learning activities, instructional materials, assessment methods, etc. meet the goals of the Fairfax County Art Program of Studies and the National Standards for Art Education.