In grades K-5, students express themselves through the experimental use of different media. Their work is often based on homeroom studies. Lower School also has an emphasis on music,  and when children leave the Lower School, they can read and compose music, follow a written score, and play various musical instruments. Music literacy is emphasized, using the Kodaly and Orff-Schulwerk approaches.

The sixth-grade art curriculum includes art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics. They explore visual arts, music, and theatre and gain a basic proficiency in concepts and skills. Many middle school students also participate in the spring musical. Following sixth-grade students choose semester-long classes in visual art, woodworking, computer graphics, rock band, and theater. 

Students can choose from 18 different art classes. Performing arts options include Music Ensembles, Improv, 10-Minute Plays, Film Studies, Tech, and Combat Theater. Visual arts options include Ceramics, Digital Art, Digital Photography, Drawing and Painting, Jewelry Making, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Woodworking. Dawson also provides more advanced or bespoke instruction for those excelling in the arts.