The mission of the Fayetteville-Manlius District art program is to challenge students to build upon their previous experiences in art education. By structuring the art curricula in a sequential manner, each art teacher prepares students for the next level and for each new art medium. Likewise, the Studio in Ceramics curriculum is structured sequentially, starting with basic techniques and concepts and moving toward greater understanding and skill levels.

The Studio in Ceramics curriculum is guided by the premise that all students, who complete the course, will have produced ceramic objects of which they are proud and will have a well-developed understanding of the historical, cultural and technical aspects of ceramics. Students will also be able to converse about ceramics using the vocabulary specific to the many aspects of that medium.

The Studio in Ceramics program at Fayetteville-Manlius High School seeks to provide students with a wide variety of experiences. Students should be acquainted with a wide variety of clay-forming, glazing and firing techniques. In addition, students should participate in ceramics workshops given by professional ceramists. They must be given opportuities to view exemplars of historically significant ceramic art works at museums (see Everson Museum) and galleries. Opportunities must be made available for students to exhibit their work, both in school, in regional and national venues. (see Feats of Clay Exhibition)