This study consists of a review of selected educational reform issues from the past 10 years that deal with changing attitudes towards art and art instruction in the context of independent private sector schools. The major focus of the study is in visual arts and examines various programs and initiatives with an art focus. Programs include discipline based art education, advanced placement studio art portfolio, international baccalaureate art and design, arts PROPEL, national standards, interdisciplinary approaches, and the National Art Education Association. A review of literature and an annotated bibliography accompany the study. Data gathering included a mail survey and telephone interviews for additional information on the survey questions. Additional research is proposed to widen the understanding of independent school art programs. (EH)