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Numerous studies have shown the correlation between the arts and academic success at the K-12 level. One of the more popular arguments is the benefit of music in the classroom and the improvement in core academic subjects thanks to after school music programs. The fine arts, such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, offer equal academic opportunity through the expansion of the young mind’s imagination. Studies show that fine arts provide the following academic benefits:

• Students are 4 times more likely to be recognized for high academic achievement
• Students are 3 times more likely to take an elected class office position within a school
• Students are 4 times more likely to participate in extracurricular science or math fairs
• Students are 3 times more likely to win awards for school attendance
• Students are 4 times more likely to win an award for an exceptional essay or poem

Young fine artists attend other artistic classes, such as dance and music; participate in the youth groups offered to them; read for pleasure; and perform four times as much community service as children not exposed to the fine arts in their daily lives. (Kids Love Art)

With these kinds of startling statistics, why don’t more schools offer fine art programs? Fortunately, movement from figureheads in the education industry are pushing to make art more of an everyday reality for children. Studies that support fine arts act as the booster to academic programs for the other, less technical side of learning.

Private schools with art programs are one way to ensure your child has a head start on their creative and academic development. Another way to ensure art is in your child’s life is to bring art home; purchase art supplies that interest your child or introduce them through art through the Montessori Method. Yet a third option is to look into after school art programs such as workshops, programs, or club activities like the Boys and Girls Club. Parents with natural artistic ability could volunteer at their local school in order to bring art to an entire student body.

Have a story on how art improved your child’s life? Feel free to discuss!

Thanks to Deviant Artist Light from Emirates for the Creative Commons photograph.