The Importance of Arts Education: How Creative Expression Enhances Learning

It all starts with a colorful masterpiece—usually in crayon, scribbled excitedly across a sheet of paper. You hang their drawing on the fridge with pride, and before you know it, you’re out of space as your budding artist fills page after page. From there, their creativity blossoms. There are ballet recitals and holiday performances, and lessons on the recorder as they loudly screech out the melody of “Hot Cross Buns.” While we as parents delight in these sweet, chaotic moments, there’s something even more remarkable happening beneath the surface: powerful developmental growth.

That growth extends far beyond creative expression and skill. In fact, studies show that K–12 arts education can have a big impact on student development, including stronger social skills and emotional regulation, improved writing skills, increased school and civic engagement, greater academic achievement, and higher SAT scores. These studies highlight how arts education is more than just fun—it’s foundational.

What is arts education?

Arts education refers to the many ways students learn about and engage in artistic fields. These include but are not limited to:

• Visual arts: Painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and photography
• Performing arts: Music, dance, and theater
• Literary arts: Creative writing, poetry, and storytelling
• Media arts: Film, animation, editing, and digital design
• Art beyond individual creativity: Art history, art criticism, and art appreciation

Arts education allows children to explore their creativity and others’, build important skills, and learn to express themselves in cathartic ways.

The Role of Arts in School Curriculum

Arts education is not limited to structured classes. It can also be explored through clubs, field trips, or performances. According to the Oregon Community Foundation, students typically encounter the arts in three ways:

• Arts exposure: Limited or occasional art exposure like visiting museums or watching theatrical or musical performances
• Sequential arts instruction: Formal art classes that explore painting, drawing, and performing arts, as well as structured extracurricular activities such as clubs, band, and drama (Some schools like K12-powered online schools also offer national art and photography competitions)
• Arts integration: The integration of art-based activities in non-art classes, such as a creative writing exercise in an English class or building a 3D model of the solar system in a science class

Studies show a positive connection between arts integration and academic achievement, though benefits can widely vary depending on the type of arts and skills being used. For example, writing a poem requires a different cognitive process than building a collage and will yield different benefits. Yet, both help develop problem-solving skills, attention, and creativity.

Arts education also enhances STEM learning, creating what’s known as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Integrating the arts into STEM subjects has been proven to support deeper learning, emotional development, innovation, critical thinking, and confidence.

Engaging in the Arts Education Outside of School

If arts programs aren’t a strong focus in your child’s school, there are still plenty of ways to engage in the arts outside the classroom: 

• Visit local or virtual art museums (Check out the Louvre or The National Gallery) 
• Audition for a role in a local community theater
• Take up a musical instrument
• Attend live music or theater performances in your town
• Work on fun crafts together or sculpt with clay
• Get inspired by nature—take a sketch pad outdoors
• Submit creations to art and photography competitions

Why is art education important for student development?

Arts education provides more than just a creative outlet, it also contributes to holistic student growth, including cognitive, social, emotional, and career development.

Cognitive and Academic Benefits

• Enhances brain development: Dance and visual arts can help build spatial cognition, which supports math, science, and technology skills.
• Boosts academic performance: A study highlighted how students who take four years of arts and music classes earn, on average, over 150 points higher on the SAT compared to those with less exposure.
• Strengthens focus and discipline: Whether performing a dance, delivering a monologue, playing the violin, or creating a sculpture, arts education requires concentration and patience. Your child will learn to focus, block out distractions, and pay attention to details. 

Social and Emotional Development

• Supports confidence and self-expression: The arts offer children a safe, creative space to express their thoughts and feelings. Receiving positive feedback and being recognized for individuality can also build confidence in their abilities.
• Encourages empathy and understanding: Participation in the arts exposes children to diverse cultures and experiences, fostering empathy and compassion.
• Improves communication skills: A 2015 NEA literature review found that children who engaged in the arts between the ages of 0-8 had stronger peer collaboration and social-emotional skills like helping, sharing, caring, and empathizing.

Mental Health and Well-Being

• Encourages mindfulness and self-reflection: Viewing or creating art encourages present-moment focus, allowing students to block out distractions and become aware of their thoughts and feelings.
• Reduces stress: Creative activities can help calm the mind and provide a positive outlet for expressing feelings and emotions.

Preparation for the Future

• Inspires creativity and innovation: These traits are crucial for careers in fast-growing fields like STEM, business, and design, requiring students to think outside the box and think critically.
• Fosters teamwork: Whether performing in a musical or working on a mural, the arts require collaboration, communication, and the ability to accept constructive feedback.
• Expands career possibilities: From digital marketing to architecture and film production, arts education can spark interest in a variety of career possibilities.

Empowering the Next Generation Through the Arts

Whether your child becomes the next world-renowned artist or simply enjoys creating masterpieces at home, the value of arts education is long lasting. Encouraging our children to engage in creative endeavors can help them build confidence, increase their focus, boost critical thinking, and develop social-emotional skills.

Take a look at the creative courses and activities available in your child’s school. And if more opportunities are needed, consider exploring other options like K12-powered online schools. Here, students can study everything from digital design and photography to fashion and culinary arts, all in a flexible learning environment. 

Creative expression is more than just a fun activity—it’s key to growth. And with a little encouragement, that masterpiece on your fridge is only the beginning.

To learn more about K12-powered online schools, go to K12.com.