Why Focus on Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Humanities?
Student involvement in fine and performing arts can have major benefits in school for everyone:
Recent research studies have shown that children who sing, dance, write, act, and create are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement compared to their non-performing peers.
Fine arts students have enhanced cognitive, motor, and social development skills.
Fine arts students are quick thinkers and become masters of their anxiety.
Fine arts students can express new emotions and develop empathy.
Fine arts students develop higher self esteem and advocacy skills and they see the world in new ways because of being exposed to new ways of thinking and doing.
At‐Risk students typically are not exposed to fine and performing arts outside of school compared with many of their peers, but when they are provided opportunities as part of their school day, they:
Experience better academic outcomes
Are more flexible and resilient
Have improved self-efficacy, communication skills, and ability to express their emotions
Are highly motivated, more passionate, and curious
Make stronger social connections with a variety of people
Set higher career goals
