How Art Gives Schoolwork a Glow-Up
While fostering creativity through the arts like dance, theatre, music, or hands-on art can be a whole lot of fun, it can be so much more, especially when it comes to school-age children. While the arts in general can provide a number of benefits like improved fine motor skills, enhanced creativity, and emotional regulation, they can also be seen with better academic performance. In fact, according to Americans for the Arts, children who are involved in the arts have a 4x higher likelihood of being recognized for their academic achievement.
And while you might not need convincing to sign your child up for a class with us, here are a few reasons why enrolling them today can boost their school activities and support their long-term academic success.
Brain Activation
Taking art classes provide a multi-sensory environment that stimulates the foundation of brain development. For example, a study from Frontiers in Human Neuroscience shows practicing an instrument can increase gray matter in brain regions linked to memory and pattern recognition, helping students absorb academic knowledge more effectively at school.
Building Focus, Confidence, and Motivation
Arts classes aren’t just another class; they challenge kids to focus, commit, and build ‘soft skills’ that spill over into school life. According to Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, kids who dive into regular arts programs often show better focus, improved attendance, and a bigger motivation boost for their studies. Plus, mastering a new skill, whether it’s music, painting, or drama, teaches perseverance and the power of practice, giving them the confidence and mindset to tackle even the trickiest school assignments.
Art Boosts Literacy and Language Skills
Art classes strengthen literacy and language skills by helping kids express ideas, build vocabulary, and communicate more confidently. As they describe their work, share ideas, and respond to others, they practice using language in meaningful ways. Activities like storytelling, illustrating scenes, and following creative steps also support reading comprehension and understanding of narrative structure. Over time, this helps students become stronger readers, clearer writers, and more confident communicators.
These are just a few of the many ways the arts give kids’ brains a boost and help them shine in school. Beyond focus, confidence, and perseverance, arts programs can spark curiosity, make learning more exciting, bridge gaps, and break down barriers in the classroom. When kids dive into music, drama, or painting, they’re not just making art, they’re building the skills, mindset, and motivation that carry over into every subject. From brushstrokes to brainpower, the lessons of the arts stick with them long after the paint dries.
While it seems early to be thinking about art classes this fall, registration for fall classes opens Monday, July 13. Classes go live that morning, so don’t miss out and explore all the classes coming soon.
