Did you know that students that study art are 4x more likely to be recognized during their school career for high academic achievement?

Not only do researchers consistently find that arts and music programs correlate to higher math and science scores, but, they also find that students involved in the arts have a higher motivation to do well, have better attitudes, and even attend school more regularly.

And yet, federal funding for the arts in humanities does not exceed $250 million dollars a year. Which may initially seem like a lot. But when you look at the $5 billion dollars the National Science Foundation is awarded each year: the $250 million mark pales in comparison.

Over the past years, the United States has seen dramatic cuts to their arts and humanities courses in schools of all levels. This includes music, art, and even theater.

And, while there is no doubt the arts are fun, there is more to having an arts curriculum in school.

Today we will look at the most compelling reasons why schools should think twice about cutting their art programs.

And, as you read along, you may find yourself tempted to enroll your high school child in a boarding school with a performing arts program. After all, high-quality boarding schools always have arts programs, and even encourage all students to participate in as many ways as they can.

1. An Increase in Focus

As children, it is easy to get sidetracked from the task at hand when something else more exciting is calling our name. However with art, there is very little that is more fun than playing an instrument, singing a song, or painting a picture.

With these activities, students learn to focus, as well as follow through with a project until the end. This skill carries over into all aspects of their lives, possibly without them even knowing it, and helps them grow into task-oriented adults that can perform monotonous activities.

2. Perseverance

With the focus that students are learning to master while participating in the arts comes a knack for determination. Just because the arts are fun does not mean they are always easy.

There will be times in your child’s life that they will want to quit something they started because it is too complicated. However, it is easier to coax a child to continue practicing their violin than it is to get them to do their math homework.

And in the end, your child will learn that following through and finish something that was challenging, despite wanting to quit, is a fantastic feeling.

3. Visual Learning Skills

Many children crave visual learning experiences. This, paired with hands-on learning, is sometimes the best way for young children to learn necessary skills.

Your child needs to know that there is more to life than textbooks and numbers. And, while these things are essential, having a deeper understanding of the world around them in a visual sense will open up their creative minds, help them tackle tough lessons, and round out their personalities.

4. Confidence

Confidence is something all school-aged children can use more of. And, it just so happens that there is something special about performing in the arts.

Sharing a piece of artwork in a gallery, getting on stage in front of all your family and friends, and even mastering a new song will not only instill a sense of pride within a student, but it will also give them the courage to take on new things later on in life.

5. Creativity

We as a society would be lost without our creative edge. Again, math and science are important. But so is exploring our self-expression through art.

Learning to think in creative ways can help students achieve much more in life. It helps them see situations in different ways, come up with out-of-the-box solutions, and can even help them remain more calm.

6. Motor Skills

Children are supposed to learn basic motor skills starting from a very young age. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, by the age of three a child should be able to draw a circle, and by age 4 they should be able to use scissors.

Without the arts nurturing these fine motor skills, our young children will not develop the right motor skills to get along in life. And, while there are plenty of jobs that don’t require excessive motor skills, think of all the jobs that require you to have complete control over both your mind and your body.

7. Decision Making

Knowing how to approach challenging situations and come up with a solution is a key skill all school-aged children must master before becoming adults. After all, the world is tough and they will experience many hardships throughout life.

However, utilizing the arts to help hone decision-making skills is one of the best things you can do for your child. For example, they will put their mind to the test when they attempt to portray a character in a play that is nothing like themselves, or when they choreograph a dance to express a certain feeling that the audience is sure to feel as well.

It’s a shame to see so many public schools cutting arts programs, regardless of the reason for doing so. That’s why considering a private boarding school may be your high school child’s best chance at reaping the long-lasting benefits being involved in an arts program has for students.