Summit Christian Academy has partnered with AllMomDoes to sponsor this post and bring you this information.
These days it feels like kids have so much on their plates. Between athletics that require practices, games, and tournament travel, academics that include ever-increasing homework loads with unparalleled rigor, and calendars packed with church or family activities, it seems like kids have less time than ever to just be…well…kids. More and more, well-meaning parents are contemplating a scaled-back schedule in order to give their kids fewer commitments and more free time.
And more often than not, the thing that gets cut is participation in the arts.
Unfortunately, that could be a mistake. Research continues to show that arts – including visual arts, theater, and music – have a positive developmental effect on younger kids, and are tied to better academic outcomes for older kids.
If you’re contemplating scaling back, here are some rock-solid reasons* you might want to keep your kids in their arts programs and look for other ways to ease their schedules instead.
- The creativity of the arts is a good balance to the typical core subjects, which don’t necessarily promote flexibility of thought.
- Music education helps improve attention and focus.
- Participation in drama is correlated with reduced dropout rates and improved school attendance.
- Arts encourage students to be forward-thinking and creative.
- Music improves both memory and recall.
- Exposure to the arts strengthens problems solving and critical thinking skills.
- Participation in drama can help the academic performance of students with learning disabilities.
- Music education strengthens perseverance – the ability to push past barriers.
- Drama helps improve reading comprehension.
- Music education and participation in visual arts facilitates fine motor development.
- Participation in drama, music, or visual arts is correlated with increased SAT scores.
While other schools have continually cut the arts in favor of core subjects, Summit Christian Academy understands the value of keeping the arts in education for the long-term benefit of its students. Summit offers:
- Art for all ages including AP art in high school
- Band for 4-12th grade
- Theater for 6-12th grade including elementary introductory courses
- Elementary music (including music theory) and choral programs from 6-12th grade
- Art, choral, band and theater competitions
- One-Act competition
- A major play production each year
If you’re looking for a school that cares about preparing your student for success over the long haul, consider Summit Christian Academy. They’re ready to help any student discover their passion and achieve their potential.
*Sources:
