High school is a very stressful time for students, as they start to look into pathways that they will have for the rest of their lives. High schools offer a variety of class options that reflect many different fields and career choices. One that students tend to forget about is art, whether it be because it just doesn’t appeal to them or maybe because they don’t think that it applies to their future. 

Many students go about their high school careers with little to no art education. Unknown to most schools, art classes are a crucial part of students’ development in other subjects. Learning and expanding common art knowledge can help develop students’ education as a whole. Schools and students should be aware of the benefits that art classes provide.

The University of Florida’s art education data shows that students ages 14-16 who take a full school year of an art class have higher grades in both English and mathematics classes. Based on those statistics, students should be required to take an art class for at least a year in high school. 

There are many other benefits of art classes for students, like improving in classes and being more engaged. The Education Commission of the United States conducted an experiment that shows that, at most, 88% of public high schools in the U.S. offer a form of art to students, with only a small percentage of less than 43% actually participating. 

Requiring students to take these art classes opens up many opportunities for their future, both in school and in careers. Research has shown that when students take art classes during the school day, they are more likely to join out-of-school activities. Often, students find joy and comfort in art and can bring enjoyment to their school day as well as outside of school. 

“It has made school super fun and made me look forward to the class every day. I have also taken up the form outside of school,” Avni Jani (9) said. 

Students finding something they love and extending their knowledge can help them take a peek into their future.

The goal of every art class should start with helping students find what they love and helping them decide what they want to do with it. Having an early start to new information can help students take a look at what their life after high school may look like. 

Not only will art classes open up opportunities and careers, but they can also create lifelong relationships with their peers. 

“I feel like I’ve made a lot of friends through the art program, and we had stuff in common that led me to do more activities,” Elena Shadwell (10) said. 

High school is a time to make friends, talk to people, and make connections. Having a class like art can help students be more comfortable around their peers and help their bonds grow. 

An article from The Princeton Review states that students who participate in art classes will improve their social skills by being in an environment where they have to learn to work together and communicate.  

Having the time in the day to do something fun can also reduce stress and help students be more engaged in other classes. 

 “I think it’s a safe space, a fun space, kids get to come in and just hang out and paint for the day. Why not, like it’s a great opportunity that once you leave high school, you’ll never have that time or space in your day again,” art teacher Stephanie Beiting said. 

Art is a valuable resource for students to have and develop, providing high school students with the necessary tools to expand their knowledge and enhance their futures.