Recent trends in education show a clear shift in what parents value most when choosing a school for their child. According to a nationwide survey conducted earlier this year, a growing percentage of parents now actively prefer schools offering strong art programs alongside traditional academics.
This change reflects a deeper understanding of how creative education contributes to a child’s overall development.
A New Priority for Parents
For decades, academic performance, discipline, and infrastructure dominated school selection criteria. However, the latest findings indicate that nearly 68% of parents consider art education—such as drawing, music, dance, and theatre—a key factor in evaluating a school.
Parents believe that offering strong art programs does more than just teach creativity. They associate it with emotional expression, confidence building, critical thinking, and improved academic performance.
Why Art Programs Are Becoming Essential
Education experts say the shift is long overdue. Art-based learning encourages students to think beyond textbooks and develop skills that are essential in the real world. Strong art programs help children:
Develop problem-solving abilities through creative experimentation
Express emotions constructively, improving mental well-being
Strengthen communication skills through performances and visual storytelling
Enhance focus and discipline, particularly through music and craft
Build collaboration skills in group art projects and productions
Schools that invest in art classrooms, trained faculty, workshops, and cultural activities are increasingly attracting more interest than those focusing on academics alone.
Survey Insights: What Parents Want
The survey revealed three key expectations from parents seeking schools offering strong art programs:
1. Access to Qualified Art Faculty
Parents want certified, experienced teachers who can nurture children’s creativity rather than treating art as a secondary subject.
2. Well-Equipped Art Spaces
Dedicated studios for painting, music rooms, dance halls, and theatre stages are major decision-making factors. Schools with integrated creative labs receive higher preference.
3. Regular Activities and Exhibitions
Parents value schools that hold competitions, annual exhibitions, cultural festivals, and inter-school art events to give students a platform to shine.
Real-Life Example of the Shift
In cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Dehradun, several leading schools reported a rise in inquiries specifically asking about art integration. Administrators have noted that parents now prioritize creativity as much as STEM subjects. Some schools even added new visual arts labs and drama programs in response to this growing demand.
How Schools Are Responding
Many institutions are embracing this shift by:
Introducing art-integrated learning as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP)
Expanding their curriculum to include visual arts, performing arts, and digital arts
Hiring industry professionals for workshops and masterclasses
Showcasing students’ work at public exhibitions and competitions
Schools that were once heavily academic-focused are now rebalancing their approach to meet modern expectations.
Impact on Students
Students benefit significantly from strong art programs. Teachers report that creative outlets help children reduce stress, stay motivated, and develop confidence. Even introverted students open up when given a space to express themselves through art, whether it’s painting a canvas or performing on stage.
Key Takeaway
The rising preference for schools offering strong art programs shows that parents today understand the importance of creativity in shaping well-rounded individuals. As education evolves, art is no longer seen as an optional subject but a vital part of every child’s learning journey.
Conclusion
The survey clearly highlights an important shift in parental expectations. Schools that invest in art education are not just enhancing their curriculum—they are preparing students for a world that values creativity, innovation, and emotional intelligence. This trend is likely to grow stronger in the coming years, driving more institutions to prioritize a balanced blend of academics and the arts.
