The ROI of Art: Why Principals Should Prioritize Visual Arts in 2025
When school budgets are tight, art programs are often the first to face cuts. But this short-term fix can lead to long-term losses. In 2025, principals and school leaders face increasing pressure to deliver measurable outcomes, improve student well-being, and close achievement gaps. Visual arts education directly supports these goals—and the research backs it up.
Art Education Drives Academic Success
A growing body of evidence shows that students involved in the arts perform better academically. According to a 2019 report from the Brookings Institution, students who received arts education showed improved writing scores, fewer disciplinary infractions, and increased compassion for others. Read the study here.
These are not just “nice-to-have” outcomes. They directly support district goals in literacy, behavior management, and social-emotional learning—all while keeping students more engaged.
Visual Arts Build 21st Century Skills
The World Economic Forum consistently lists creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving as top skills for the future workforce. A school art program that emphasizes visual arts lesson plans, creative thinking through art, and project-based learning helps students build these essential skills early.
In classrooms using programs like Art in Action’s elementary art curriculum, students not only learn to draw or paint—they learn to communicate ideas, explore different perspectives, and take creative risks. These habits of mind translate across all subjects and prepare students for real-world challenges.
Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Art classrooms often serve as a safe space for students who may not thrive in traditional academic subjects. For English learners and neurodiverse students, visual expression can level the playing field. A strong art education program for schools offers pathways for art and cultural diversity, representation, and deeper student connection.
Moreover, consistent access to art helps close opportunity gaps. A 2012 NEA study found that low-income students highly involved in the arts were more likely to graduate and attend college compared to their peers with limited arts access. NEA report link
The Cost of Not Prioritizing Art
Cutting art might save dollars today—but the long-term costs include lower student engagement, weaker outcomes in critical thinking, and fewer opportunities for creative expression. In contrast, schools that invest in structured, standards-based programs—like Art in Action’s K-8 art curriculum—see higher student engagement, teacher satisfaction, and community support.
A Smart Investment for 2025
Art is not extracurricular—it’s foundational. Principals have the opportunity in 2025 to shift from seeing art as enrichment to recognizing it as essential. With proven links to academic growth, emotional well-being, and future readiness, the return on investment in visual arts is not just measurable—it’s transformative.
Explore how Art in Action can support your school with ready-to-teach, standards-aligned programs: https://artinaction.org/curriculum-standards
