How Bay Area Schools Are Prioritizing Arts Education in 2025

In 2025, schools throughout Northern California, including the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, are placing renewed focus on the arts — and for good reason.

With the implementation of Proposition 28, California public schools now have dedicated funds to support visual arts lesson plans, music, and other arts instruction. This funding boost is giving administrators the opportunity to invest in elementary art curriculum that supports creativity, learning outcomes, and whole-child development.

Why now?

• The post-pandemic landscape highlighted the importance of social-emotional learning and student expression.
  

• Research continues to show that art education benefits include improved academic performance, increased engagement, and stronger problem-solving skills.
  

• Districts want standards-based art education that’s easy to implement, inclusive, and sustainable.
  

Programs like Art in Action provide a comprehensive, K–8 art curriculum that’s aligned with art curriculum standards and built to support both general education and specialist teachers. Each unit is designed to support a range of skills, including teaching art techniques, cultural literacy, and creative thinking through art.

As schools re-evaluate what success looks like, arts integration is emerging as a key pillar of a balanced education. This shift isn’t about luxury—it’s about equity and impact.

If your school or district is exploring how to better serve students in 2025, now is the time to prioritize the arts.