In New York City public high schools the strong correlation between students’ academic growth and exposure to the arts has been proven successful. Based on a New York Times, Arts Briefly article titled- Arts Education and Graduation Rates by Rachel Lee Harris, it was founded that high schools with the highest graduation rates also offered the most arts education programs to students.  

 This data is based on a report issued in October 2009 by the Center for Arts Education. The report is quite dense so I’ve highlighted some points that I think are most significant:

• These schools had external funds to support the arts that were more than likely raised by the schools.
• Students in these high schools completed at least 3 types of arts courses.
• Students were offered a multiyear sequence in the arts.
• Students in these particular high schools had exposure to arts activities, such as: a dance recital, a Broadway performance, or the orchestra.

To read the full report go to www.cae-nyc.org.