How Performing Arts Boost Academic Achievement in K–12 Students

At Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy in San Diego, we believe students shouldn't have to choose between academic excellence and creative expression—they should thrive in both. Ranked in the top 15% of performing arts high schools in America, CCPAA combines a nationally recognized arts program with rigorous K–12 academics to deliver a truly balanced education.

Magical moments captured from CCPAA’s annual student showcase, Step into the Magic.

Research Supporting the Impact of Arts Education on Academic Achievement

A fixed-effects study in Arts Education Policy Review tracked students from kindergarten through fifth grade and found that increased exposure to in-school arts instruction directly correlated with higher achievement in both reading and math (Todhunter-Reid et al., 2018).

Another large-scale review published in SAGE Open found that arts-integrated programs not only improved academic outcomes but also enhanced executive function skills, such as working memory and cognitive flexibility—essential tools for student success across subjects (Moss, Benus, & Tucker, 2018).

Emotional, Social, and Personal Growth Through the Arts

Performing arts go beyond test scores—they nurture the whole child. A UK study using data from the Millennium Cohort Study found that children who regularly participate in creative arts show significantly higher levels of self-esteem (Mak et al., 2019). This boost was even stronger when they engaged in these activities alongside parents, highlighting the bonding and social power of artistic experiences.

At CCPAA, our K–12 performing arts school builds students’ confidence and emotional resilience by incorporating dance, music, and theater into their daily lives. These aren’t just extracurriculars—they’re core to who our students become.

Creativity, Confidence, and Lifelong Skills

A study published in Thinking Skills and Creativity found that college students with prior arts experience scored higher in both creativity and self-esteem (González-Moreno et al., 2023). These are not soft skills—they are career readiness skills.

In K–12 classrooms, similar trends appear. A study in General Music Today revealed that music education helps build inclusive environments where students feel safe expressing themselves, which leads to improved self-confidence and peer support (Culp, 2016).

At CCPAA, students learn to:

• Think outside the box

• Work as a team

• Take creative risks

• Develop resilience through performance

CCPAA: Leader of Arts-Integrated K-12 Education in San Diego

With strong evidence from academic journals and real-world studies, the case for supporting performing arts in education is clear. These programs do more than entertain—they cultivate intelligence, empathy, discipline, and resilience. In a world that increasingly values creativity and emotional intelligence, the arts offer students a critical advantage.

At the Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy, our mission is clear: To combine rigorous academics with exceptional performing arts education in a supportive, inclusive environment. From daily instruction in dance, music, and theater to hands-on academic learning, CCPAA’s arts-integrated curriculum prepares students to be confident, curious, and college-ready. The arts-integrated curriculum is designed to nurture not only academic achievement but also creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students at CCPAA don’t have to choose between the arts and academics—they thrive in both.