With help from Specialists, arts activities (including music, drama, movement and visual arts) are woven throughout the academic program at Spectrum. The arts integrated curriculum reflects our belief that communication/expression (drawing, speaking, writing, dance, song, etc. ) is art. Art becomes a foundation for learning and interaction that underpins the curriculum at Spectrum.

Groundbreaking research in brain function and child development indicates that the arts teach much more than cultural heritage. In a 1999 Columbia University study, researchers examined 2,000 children and compared those enrolled in an arts-integrated program with those enrolled in a traditional program.  They found the arts-integrated students to be far superior in creative thinking, self-concept, problem solving, risk taking, and cooperation (Burton, 1999).

Research such as this reinforces Spectrum’s commitment to integrating arts into all aspects of a child’s education.

Visual arts, drama, movement and music all develop complex mental processes such as judgment, creativity, emotional balance and cognitive flexibility. In both a figurative and literal sense, the arts help a child’s mind.