Recent research shows that students with access to in-school arts instruction perform better academically, participate more actively in extracurricular activities, and are more likely to pursue higher education. In other words, arts education doesn't just teach skills useful for future practitioners of the arts. It teaches all students the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the 21st century. That is why, at the Arts Academy of Excellence, art and music are essentials, taught to make sure that the focus, discipline, confidence, poise, humility and good sportsmanship students learn as they polish their talents will also mold them into more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, and who can lead productive lives.