Arts education is critical to success - The artistic edge

Every parent wants to give their kids an edge over the competition. In a world where grade inflation means that test scores and GPA are no longer enough, and undergraduate degrees have decreased in value almost to the level of a high school diploma, how can parents make sure their kids are not unemployed and living on their couch after school?


Well, Lisa Phillips, author of The Artistic Edge: 7 Skills Children Need to Succeed in an Increasingly Right Brain World, knows from experience that the experiences in the arts can help your children stand out above the rest.

The Artistic Edge - 7 Skills Children Need to Succeed in an Increasingly Right Brain World

Phillips says, "Competition for jobs is fierce and those who are winning are creative, adaptable, confident, accountable, communication-savvy problem solvers who know how to build relationships and dream big." Lisa's new book explores why leadership skills gained through arts education are critical to the success of the current generation of youth.

- Find an arts program or camp for your kids or teens - Browse arts focused private academic schools

Of course, participation in the arts can increase young peoples' creativity, but Phillips doesn't stop there. Her book, with a Foreword by Raymond Aaron (New York Times bestselling author of Chicken Soup for the Parents Soul), explains how critical leadership skills are developed through arts education. For example, through arts education, young people can develop the complex skill of accountability. Lisa explains, "Most arts disciplines are collaborative in nature. When children practice creating something collaboratively they get used to the idea that their actions affect other people. They learn quickly that when they are not prepared or on-time, other people suffer. In the work place being accountable builds trust and a reputation of dependability."

The performing arts are a natural fit for developing communication skills. If your child is used to the stage and all that it takes to prepare a smooth performance, they will be ready for any interview or presentation. Phillips points to a critical element in her book — practice. "Life is complex and always changing. Developing the skills to manage this complexity takes years of practice. We cannot expect young people to be good leaders as soon as they enter the job market any more than we expect them to be proficient piano players the day after they start playing." The arts give young people an excellent environment in which to practice communication skills, creative problem solving, adaptability, dedication and much more. This practice gives them the confidence they need to face the challenges in their lives.

With schools increasingly focused on math and science, and arts educators scrambling to justify the importance of the arts by focusing on how it increases test scores, perhaps we have overlooked something very important — the arts as a means for development of key leadership skills that will give our kids an artistic edge.

With over 15 years of experience in performing arts education and youth leadership development, Phillips has committed to bringing the benefit of arts experience to youth populations of the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. For more information on Lisa's book please visit, www.theartisticedge.ca/thebook. 

—Agnes Stawicki

 

Read our advice guide on choosing a school for an arts-oriented child and for kids with other traitsTo get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traitscreate a child profile through your user account.

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List of private arts schools

 
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Burlington, Ontario
Hwy 6/Dundas Street
 
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"Our belief is “Forward Learning. Transforming People”. We focus on the artistic pathway, 21st century learning skills, collaborative discussions, and inquiry-based thinking to prepare students with global competencies." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $9,600 to $23,800
  • Day, Boarding, eSchool
  • 92 students
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Laureate College 9600 HighSchools Day Boarding eSchool Coed
Scarborough, Ontario
Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue
 
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"Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 6 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $11,158 to $17,500
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Enquiring Minds Montessori 11158 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Day Coed
Whitby, Ontario
Brock Street South/Dundas Streer West
 
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"The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 8 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $12,250 to $15,750
  • Day school
  • 0 students
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Hatch House Montessori School 12250 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Concord, Ontario
 
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"Rotman School: Educating children to empower them for positive contributions to Canadian society. Fostering independence, creativity, and self-esteem through exploration of unique skill sets." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; Reggio Emilia
  • $12,000 to $16,500
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Rotman Arts and Science School 12000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
 
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"Aurora Alternative Micro School has created a curriculum that combines academic and creative experiences , engaging a child's head, heart and hands in an environment that is supportive, nurturing and rich in growth." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $1,100
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Aurora Alternative Micro School 1100 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Queen/Silver Birch
 
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"The Cole Academy welcomes students of all genders and orientations and their families. Using stories of under-represented communities, TCA prepares students socially, emotionally, and academically for future schooling." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $25,000
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The Cole Academy 25000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed

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