Four Ways Private Schools Deliver Next-Level Arts Education

Known around the world for their top-notch education, private schools also provide an environment of nurturing a student's creativity so that artistic-minded children can learn, grow and excel. Whether it’s painting, acting, ballet, singing, animation, music or just about any other creative pursuit, the arts education provided by private schools allows artistically inclined students to hone their skills, develop their craft, showcase their talents, and fully embrace their passions.

Multiple studies over the years, including a 2023 UNESCO report authored by researchers at Concordia University and a 2025 study by the National Endowment for the Arts in the U.S., have demonstrated that the benefits of an arts education are far-reaching and bountiful, and include critical social, emotional, and academic development. In addition to encouraging creativity and cultivating new skills, the arts can also help students improve their grades in other subjects, curb disciplinary issues, build self confidence, and enhance their engagement with the school and their peers.

“The arts foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness,” says Daphne Perugini, head of school at Walden International School in Oakville, Ont. “Involvement in the arts can also improve academic performance by strengthening cognitive abilities. And creating art boosts confidence and self-esteem, encouraging students to explore and take risks.“ Zahra Valani, principal at Toronto’s The Linden School agrees. “The arts are essential for developing student voice, confidence, and critical thinking,” she says. “Artistic expression empowers students to explore their identity, challenge dominant narratives, and engage with the world in creative and meaningful ways. The arts also foster empathy, resilience, and joy–key components of social-emotional well-being.”

And while arts programs at public schools may fall victim to budget cuts and be removed or cancelled, Canadian private schools are committed to ensuring they thrive. A few private schools are wholly dedicated to the arts, but most have comprehensive arts-education offerings and extracurriculars. And there are four key ingredients they all share when it comes to supporting their students’ creativity.

Expansive arts curriculum

Private schools in Canada are renowned for the rigorous curriculum they provide across all subjects, and the arts are no exception. Whether visual or performing arts, the course offerings at private schools run the full gamut of disciplines and media. “We offer musical theatre, and vocal and instrumental music, with a unique focus on songwriting that addresses current events and popular genres,” Perugini says. “Visual arts classes encourage students to explore the purpose and experience behind artworks. Additionally, we integrate artistic concepts into design and technology courses, fostering creativity and innovation.” She adds that the school’s drama club–which stages full productions–learns scriptwriting and set construction, “and we produce videos through our Wolf Pack Studios production initiative.”

Valani says her school’s arts curriculum includes drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, photography, and interdisciplinary art-making. “Senior students also have the opportunity to develop portfolios for post-secondary applications,” she notes, “supported by expert faculty in areas such as music, fashion, graphic design, and traditional media.”

Exceptional arts facilities

From rehearsal rooms and dance studios to theatres, computer labs, and fully stocked art classrooms, the fantastic facilities at private schools are typically state of the art, well-funded, and given the same attention and respect as the biology lab, library or gymnasium. This affords students an expansive, well-equipped backdrop against which to express themselves artistically, no matter their discipline of choice. “Our new building features a dedicated visual arts studio, a media arts lab, and flexible spaces for exhibitions and performances,” Valani says. “These facilities are designed to support both traditional and digital artistic exploration in an inspiring, student-friendly environment.”

At Walden, students can enjoy a dedicated music room and newly renovated art studio. “And the design lab is equipped with a soundproof booth for sound recordings, a green screen, and a 3D printer to support innovative projects,“ Perugini says.

Expert arts educators

Teachers at Canadian private schools are often also subject-matter experts with years of practical, hands-on experience in their area of expertise. This includes the staff tasked with teaching the arts, many of whom may be professional artists–or dancers or actors or musicians–themselves. “Our faculty support students in building portfolios, connecting with professional opportunities, and engaging in meaningful community-based art,” Valani says. “In 12th grade, students are given the opportunity to work on independent projects for credit, guided by experts in their field of interest.” And, often, the encouragement students receive extends beyond the classroom. “Our school supports artistically inclined students by fostering a community where all staff, not just arts teachers, share their talents and experiences with students,” says Perugini. “This approach is embedded in our school culture, celebrating students' achievements and interests.”

Exciting arts showcases

Creating art is satisfying and soul-nourishing in and of itself, but private schools also provide a multitude of ways for students to showcase their talents and share their art with their classmates, parents, and the community at large. This might be through arts-focused extracurricular activities and clubs, or through concerts, recitals, performances, and art exhibitions organized by the school. Perugini says Walden hosts band and choir activities, as well as “coffee houses” for students to show off their talents. “We also have an annual musical that goes beyond performance, teaching students about theatre production, including lighting, sound, props, logistics, and set construction,“ she says, noting that students also perform at seniors’ residences.

“We host an annual all-school art show,” says Valani. “Our drama program produces plays and musicals, and extracurriculars include visual arts clubs, media projects, and student-led exhibitions.” Most importantly, she says, Linden’s inclusive, student-driven approach ensures each child’s creative identity “is valued and nurtured.”

And Perugini concurs, citing the value of celebrating artistic achievements as a community. “We emphasize collaboration and cooperation, encouraging students to pursue their passions,” she says. “Parent volunteers also play a significant role, supporting productions and creating an environment that shows students their work truly matters.”