The pride of Hillsborough County Public Schools includes its support of Art Education for all students.  Art Education spans services from kindergarten to grade 12, offering students the opportunity to make connections in several ways. Through curriculum and community support for students, parents, educators and administration, the HCPS Art Education Department makes student success through creative thinking its priority.

Elementary students, grades 1st through 5th, are provided a minimum of 30 minutes of weekly art instruction, with opportunities for kindergarten art experiences based on school site. Middle and high school students have a large variety of semester and annual courses to choose from when deciding their courses each academic year. This may include choice between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art in middle school and AP Art & Design and Art History courses at the high school level.  

Aside from providing hands on experience with a variety of art materials and techniques, art education allows students to practice real world skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and detailed communication skills. By reinforcing world-applicable skills, students involved in art education programs are more likely to meet personal goals, improve academic performance and hold strong self-advocacy skills through personal voice.

Creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking: art education in a nutshell! Making connections with others and finding creative ways to make positive change in the community is what HCPS Art Ed is all about.