Preuss demands excellence from its students with challenging AP classes, constant college prep, and a tight schedule. Preuss was built on a mission to deliver high quality education to all students, which it has been excelling at. However, with such high expectations placed on students, they also need time to creatively express themselves. While Preuss does offer amazing creative performances like the Shakespeare Festival, Festival of the Arts, and Airband, artistic creativity still feels second to academics in student’s daily life here on campus.
Many Preuss students spend most of their week drowning in homework, studying, and practicing a sport which leaves only a bit of time for creative freedom. The pressure to succeed at Preuss can be a bit overwhelming, especially at a school where expectations are so high. More creative activities incorporated in academic classes may provide students with new creative insight and perspectives. Projects such as one pagers, posters, and creative collages may help students develop a better understanding of class material by expressing their thoughts in a free and expressive way. Even for less artistic students, speeches, creative writing, and presentations are a creative way to express understanding. Preuss should incorporate more artistic activities in academic classes as they are a great way to assess students learning in a creative environment.
The issue is not that Preuss does not have talent nor appreciation for the arts. In fact, events like Festival of The Arts and Shakespeare Festival prove that students are very creative and expressive. The problem is that these opportunities can sometimes feel temporary or limited since the focus at Preuss is on academics. Creative expression should not just appear at these special art events. It should be treated as an important part of education every day. More creative liberty and freedom could also help students discover talents and interests that traditional academic classes may overlook.
Not every student connects most with math, history, or chemistry. Some students feel more connected performing on stage, painting, or making music. Preuss should encourage students to grow in multiple ways, not just academically. By expanding creative programs, Preuss could help students become more balanced, not only in academics but in the arts as well. In addition, creativity also teaches valuable real world skills.
Artistic activities may strengthen communication, collaboration, problem solving skills, and innovation, according to the article “The Importance of Art Education in the Classroom” written by the University of Florida’s art program. These are characteristics that colleges and future employers value just as much as strong grades. Students who participate in creative programs often become better independent thinkers and problem solvers. Some may argue that Preuss already does offer enough artistic opportunities since we do have a lot of festivals and those events are important and deserve recognition. However, a few events cannot meet students’ creative needs throughout the year. Students deserve more consistent opportunities to explore creativity during their everyday educational experience.
Preuss has already proven that its students can excel academically. Now the school should continue growing by giving creativity a larger role in a student’s education. Academic success and artistic expression don’t have to compete with each other, they can strengthen each other. In a school environment filled with pressure and expectation, students need more than just rigorous classes. They need the freedom to create, explore, and be inspired.
