Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods is announcing a continued expansion of fine arts instruction across the state’s public schools.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, the initiative includes the creation of new fine arts pathways for high school students, as well as advocacy for increased fine arts staffing at the elementary school level. The department is also working to include Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge fine arts courses as options for HOPE Rigor credit.
Superintendent Woods said the expansion reflects the important role the arts play in student development and academic success.
“The fine arts have always mattered immensely to me because of what they do for students as learners and as people,” Woods said. “As an educator, I’ve seen time and again how the arts help students build confidence, discipline, and a deeper connection to their education.”
Woods emphasized that expanding access to fine arts instruction strengthens the foundation of a well-rounded education and supports students’ individual talents and interests.
State education officials say the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to ensure Georgia students have access to diverse and comprehensive learning opportunities.