Honors Fine Arts Courses are designed for students interested in more rigor in a chosen Fine Arts discipline. These courses are available to 10th-12th students in the second year or higher of that discipline. Enrollment requires approval from the fine arts teacher of record for the chosen discipline. Extensive research and outside-of-school day work are required. One Honors Fine Arts credit is allowed per year — Arlington ISD, 2025. https://tinyurl.com/z7yyrp6r
Advocating for Fine Arts Honor Credit
Students often navigate a complex web of GPA calculations regarding class rankings and the race for college admissions and scholarships. Advanced courses like Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) offer an added advantage in many schools, awarding students credit on a 5.0 GPA. Unfortunately, Fine Arts courses—like Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Visual Art and Theatre—don’t have the same GPA benefits despite the required time, effort, and skill. This discrepancy has led many students to drop their Fine Arts electives in favor of AP courses, not because it’s in their best developmental interest but because it’s a strategic move to boost their GPA.
At Arlington ISD, we recognized this gap and began working to change it. Here's how we advocated for Fine Arts Honor Credit and why it matters for our student artists.
The GPA Dilemma: Why Fine Arts Doesn’t Measure Up (Yet)
Most high schools traditionally grade Fine Arts classes on the standard 4.0 scale. While these courses are crucial for students' holistic development, from creative thinking to teamwork and discipline, they don’t typically carry the same weight as AP or honors classes in the GPA race.
For many students, especially those in the top percentiles of their class, every tenth or hundredth of a GPA point can make the difference in their class ranking and, ultimately, their eligibility for scholarships. This creates a tough choice for students dedicated to Fine Arts. They may drop their beloved Band or Orchestra class in favor of a more GPA-boosting AP course, even though their passion lies in the arts.
This isn’t just an academic issue—it’s a developmental one. Fine Arts are essential to a well-rounded education, fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. Yet, because they don't earn the same GPA credit as other advanced courses, Fine Arts classes were inadvertently undervalued.
The Fight for Change: How We Made It Happen
In 2016, after hearing feedback from Fine Arts teachers, principals, and, most importantly, students, we began working to change this narrative. As Fine Arts Director at the time, I collaborated with music and art teachers and academic leaders to push for a solution. We knew that Fine Arts were just as demanding, if not more so, than AP courses, and they deserved a GPA weight that reflected their value.
Through careful research and collaboration, we modeled our plan after existing programs like the one in Plano ISD. Rob Myers, the Fine Arts Coordinator, led the way with invaluable research and advocacy, navigating the questions and concerns raised by Academic Services. After months of discussions and revisions, we created a system that awarded Fine Arts students an additional GPA point, giving them access to the same benefits as students in AP courses.
It wasn’t an easy fight, and there were many bumps along the way. But the support we received from academic leaders made all the difference, and in the end, the change was made.
Why This Matters for Students
For students who are passionate about the arts, the ability to stay in their chosen Fine Arts course without sacrificing their GPA is a game changer. This adjustment recognizes the dedication and hard work they put into their craft while allowing them to maintain competitive GPAs.
By awarding Fine Arts Honor Credit, we acknowledge the skill and commitment required in these courses and ensure that students who choose a path in the arts are not penalized for their passion. This program empowers students to pursue their interests without compromising their academic standing. It sends a clear message: Fine Arts are just as important as any other subject in the educational ecosystem.
What This Means for the Future
As we advocate for the importance of Fine Arts, we invite other districts, educators, and parents to join the conversation. Our students deserve the opportunity to excel in all their passions—whether through advanced academic courses or the arts—and we must ensure that their hard work is celebrated and recognized in all areas — Arlington ISD Fine Arts Honors Credit is a precedent to point to.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate for students, I urge you to ask questions about how Fine Arts are valued in your district. Are these courses given the weight they deserve in GPA calculations? Are students committed to the arts receiving the recognition they’ve earned? Let’s continue to push for policies that support the growth and development of student artists—because, in the end, their success is a success for all of us.
Would you like to learn more about this? Have any questions? Send an email: jeremy@schoolmusicconsulting.com
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