Monroe County, Indiana – Students at Fairview Elementary School are gaining confidence and deepening their learning through an innovative arts-integrated curriculum. To showcase this unique approach, the school will host an Arts Information Night on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:00 p.m. Families with children entering grades K-6 in the 2025-26 school year are invited to attend and explore how Fairview seamlessly merges arts education with core academic subjects.
The event will begin with a presentation from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., followed by school tours. Prospective families will have the opportunity to meet administrators and teachers, view arts-focused learning spaces, and learn about the benefits of an arts-integrated education.
Fairview’s approach aligns with Indiana Academic Standards and enhances learning in core subjects such as English/language arts, social studies, and science. Arts Integration Specialist Maggie Olivo explains that this method engages students in hands-on experiences, helping them retain knowledge more effectively.
“We have found that arts integration increases student engagement, and it is extremely hands-on. Students hold onto this knowledge,” Olivo said. She collaborates with teachers and an instructional coach to design developmentally appropriate arts-integrated lessons that make learning more immersive and meaningful.
As part of this model, students participate in projects that merge traditional academics with various art forms. For example, fourth graders studying motion and energy learn about artist Jackson Pollock, using paint to demonstrate the effects of force. Fifth graders exploring the American Revolution engage in a dramatic arts unit, working with a local actor to create first-person narratives reflecting historical perspectives.
Starting in third grade, students can choose specialized arts areas to focus on, in addition to core arts classes. They have options including violin, drama, show choir, world music with Zimbabwean Marimba, 2D and 3D visual arts, digital arts, and piano. These choice-based classes allow students to pursue their interests and talents while continuing to develop essential academic skills.
The arts program is further enriched through partnerships with prestigious organizations such as the IU Jacobs School of Music, Bloomington Expressive Arts Training (BEAT), Constellation Stage and Screen, and other local arts groups. These collaborations provide students with access to professional artists and unique learning opportunities.
Beyond academic benefits, arts integration fosters a strong sense of identity and community among students. Olivo emphasizes how transformative these programs can be for students’ self-esteem and confidence.
“The kids develop a sense of self that they’re really proud of. They see themselves as violinists, and it’s the same with theatre arts. The kids see themselves as performers, athletes, digital artists, guitarists,” Olivo said. “It really builds community … Singing culture is pretty pervasive here.”
One standout aspect of the program is the Fairview Violin Project. This initiative has been particularly impactful, giving students a powerful source of pride and personal growth.
“It’s been wonderful to see kids who maybe don’t have the highest self-esteem or give themselves enough credit … to all of a sudden we see that playing violin for them is becoming a source of pride,” Olivo shared. “There’s something symbolic about when you play violin, you stand up tall with great posture. It’s beautiful to see kids who started with their shoulders curled over, and now they’re standing up. And they know that they’re good.”
Each semester, student learning culminates in Arts Showcase events, where families can watch performances and view exhibits that highlight their children’s artistic and academic growth. These showcases provide a platform for students to demonstrate their learning and celebrate their hard work.
Families interested in learning more about Fairview’s arts integration model can visit the school’s website at fairview.mccsc.edu under the Arts Integration and Performing Arts tab. By incorporating the arts into everyday learning, Fairview Elementary is not only fostering academic achievement but also nurturing creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in its students.
