Inspire. Empower. Connect.
Studies show, and we witness daily, the positive effect that an arts education has on students’ academic, emotional and social outcomes, improving their self-esteem, sense of belonging and hopes for the future.
Yet, access to arts programming in public school systems is declining. Since 2007, Tulsa Girls Art School has worked to be part of the solution by providing 10 years of art instruction, mentorship, and aspirational experiences for up to 75 girls attending Tulsa Public Schools.
Students are chosen for enrollment based on their promise for future growth and success when provided with needed resources and community support. Girls can begin the program as early as 3rd grade and continue through high school.
Classes are available multiple times a week and students are supported with transportation, healthy meals and snacks, art supplies, mentorship and importantly, a safe, consistent all-Girl space where they are free to put themselves and their needs first.
Two annual art shows help students learn business skills and financial awareness. 6th — 11th grade receive 50% of their art sale proceeds. Seniors receive 100%. These funds are deposited into an account to be used for the student’s future educational expenses.
Art is the vehicle. Growing resilient, strong self-determined young women is the goal.
Why Only Girls?
Research shows girls-only environments offer unique and measurable benefits—just as boys often have single-gender spaces in sports and other activities. Tulsa Girls Art School ensures girls have a dedicated environment to thrive in art, leadership, and self-expression.
Greater Confidence
Girls in single-gender programs are 2–3 times more likely to speak up and take creative risks (National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, 2021).
Leadership Development
93% of girls’ school graduates say they were offered more leadership opportunities than in co-ed settings (NCGS).
Academic & Creative Gains
Girls in single-gender spaces show higher engagement in STEM and the arts due to reduced gender stereotypes (American Association of University Women, 2020).
Stronger Peer Support
88% of graduates from girls’ schools report feeling supported by their peers, fostering collaboration over competition (NCGS).
Safe Space for Self-Expression
Girls report higher comfort in sharing personal ideas, stories, and creative work in all-girl settings (Smith & Holsinger, 2022).
Why Art?
At Tulsa Girls Art School, we believe art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a transformative tool for personal growth, leadership, and self-discovery. In our supportive, girls-centered environment, art becomes a platform to explore identity, take risks, and build confidence.
Empowering Creativity and Confidence
Art encourages experimentation and problem-solving. Research indicates that students who participate in art education programs demonstrate improved writing skills, enhanced social-emotional development, and increased school engagement (Wallace Foundation, 2017). Additionally, arts education has been linked to better academic performance, including higher reading and math scores (Eisner, 2002).
Leadership Through Expression
Creating art requires vision, planning, and collaboration. Studies have found that youth involved in arts programs develop critical life skills such as persistence, leadership, collaboration, creative thinking, problem-solving, agency, motivation, and empathy (Fiske, 1999; Rabkin & Redmond, 2006). These skills are highly transferable and valued in the workforce.
Academic and Creative Growth
Engaging in the arts has been shown to increase students' engagement in school and improve academic outcomes. For instance, students in arts programs have higher writing scores and greater school engagement (Catterall, 2009). Arts education can also help close achievement gaps, particularly among low-income students (Deasy, 2002).
Strong Peer Support and Collaboration
Working alongside peers fosters mutual encouragement, collaboration, and empathy. Community-based youth arts programs are associated with positive outcomes such as improved self-confidence, self-efficacy, self-awareness, self-regulation, and emotional expression (Rabkin & Redmond, 2006).
A Safe Space for Self-Expression
In a supportive environment, students feel comfortable exploring their ideas, telling their stories, and experimenting with new artistic media—without fear of judgment. Arts education provides a platform for youth to develop a sense of identity and belonging (Wallace Foundation, 2018).
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