Why Art Education in New Jersey Matters — And How 370 Art Studios Is Leading the Way

From statewide trends to studio practice: a guide for teens & parents seeking high-quality visual arts learning

New Jersey is widely recognized as a national leader in arts education. As reported by the non-profit Arts Ed NJ, more than 99 % of public-school students in the state have access to arts instruction. Yet access alone doesn’t guarantee quality, focus or the individual coaching that many aspiring artists need. That’s where studios like 370 Art Studios in Palisades Park step in — offering specialized, supportive instruction tailored to teens, art-school applicants and lifelong creatives.

The State of Art Education in New Jersey

• According to the 2019 annual summary, 100% of New Jersey public-schools provide at least some form of arts instruction.

• Student participation in one or more arts courses reached ~81% of all students — roughly 1.1 million students.

• Visual art and music are the most widely available disciplines (94 % and 96 % respectively), but only a small share of schools offer all four core arts areas (music, theatre, dance, visual arts).

• During the pandemic period the system demonstrated resilience: in 2020–21, 99 % of schools offered arts instruction to 99.4 % of students, though participation at the high-school level remains a challenge.

• One ongoing issue: while access is high, the depth of programming (specialized studios, mentorship, portfolio development) is uneven across districts and schools.

Why Quality Matters — Especially for Teens & Portfolio PreppersHaving access to “an art class” is a great start, but if a student is aiming for advanced coursework, college-art programs, or professional practice, they need more than just a basic offering. They need:

• Personalized feedback and studio time

• Exposure to multiple media (digital, traditional)

• A safe space to experiment and build a portfolio

• Guidance in refining ideas, concept-development and creative process

That’s the gap many schools face: high access, but not always deep specialization or individual mentorship.

Enter 370 Art Studios370 Art Studios bridges that gap. Located in Palisades Park (serving Bergen County and the NYC metro area), the studio specializes in:

• Teen classes and portfolio-prep for high school and college admissions

• Digital art instruction (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Procreate) alongside traditional drawing/painting

• Small-group or one-on-one sessions so students receive direct feedback

• An environment tailored to ambitious young artists and those preparing for creative paths

By combining the region’s strong arts-education climate with a boutique, focused studio model, 370 Art Studios offers an ideal complement to school-based programs. For students in New Jersey, this means they can benefit from the state’s broad commitment to arts education while gaining the specialized attention that leads to standout portfolios and creative growth.

How Parents & Students Can Use This OpportunityHere are practical steps to make the most of New Jersey’s strong arts-education environment — and leverage what 370 Art Studios offers:

1. Audit your school’s art offerings — Know what your school offers (which disciplines, how many hours, teacher ratio) and what it doesn’t.

2. Schedule a studio visit — A place like 370 Art Studios lets prospective students see tools, talk about goals, review work created by peers.

3. Build a multi-media portfolio — Schools increasingly expect competency in both traditional and digital media. The studio supports that.

4. Divide weekly time realistically — 1–2 sessions weekly over a semester beat a weekend “marathon” session. Consistency matters.

5. Stay aware of local competition — With so many NJ students in arts education, having a unique, strong portfolio makes a difference.

6. Utilize the hybrid model — If you live outside Bergen County, remote/digital options might allow you to join 370’s programs.

The Bottom LineArt education in New Jersey has achieved remarkable access — nearly every student can participate in some form of arts instruction. But access is just the beginning. For teens aiming for more than “just art class” — for those seeking advanced skills, portfolios, creative careers — specialized environments matter. 370 Art Studios offers that environment. If you’re a student, a parent, or an educator looking for more than the baseline, this studio stands out as a smart choice.

Call to ActionExplore 370 Art Studios online or book a free consultation to see how your student can rise above the typical art class and build a creative future. Visit the website today and reserve a spot.