For students who hate math, struggle with English and find football to be a bore, band class might be the only reason why they come to school — or it might be chorus, drama or ceramics. Fine arts programs in middle and high schools are often a safe haven for students who don’t fit in elsewhere, an environment cultivated by the effort of teachers who want their students to thrive.

 Why It’s Newsworthy: Fine arts education can boost a student’s SAT score, chances of going to college and social development. 

Newsource reporter Autumn Sanford shows you how local music and arts teachers go the extra mile to ensure their programs are a safe and fun setting to help students succeed.

Autumn Sanford is a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in criminal justice at the University of Georgia.