Katy ISD Earns 5th TAEA District of Distinction Award, Celebrating Arts Education and Student Success
For the fifth time, Katy Independent School District has been named a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction, one of only 109 districts in Texas to receive this prestigious honor for the 2024–2025 academic year.
The award, given by the Visual Arts Administrators of Texas (VAAT) division of TAEA, evaluates more than 1,200 eligible districts on a 14-point rubric that measures student participation, art exhibition quality, community engagement, cross-curricular collaboration, and active involvement in state-level leadership.
Assistant Director of Fine Arts Laura Simoneaux expressed gratitude for the district’s educators and students, saying, “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated educators and talented students whose passion, creativity, and commitment to visual arts continue to enrich our schools and community in unique ways. This recognition is a testament to the district’s investment in nurturing artistic expression at every grade level.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
The Role of TAEA in Texas Schools
The Texas Art Education Association, founded in 1970, serves over 5,000 members statewide and is the leading advocate for quality visual arts programs in Texas schools. Through professional development, student competitions, and community arts initiatives, TAEA supports educators and helps districts integrate equitable access to the arts. Its District of Distinction program recognizes school systems that set high standards for art education, encourage innovation, and ensure students of all backgrounds can engage in creative learning.
Benefits of Arts Education for Students and Communities
National research consistently shows that robust art programs have a measurable impact on students’ success. According to the Arts Education Partnership, students involved in arts education are five times more likely to graduate, four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, and demonstrate higher levels of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that extend into adulthood.
These benefits reach beyond academics. Studies show that arts education supports social-emotional learning, reduces dropout rates, and fosters community connections—key elements Katy ISD has emphasized through public art displays, student-led service projects, and partnerships with local organizations.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Building Lifelong Learners
Katy ISD’s visual arts program provides equitable access across all grade levels, giving every student an opportunity to explore and express themselves artistically. This focus on inclusivity aligns directly with TAEA’s mission to support lifelong learning through creativity.
By earning its fifth District of Distinction Award, Katy ISD is not just celebrating another accolade—it is showcasing a culture that values creativity, supports educators, and invests in the potential of every child.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more stories celebrating education and student achievement in the Katy area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
