Academics & Enrichment Archive

From field trips to science programs to music and plays, we know parent groups support all sorts of activities to make learning more exciting for kids. You'll find tons of enrichment ideas in the articles below. Find more helpful tools and info on the Academics & Enrichment resources page. (For articles about planning great teacher appreciation programs, go to the

• A Lesson in the Arts

  Students in Lancaster, Ohio, practiced more than just artistic technique for their PTO’s multifaceted art show event.

• Students Learn Business Skills at Ices Shop

  A trio of PTOs gives students the opportunity to run a local business for a day.

• Ideas That Raise Students' Social Awareness

  These parent group projects help kids learn about community and their place in it.

• Student Book Club Gets Kids Reading

  The PTO-sponsored school book club has students excited about reading new things.

• What Kids Learn From Fundraising

  Product fundraisers often help pay for enrichment opportunities at school, but students who are involved in sales can also benefit from more direct lessons.

• How PTOs Bring Arts Enrichment to Schools

  Budget cuts have taken a toll on arts education in many school districts. But parent groups have found fun and creative ways to promote the arts.

• Art Smart: Parent-Run Art Appreciation Program

  How PTOs in one Michigan town bring art education to the classroom with an innovative art appreciation program.

• PTO Tailgating Night: Pep Rally for Academics and Fitness

  Families loved this PTO-planned event to promote math, reading, and staying fit.

• Date Book: Pi Day

  Have fun with math and celebrate this famous number each spring!

• Do Your Homework Before Taking the iPad Leap

  It’s important for parent groups get answers to some key questions before making the purchase.

• Great School Science Events

  Science can be fun and exciting for students. Use these ideas and approaches to create engaging science-related activities.

• How To Start a School Garden

  School gardens help teach students about nature, healthy eating, and more. PTOs and PTAs can take the lead in starting one at their school.

• Messy Art Night: PTO Family Event for All Ages

  An arts-based family event brings out the child in everyone with multiple ways to get creative.

• Solving the "Amazing Case": PTA Family Night

  Parents and kids use teamwork, plus their minds and bodies, to take home prizes at this family event.

• Hands-on Arts and Science Education

  A PTO's Arts & Science Day makes learning fun and interactive for students.

• Family Event: Astronomy Night Shines

  PTO Today's 2010 Parent Group of the Year for Outstanding Family Event developed a fun, multifaceted evening with an academic theme, a student-led science fair, and lots of support from local organizations.

• PTO Program Puts Art Into Action

  Students dive in to art appreciation through in-depth lessons led by parents, then apply their knowledge in a hands-on project involving the whole school.

• After-School Fun With PTO Program

  A wide variety of free after-school clubs, run by teachers and supported by parents, keeps students at a middle school engaged and safe.

• Celebrate Presidents’ Day at School

  Honor the highest office in the United States by marking Presidents’ Day at school. Here are some ideas to get your PTO started.

• 9 Special Event Ideas To Spice Up Your Year

  From old favorites like Read Across America Day to new traditions (National Pi Day on March 14, maybe?), these noteworthy dates make learning fun.