Educational Impact

Center in the Square is vital to education in western and central Virginia . The programs offered by Center's organizations bring special opportunities to students and provide hands-on learning experiences that broaden students' understanding and address students' differing learning styles.

Over 200,000 students annually attend programming provided by Center's beneficiary organizations.

Educators from 44% of Virginia 's school systems rely on Center's organizations and resources to help meet the Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia .

The in-house and outreach programs offered by Center's organizations enhance classroom instruction in science and the arts.

Students visiting Center in the Square have the benefit of exposure to multiple organizations within the context of one field trip. School systems save dollars on transportation expenses and get a maximum of experience for a minimum of classroom time missed.

The programs offered by Center's organizations bring special opportunities and access to materials to students whose schools have limited resources.

Research has shown that educational activities in the arts help develop students' creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Teachers can chose experiences which enhance classroom learning for their students because of the multiple programs offered by each organization.