The Blue Ribbon Schools Program designated art as an area for special emphasis during 1989-90 and 1990-91, and the program identified 42 schools that were excellent overall and had exemplary programs in the arts. The schools shared the following characteristics: (1) a philosophy that holds arts education as a basic and necessary component of a balanced educational program for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students; (2) a broad understanding of arts curricula and pedagogy that is matched with the highest quality instructors available; (3) a balance of art forms, including music, dance, drama, poetry, creative writing, and visual and media arts; (4) a realization that the arts need time, space, financial, and administrative support; (5) infusion of the arts in other parts of the curriculum; (6) a commitment to all students that ensures access to instruction in the basic art areas and provides differentiated levels of instruction; (7) parent involvement as volunteers, program designers, and fundraisers; and (8) a connection to the local arts community. Profiles of the 17 elementary schools and their arts programs and the 25 secondary schools and their arts programs highlight how these schools function in a variety of settings. (Author/CK)