Currently Gene Klatt, Artstream's director, is working with schools and other arts groups to establish the program in kindergarten through third grade. Then after sixth grade, students can continue on in arts education by attending Hillside Middle School, which offers classes in visual arts, choral, band, choir, drama and dance.

Hillside then feeds into Highland High, which houses the Arts Academy at Highland and offers preparatory-level classes in areas including dance, visual design, band, percussion, choir, chorale, piano, theater, ceramics, winds, studio art, music theory and art history.

Leaders say students should leave the program able to demonstrate arts skills with K-12 arts portfolios, higher achievement in core subjects, a higher emotional intelligence and a greater representation in arts education classes as they progress through school.

Klatt said the program has also helped decrease the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students.

She said it helps students develop their identity and self-esteem by finding and developing personal talents.

"Everyone can find something they enjoy and find something that they are good at," Klatt said.

Artstream schools include Highland Park, Nibley Park, Beacon Heights, Dilworth, Indian Hills, Hawthorne, Hillside Middle and Highland High. A number of other schools have shown interest in the program and could join next year.

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com