About the New Jersey Arts Education Census
Every five years since 2006, Arts Ed NJ, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), Quadrant Research, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, conducts a comprehensive statewide Census of arts education.
The Census examines not only how many students participate in music, visual arts, dance, theatre, and media arts, but also the quality and depth of those learning experiences—including instructional time, teacher-student ratios, community partnerships, and per-pupil investment. This vital information helps educators, policymakers, and communities strengthen arts education and ensure that every New Jersey student has access to the sequential, high-quality arts education guaranteed by state law.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 2026 Census data collection began in January 2026 with schools entering required information into the online portal. Data collection is now complete, and analysis of the statewide results is underway. While the survey portal is closed, you can still view the Census Data Checklist to see the breadth of information collected through the project.
CENSUS TIMELINE (subject to change)
January 14, 2026 - Broadcast Released and Census Survey Opens
June 30, 2026 - Survey Closes
Summer 2026 - Data Analysis
Fall 2026 - First draft review of findings
December 2026/January 2027 - Recommendations developed and discussed with partners
February-May, 2027- Report and Website Developed
Late Spring 2027 - Report released
PREVIOUS CENSUS REPORTS
Read the past reports, and explore the website report from 2021 to understand the extended scope of the report.
Support Our Work
Your support helps us advocate for policy change, provide professional development, conduct essential research, and celebrate the achievements of students and educators across New Jersey. Together, we can ensure arts education for every child, every day, every year.