Reflections

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Reflections Arts Program

Explore the Arts and Express Yourself

This program is for students of all grades and their parents and caregivers.

National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, Reflections has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. Students submit in one or more of the available arts categories and, based on grade and/or support needs, participate in one of the program divisions.

Reflections - What My Culture Means to Me

2026-2027 Reflections theme:
“What My Culture Means to Me”

PTA Reflections: Message Board

 
Register Your Participation

Registration for the 2026-2027 PTA Reflections program is now open! Let National PTA know you are participating to help us show the wide reach and impact of Reflections. 

Winners Announced in May 2026

National-level Reflections awardees for the2025-2026 "I Belong!" program will be announced in May 2026. Winners will be contacted by National PTA directly with email. Learn more on our Awards page.



How to Participate in Reflections

In Reflections, students must submit artwork through a PTA in their community. PTAs host the program based on state rules and processes.

Click your role to find participation details and resources to host the program.






Arts Categories

Students create artworks in one or more of the available arts category areas.

Click the category to learn more.

Reflections Dance

Dance Choreography


Reflections Film

Film Production


Reflections Literature

Literature


Reflections Music

Music Composition


Reflections Photography

Photography


Reflections Visual Arts

Visual Arts




Reflections



Program Divisions

Students submit and participate in grade-based divisions:

  • Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2)
  • Intermediate (Grades 3-5)
  • Middle School (Grades 6-8)
  • High School (Grades 9-12)

Accessible Arts

Accessible Arts


The Accessible Arts division is a an optional participation pathway for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA Section 504. Accessible Arts offers division-specific accommodations to ensure that every student has the chance to participate fully in the program.

Learn more on our Craft an Entry page.



Explore Reflections and Get Inspired

 

Craft an Entry


Reflections - Craft an Entry

Learn national-level rules and requirements for each of the Arts Categories and the Accessible Arts division and tips for creating a successful entry.

Learn More +

Frequently Asked Questions


Reflections - FAQ

Find information and tips about topics and questions that come up in Reflections.

Learn More +

Reflections Awards 


Reflections - Awards

Check out the national-level awards available in Reflections and view artwork from past Reflections winners.

Learn More +

Arts Education 


Reflections - Arts Ed

Explore the benefits of arts education and ways to support and advocate for arts education programs.

Learn More +

History of Reflections


Reflections - History

Dive into more than 50 years of history that brought us the National PTA Reflections program.

Learn More +



Connect and Create with Your State PTA

 

Each state PTA runs the Reflections program in its own way, so how you participate might be different depending on where you are. To learn more, students and PTA units should check with their state PTA for details.

Find Your State Program
Follow these steps and use this map to connect with your state PTA and find state-specific Reflections information and resources.
  1. Click your state.

  2. Find a link to your State PTA Reflections Webpage under the map.
 
Map of the United States A map showing all 50 states in the US plus Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands, and Armed Forces Europe and the Middle East EU DC

  • European PTSA


    Information currently not available. Connect with European PTSA with questions or concerns.

Alaska

Alabama

Arkansas

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

District of Columbia

  • DC PTA


    Information currently not available. Email Reflections@PTA.org with questions concerns. 

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Iowa

  • Iowa PTA


    Information currently not available. Connect with Iowa PTA or email info@iowapta.org with questions or concerns. 

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Maine

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Mississippi

Montana

North Carolina

North Dakota

Nebraska

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

Nevada

New York

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

  • Puerto Rico PTA


    Information currently not available. Email Reflections@PTA.org with questions or concerns. 

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

US Virgin Islands

  • U.S. Virgin Islands PTA


    Information currently not available. Email Reflections@PTA.org with questions or concerns. 

Vermont

  • Vermont PTA


    Information currently not available. Email Reflections@PTA.org with questions or concerns. 

Washington

Wisconsin

West Virginia

Wyoming

Reflections Alert Icon




If your state PTA Reflections webpage does not have specific or updated program guidelines available
, please reach out to your State PTA office.

You can refer to our Reflections Leader Resources for general information around hosting a program.



National PTA is Here to Support You

 

All National PTA programming is ready-to-go and comes with a team of support, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Remember to stay connected with National PTA for additional resources and opportunities: 


Questions?


Reach out to us at Programs@PTA.org with any questions along the way.



Reflections Navigation


Find tools to run your Local PTA's Reflections program.

Learn about our winners, events and exhibits and see what you can win!

Explore ways your PTA can advance and advocate for arts education.