For Students and Families

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Reflections Arts Program

For Students and Families: PTA Reflections

The PTA Reflections program provides access to the arts and opportunities for recognition to help students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and to develop confidence and a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

Use the sections of this page to learn about:


 

How to Submit an Entry

 

Students must submit through a PTA in their community and follow the rules and process set by that PTA. You cannot submit entries directly to National PTA.

If you want to submit your art to Reflections, connect with your local PTA to learn:

  • Student eligibility requirements
  • Entry requirements
  • Specific rules for each arts category
  • How to submit an entry
  • The deadline to submit 

Reflections Registration

Let National PTA know you are submitting an entry to your PTA's Reflections program!

Register Now

Not sure if your school has a PTA?

Check out your school's website, ask someone in your school's front office and use Find a PTA tool to see what options are available.

What if my local PTA does not support the Reflections program?

Visit your state PTA Reflections website to explore additional participation options that may be available to students without a local PTA.

 

Creating an Entry

 
In Reflections, students create original works of art inspired by the annual theme. Students follow rules and requirements provided by the PTA to which they will submit their entry. 

Learn more about creating an entry on this page. Then, dig deeper and find tips from National PTA on our Craft an Entry page. 
Entry Requirements

When creating an entry, be aware of the basic entry requirements and the arts category rules, as well as any additional rules set by your state PTA and/or the PTA to which you submit. 

Basic Entry Requirements

Keep these basic entry requirements in mind when creating your Reflections entry: 

  • Entries must be inspired by the current annual theme.
  • Entries must be new artwork, created for the Reflections program. 
  • Entries must be original artwork created by one student only. Only (1) student is awarded per entry.
  • If you use technology or digital platforms to create an entry, you must include a brief description of how the tool(s) was used. 
Learn more on our Craft an Entry page.
Reflections Categories and Divisions

Students create artworks in one or more of the available arts category areas and submit entries to their PTA in the appropriate division. Check with your local PTA to see which categories and divisions are available.

Dance Choreography
Dance Choreography

Music
Music Composition

Photography
Photography

Film
Film Production

Literature
Literature

Visual Arts
Visual Arts

 
Accessible Arts
Accessible Arts Division
Accessible Arts 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.
Reflections Theme 
 

 The 2026-2027 Reflections program theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." This theme was created by Sophia Partola from Wilton High School PTSA in Connecticut. 

Reflections - What My Culture Means to Me

 

Reflections Celebrations and Awards

 

In Reflections, students can submit entries to PTAs in their community and state and potentially earn additional recognition up to the state and national levels of the contest. Entries are reviewed using the Reflections Review Criteria, Interpretation of Theme, Creativity and Technical Skill.

Learn more about Reflections awards and the scoring criteria on the Reflections Awards page.

Celebrations
Across all levels, PTAs are encouraged to celebrate student artists in their Reflections contest with recognition and prizes that support their unique community.

On the national level, National PTA celebrates over 200 student artists who earned national recognition in the Reflections program. Celebrations aim to highlight the student artist's voice and perspective as displayed in their artwork.

Learn more about national celebrations on our Reflections Awards page. 
Winners Announced in May 2026

National-level Reflections awardees for the "I Belong!" program will be announced in May 2026. Winners will receive direct communication from National PTA with notice of any awards. Learn more at PTA.org/ReflectionsAwards.

Questions about your 2025-2026 Reflections entry? Contact the PTA unit you submitted your entry to. If you have further questions, connect with your state PTA.

25-26-Reflections_I-Belong_200x200

Reflections Awards

For information and questions about the status of your Reflections entry or prizes, contact the most relevant PTA level for support.

Local, District, Council, and/or Region Awards

Check out your school's website, ask someone in your school's front office and/or use this Find My PTA Lookup Tool to learn more.

National Awards

National PTA announces national awards on May 1 via the Reflections Awards Page and social media. Winners are contacted by National PTA directly.



Reflections Navigation



REFLECTIONS HOME

Encourage and celebrate student participation in arts education.



REFLECTIONS
HISTORY

Explore over 50 years of Reflections history.


ARTS ED RESOURCES

Find art-making activities and learn more about advocating for arts education.