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. 

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. 

2025-2026 National Winners Announced 

In May 2025, National PTA congratulated over 200 national winners for the 2025-2026 Reflections program, "I Belong!" Now its time to celebrate!

Join us on social media and at PTA.org/IBelongWinners during National Arts in Education Week (Sept. 13-19) to recognize our Outstanding Interpretation Winners and in National Arts and Humanities Month (October) as we spotlight all our national winners.



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.


State Leaders

State Leaders

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Reflections is largely managed on the state-level. State PTA leaders have exclusive access to the State Reflections Library, which provides program materials, including category rules and guidelines, and training tools for managing the program. The page is hidden and available only to state leaders.

How to Access the State Library

If you already confirmed your participation with National PTA, you received the direct link over email.

If you have not confirmed your participation, email National PTA to request the link.





Take A Closer Look at Reflections

Reflections is a multi-level arts program that brings students, families, and communities together through the creativity. 

Each year, students create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. Students can enter one or more arts categories and participate the program division that best fits their grade level or support needs. Based on options available in each state, winning entries may advance for additional recognition at the state and national levels.


Reflections

Arts Categories and Divisions

Students create artworks in one or more of the available arts category areas. 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 (All Grades Welcome)

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

Visit Craft an Entry or click the category or division.

Reflections Theme

In Reflections, each entry must be a unoriginal creation inspired by the annual student-created Reflections theme. The theme is what makes Reflections special because every student uses the same theme, no matter their experience with making art.

Each theme inspires students to create and share their ideas through artwork. PTAs use the to engage their entire community in creativity and art-making.

Learn More

Find details and inspiration for the 2026-2027 Reflections theme "What My Culture Means to Me" for students and PTA leaders.

Reflections - What My Culture Means to Me

Reflections Dance

Dance Choreography


Reflections Film

Film Production


Reflections Music

Music Composition


Reflections Literature

Literature


Reflections Photography

Photography


Reflections Visual Arts

Visual Arts


Accessible Arts

Accessible Arts




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 +

Reflections and Membership


Reflections and Membership

Review and utilize customizable membership resources, available for both PTA and PTSAs.

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



FOR PTA LEADERS

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


AWARDS

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


ARTS ED RESOURCES

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