What is the Reflections program?

The Reflections program was founded by Mary Lou Anderson in 1969 and provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, students in pre-K through grade 12 create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme selected through the annual Reflections Theme Search Contest.

Based on state PTA rules and guidelines, art is submitted and may advance from the local PTA level up through district/region/council and state PTA competitions to the national level for awards and recognition opportunities.

What art categories and divisions are available in the Reflections program?

Students participate in the Reflections program in the division for their grade: primary (pre-K to grade 2), intermediate (grades 3-5), middle school (grades 6-8), high school (grades 9-12) and special artist (all grades welcome). Students may submit in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and/or visual arts.

However, submission and category guidelines are determined at the state PTA level and may vary by state. Please review your state’s Reflections website or contact your state PTA office for category guidelines and related questions.

What is the special artist division?

In 2012, the special artist division was created through collaboration between a PTA volunteer committee and arts professionals with expertise in disability advocacy in the arts. The division offers modified rules and guidelines for students with disabilities, who may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504, to participate in the Reflections program. Students may enter the grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities and be recognized and awarded prizes as part of the general student population OR they may enter the special artist division and be recognized and awarded prizes as part of this division.

For specific questions, refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

What is Reflections registration, and how do I do it?

By registering your participation in the Reflections program, you are helping National PTA show the reach and impact of the program. Registration is separate from participation.

Registration opens April 1 at PTA.org/Reflections and runs until Feb. 1 of the following year. Due to the high volume of registrants, please note you will not receive a confirmation email.  

What do the national Reflections award winners receive? When will you announce the awardees?

State-winning Reflections submissions that advance to the national level go through two rounds of review by esteemed arts professionals across the country. Through the review, over 200 student Reflections participants are selected for recognition with the following awards from National PTA: Award of Merit, Award of Excellence and Award of Outstanding Interpretation. The national awardees are announced on May 1 and are celebrated throughout the following calendar year. 

Learn more about the awards and prizes offered to national level winners by National PTA at PTA.org/ReflectionsAwards.

How can I/my student artist participate in the Reflections program?

Students are eligible to participate according to the requirements set by their state PTA. Students or parents interested in participating in the Reflections program should begin by connecting with their local PTA.

Not sure if your school has a PTA? Ask your school administration or use this Find My PTA Lookup Tool to contact them. If you need further support or if your PTA does not support the Reflections program, visit your state’s Reflections website to understand what options for participation may be available to your family.

What are the deadlines to participate?

Each state PTA determines its own process and deadlines for Reflections submissions, so deadlines vary by state. Begin by connecting with your local PTA, and for further support visit your state Reflections website to find specific submission timelines and participation guidelines.

Does National PTA require PTA membership to participate in the Reflections program?

The Reflections program is an opportunity made available to students through local PTA units. Students are eligible to participate according to the requirements, including membership, set by their state PTA. National PTA does not accept individual entries.

Contact your state PTA office with eligibility questions and visit your state’s Reflections website for details to understand what options for participation are available to your family.

What are your guidelines on copyrighted materials?

The intention of the Reflections program is to encourage and showcase original artwork created by the student in response to the annual theme. Use of copyrighted material is not acceptable, and entries cannot establish association between the student and a trademark/business/material. Software may not provide the primary design of an entry and may only be used to enhance and/or present the work.

For specific questions regarding copyrighted materials, refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

Can a participant submit Reflections artwork created with a friend?

National PTA will recognize only one student as the award recipient for each entry, and they should be the primary creator of the piece—specifically, the interpretation of the theme and the execution of the piece. For specific questions regarding eligibility, refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.