The south arts education study was conducted across nine different states, with consistent methodologies and response rates. The findings showed that a high percentage of students have some exposure to arts education- most prominently music and visual arts. There was a high adoption standards for arts instruction following state standards. This ranged from 69% to 95% between the four primary art forms. Kentucky stood out for the higher than average (compared to the regional results) access to dance. However other states mostly had low access to dance and theatre. Dance access in Kentucky highlights the need for more specific statewide studies, in order to inform and explain the regional trends.

The south arts education study was conducted across nine different states, with consistent methodologies and response rates. The findings showed that a high percentage of students have some exposure to arts education.