At Idlewild Elementary School, creativity is part of the daily rhythm. From vibrant hallway displays to musical performances and hands-on visual art projects, students encounter the arts throughout the school day and in every classroom. That culture recently earned the school statewide recognition as a Tennessee Arts Academy 2026 Arts Rich School of Merit, honoring schools that provide exceptional access to arts education.
For visual and performing arts teacher and Orff music specialist, Allen Moody, the recognition reflects something students and families notice as soon as they walk through the building. “When you walk through our hallways, you’re immediately encapsulated in a wonderful art exhibit,” he said. “It's just such an arts-rich environment. When I think arts rich, I really do think Idlewild.”
Idlewild’s arts program extends beyond the classroom and into the community. Students participate in a wide range of performing and visual arts experiences while also connecting with the Memphis arts community. Partnerships with organizations like the Memphis Symphony Orchestra allow students to collaborate with professional musicians, including opportunities to perform in side-by-side concerts. Students are also exposed to theater, dance, and other artistic disciplines through partnerships with organizations such as Opera Memphis and New Ballet Ensemble & School. Those partnerships reflect the rich cultural environment of Midtown Memphis, where the school is located, and Idlewild educators say the surrounding arts community helps inspire students while reinforcing the importance of creative expression.
Inside the classroom, the arts are integrated with other subjects through the school’s commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. “It’s a school that chose to become STEAM and not STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics],” Moody said.
“Not because it was easier, but because it fit our school. In a lot of ways, the application was more challenging because you had to show more connections and more engagement between different subject areas,” he added.
At Idlewild, the arts aren’t limited to the music or visual arts classroom; they’re woven throughout the entire school day. Teachers regularly integrate creativity into other subjects, bringing artistic connections into lessons across grade levels. One kindergarten class is exploring Memphis music history through a partnership with the Stax Music Academy, where students learn about the legacy of Stax Records. “My kids come up to me in the music room already knowing about ‘Green Onions’ and the history of Booker T. & the M.G.'s; in kindergarten,” Moody said.
In another classroom, a third-grade science lesson on the solar system incorporates classical music, with students listening to The Planets while studying the planets. The school’s interdisciplinary approach will also be on full display during its upcoming STEAM Night, where students will explore engineering concepts alongside artistic ones, including coding melodies with robots in the music room.
Visual arts teacher Kelly Lindsey says watching students grow creatively over time is one of the most rewarding parts of the program. Throughout the year, students keep portfolios of their artwork so they can see their progress. “At the end of the year when they get all their artwork back, one of my favorite things is seeing their reaction,” she said. “They’ll say, ‘I can’t believe I did this in August, and look how awesome this is now.’”
Fine Arts teachers at Idlewild also have the special opportunity to work with students throughout their entire elementary journey, from kindergarten through fifth grade, allowing educators to see long-term growth and help students discover creative passions early. For Moody, the arts play an important role in helping students feel connected to school. “Seeing our children find a place where they can be heard and be happy and find joy in the school day is really special,” he said.
While Idlewild’s arts program continues to grow, educators say they hope to see similar opportunities expand across the district, particularly at the middle school level. Visual arts teacher Dawn Weaver noted that many elementary schools offer strong arts instruction, but middle school programs can be more limited. Without consistent access during those years, students who develop an interest in the arts early on may have fewer opportunities to continue building those skills. Weaver hopes additional funding and support could help strengthen middle school arts programs across Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), creating a more seamless pathway for students who want to continue exploring visual art, music, theater, or other creative disciplines.
Idlewild educators say the district’s commitment to supporting arts teachers has also helped strengthen programs across MSCS. “We’re fortunate,” Moody said. “Our district does a great job of making sure we have professional development opportunities that are relevant to our content area. Our new teachers have mentors that specialize in their content who can come and assist.” That level of support, he added, is something educators from other districts often find impressive. “When I go present workshops for teachers in other places and they hear about that, they’re intrigued about MSCS because it’s something they would like to see their districts be able to do.”
With strong community partnerships, creative instruction, and a commitment to supporting educators, Idlewild’s recognition as an Arts Rich School of Merit reflects a larger culture where creativity thrives. “It’s just an environment that lets children explore their artistic talent,” Moody said. “It lets them be artistic and have the outlet they need to be successful.”