Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: A Parent & Student Guide

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are one of the longest-running and most respected creative competitions for middle and high school students in the United States. Established in 1923, the program recognizes original artistic and literary work by students in grades 7 through 12.

Each year, students submit original art or writing pieces to be reviewed by panels of educators, artists, and writers. The awards aim to identify creativity, originality, and thoughtful expression, rather than polished professionalism.

For families, the program offers a structured way for students to explore creative interests, receive external feedback, and gain recognition for their work.

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to:

• Students in grades 7–12
• Typically ages 13 and older
• Students residing in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada

Submissions are first judged at the regional level, which allows students to compete within their local area. High-scoring regional entries may advance to the national level.

Why Families Consider the Scholastic Awards

Parents often look into the Scholastic Awards for several reasons.

First, the program provides credible, third-party recognition. Because it has existed for over a century and is widely recognized by schools and educators, it carries more weight than informal contests or online showcases.

Second, the process helps students build strong creative habits. Preparing a submission requires planning, revision, and reflection. These skills transfer well to academics, especially writing, research, and project-based learning.

Finally, award-winning students may receive scholarships, exhibitions, or publication opportunities, depending on the level of recognition earned. Even without winning, students benefit from the experience of submitting work to a formal review process.

Key Dates, Fees, and Submission Details

Most regions follow a similar annual timeline:

• Submissions typically open in September
• Deadlines usually fall between December and January, depending on region

Standard fees are:

• Around $10 per individual entry
• Around $30 per portfolio entry

Fee waivers are available for students with demonstrated financial need. Families should always check their local regional affiliate for exact deadlines and requirements.

Awards Levels and What They Mean

The Scholastic Awards are structured in tiers.

At the regional level, students may receive:

• Gold Key
• Silver Key
• Honorable Mention

Gold Key works are eligible to move on to national judging.

At the national level, selected students may receive:

• National Gold Medal
• National Silver Medal

National-level recognition often comes with additional opportunities, such as exhibitions, publications, or scholarship consideration. Importantly, not all strong work advances nationally, as selection depends on category volume and judging thresholds.

How Entries Are Judged (Selection Standards)

Judging across both art and writing categories generally focuses on three core criteria:

• Originality: Is the work clearly the student’s own voice or vision?
• Technical Skill: Does the student demonstrate age-appropriate control of craft, structure, or medium?
• Personal Expression: Does the work communicate a clear idea, emotion, or perspective?

Judges are not looking for professional-level polish. Instead, they value authentic thinking, intentional choices, and clarity of expression.

For writing, this often means a strong sense of voice and structure. For art, it means thoughtful composition and purposeful technique.

Categories Students Commonly Choose

The competition includes multiple categories.

In writing, popular categories include:

• Poetry
• Short Story
• Personal Essay & Memoir
• Dramatic Script

In art, common categories include:

• Drawing & Illustration
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Digital Art

Students are encouraged to select categories that best match their strengths rather than chasing perceived popularity.

How Students Can Prepare Thoughtfully

Preparation does not mean rushing to produce something new at the last minute.

Strong entries usually come from:

• Work created over time, not in a single sitting
• Multiple rounds of revision or refinement
• Feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted adults

Students benefit from focusing on:

• Clear ideas before stylistic complexity
• Explaining why they made certain creative choices
• Revising with purpose, not just correcting surface errors

Parents can help by supporting the process, not directing the content.

How Parents Can Support Without Taking Over

Parents play an important role, especially for first-time participants.

Helpful support includes:

• Helping track deadlines and requirements
• Proofreading for clarity (not rewriting)
• Assisting with formatting or photographing artwork
• Encouraging reflection after submission

What matters most is maintaining a growth mindset. The goal is learning and development, not simply winning an award.

Popular Platforms for Practicing Creative Art & Writing

Students preparing for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards benefit most from platforms that support creative exploration, portfolio development, and peer or mentor feedback, rather than basic drafting tools.

Creative Writing Platforms & Programs

• NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program
  A well-known program that encourages students to plan, draft, and revise original writing projects. It emphasizes process, consistency, and creative confidence—key skills for Scholastic submissions.
• 826 Digital
  Offers writing prompts, student publications, and workshops designed specifically for young writers. Many educators recommend it for developing voice and narrative clarity.
• Medium (for older students)
  Some high school students use Medium to publish personal essays or reflective writing, helping them practice audience awareness and revision before formal submissions.

Visual Arts & Design Platforms

• ArtStation
  Widely used by artists to showcase work and study techniques across illustration, digital art, and visual storytelling. Older students can use it for inspiration and portfolio thinking.
• Behance
  Helpful for students exploring design, photography, or mixed media. It exposes students to how creative work is presented and contextualized.
• DeviantArt
  A long-standing platform where teens often share artwork, receive feedback, and observe diverse artistic styles. It can help students build confidence and creative identity.

Practice Beyond Platforms

Many strong Scholastic submissions come from:

• Personal sketchbooks or writing journals
• Long-term projects developed over months
• School art studios, writing clubs, or mentorship programs

The most important factor is consistent creative practice paired with reflection and revision, not the platform itself.

Closing Reflection

Preparing for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is ultimately about developing strong thinking habits—clarity of ideas, structured expression, and persistence through revision.

While creativity is central, students also benefit from a solid academic foundation that supports reasoning and problem-solving across subjects. Math, in particular, is a core pillar of K–12 academic performance, strengthening logical thinking, structure, and analytical skills that transfer across disciplines. To support this foundation alongside creative growth, families can explore free K–12 math worksheets from Think Academy, designed to build essential math skills step by step and reinforce the thinking abilities students rely on in both academic and creative work.

About Think Academy

Think Academy, part of TAL Education Group, helps K–12 students succeed in school today by building strong math foundations and critical thinking skills. At the same time, we focus on the bigger picture—developing learning ability, curiosity, and healthy study habits that inspire a lifelong love of learning. With expert teachers, proven methods, and innovative AI tools, we support every child’s journey from classroom confidence to long-term growth.

Check our math programs:

• Early Childhood — PreK
• Lower Elementary — Grades K–2
• Upper Elementary — Grades 3–5
• Middle School — Grades 6–10

Want more insights on math learning and parenting? Fill out the form on this page and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly tips and the latest resources.