Amid crossing currents of educational expectations pressing on principals, the author advocates for enhancing inclusion of the visual and performing arts. Although electives and clubs provide arts exposure to a selected few, many students do not receive consistent and high-quality arts experiences. Carefully planned, interdisciplinary arts education has the potential to provide a relevant and developmentally responsive curriculum that enhances learning for all. Drawing from a body of research, including a recent study of middle-level schools, this article presents strategies and benefits related to using interdisciplinary arts education as a foundation for presenting the visual and performing arts as integral components in educating the whole child. (Contains 2 online resources.)