The art specialties tested for the 2026 Middle School Entrance Exam in the United States include drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. These areas are chosen due to their foundational nature in the development of artistic skills and their relevance to various educational and career paths. Drawing and painting are fundamental to visual arts education, as they provide students with the basic skills necessary for understanding composition, color theory, and spatial relationships. Sculpture introduces students to three-dimensional art, fostering creativity and spatial awareness. Digital media, on the rise in the modern curriculum, equips students with skills essential for the digital age, including proficiency in graphic design and digital art tools.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that these art specialties are integral to a well-rounded education. According to the 2019-2020 School Year Data, 89% of public schools in the United States offered visual arts instruction, with drawing and painting being the most common subjects taught. Additionally, the integration of digital media in art education has been growing, with 75% of schools offering courses in digital art and design. These statistics underscore the importance of these art specialties in the middle school curriculum, as they prepare students for both academic and professional pursuits in the arts.