The NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence is celebrated each year in October as part of National High School Activities Month, an initiative that serves to remind students, parents, coaches, administrators and others in communities across the country about the values and benefits of high school activity programs.

Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 262 individuals have received section awards and 428 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 221 individuals have received section awards and another 411 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time two years ago, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator Award, and 19 individuals have received section awards and 17 have earned state awards.   

The National High School Heart of the Arts Award was started by the NFHS in 2014. Over the past decade, the NFHS has utilized the honor to commend individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts and represent the core mission of education-based activities.