In addition to the various programs open to the public, Philbrook is dedicated to teaching the importance of art education to area schools. Philbrook provides various programs that bring visual art to local, at-risk public schools. One particular program, ArtReach is designed to teach art education to elementary school students who are in schools that do not have a full time art teacher or formal art program.

ArtReach currently works with fourteen area elementary schools. Each school sends ten students to the Philbrook Museum once a week for a total of six weeks. In that time, the teaching artist from the museum_„îin coordination with the elementary school teachers_„îteach six different art concepts to the students.

Public programs are an important part of the education program at Philbrook. Each is planned to increase the visitors' enjoyment and understanding of the museum's collection, gardens and special exhibitions through gallery talks, lectures, films, and reading groups. An array of programs are planned specifically for each special exhibition.