Pre-College Programs

Pre-college programs are designed for high school students interested in developing their artistic, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills through a wide range of classes. Participants will learn with other creative students under the guidance of our acclaimed faculty at the oldest Art Academy in the United States.  

Our classes help to develop strong traditional fine art making skills in combination with contemporary practices, enabling students to experiment and find their own personal voice. All students enjoy museum access, including the ability to study directly from artworks in the museum galleries. 

Teen and Pre-College Programs at PAFA are generously supported by the Pincus Family Foundation, PECO, the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, and FJN Charitable Foundation.

Students drawing

AFTER-SCHOOL STUDIO ARTS PROGRAM

You can build foundational art skills in a supportive studio environment through this free program designed for students from diverse backgrounds.

Student sculpting

SATURDAY STUDIO ART CLASSES

PAFA offers dedicated studio art programs for high school artists, where you can strengthen your portfolio, advance your skills, and experience college-level techniques. For middle school students, visit Saturday Studio Art Classes for Middle School Students.

Students sculpting in Cast Hall

SUMMER ACADEMY

You’ll push your abilities in this rigorous four-week, college-level art-making program designed for motivated high school students at the nation’s first fine art school.

Student showing work

YOUTH COUNCIL

As part of PAFA’s free, paraprofessional after-school program, you’ll help shape youth engagement at the museum while building leadership and creative skills.

Parent and child, with rainbow face painting, posing.

YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS

You and your family can explore hands-on art-making, interactive gallery activities, and creative workshops that bring kids and parents together through imagination, learning, and play.

 

PAFA is a non-profit school accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
PAFA is an applicant for licensure with the State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

PAFA, like any other college or university, cannot guarantee that credit earned will transfer to another institution. Transfer of credit is regulated by the criteria established by the receiving institution. It is the student's responsibility to confirm whether credits will be accepted by another institution of the student's choice. All PAFA officials are required to accurately represent the transferability of any courses, programs, and certificates offered by PAFA.

 


Contact Us

PAFA offers programs for artists and art lovers of all ages and skill levels who want to learn about and make art.