FAQ - US Fine Art Education Center

Question 1

How do I enroll my child?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to get started is to register for a free trial class. Contact us by phone at (626) 287-7204 or fill out the registration form on our Contact page. A staff member will reach out to schedule your trial at the most convenient branch location.

Question 2

Is there a free trial class?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer a complimentary trial class for all new students. This gives your child a chance to experience our teaching style, meet the instructors, and see if the program is the right fit — with no commitment required.

Question 3

What age can my child start?

Accepted Answer

We welcome students as young as 3 years old in our Little Artists program. Our curriculum is designed to grow with each student, from playful early exploration all the way through advanced portfolio preparation for high school seniors.

Question 4

Does my child need any prior art experience?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Our programs are designed for complete beginners as well as experienced young artists. Our instructors assess each student's level during the trial class and place them in the appropriate group.

Question 5

What programs do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer four main programs: Little Artists (ages 3–5), Young Artists (Grades 1–5), Advanced Artists (Grade 6+), and Portfolio Prep & University Track for high school students. Each program follows our proprietary CTA (Creative Thinking through Art) curriculum.

Question 6

What is the CTA education system?

Accepted Answer

CTA stands for Creative Thinking through Art — our proprietary curriculum developed over 28 years of teaching experience. It combines structured technical training (drawing, painting, composition) with open creative exploration, ensuring students develop both the skills and the confidence to express themselves at the highest level.

Question 7

What art mediums are taught?

Accepted Answer

Students work with a wide range of mediums depending on their level: pencil drawing, watercolor, acrylic painting, oil painting, charcoal, ink, clay modeling, collage, and mixed media. Advanced students also explore digital art concepts and three-dimensional design.

Question 8

How are students grouped?

Accepted Answer

Students are grouped by age and skill level, not just grade. After the trial class, our instructors recommend the most appropriate class group. Students are reassessed periodically and may advance to a higher level as their skills develop.

Question 9

Where are your locations?

Accepted Answer

We have five branch locations across Southern California: Temple City, Arcadia, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, and Walnut. Each branch offers the same curriculum and quality of instruction.

Question 10

What are the class schedules?

Accepted Answer

Classes are offered Monday through Friday after school (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM) and on weekends. Saturday and Sunday classes run in two sessions: morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) and afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Specific availability varies by location — contact us for the current schedule at your preferred branch.

Question 11

How long is each class session?

Accepted Answer

Each class session is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Students in the advanced and portfolio tracks may have longer sessions to accommodate more complex projects and individual feedback time.

Question 12

Do you offer online classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have offered online classes and continue to accommodate students who cannot attend in person. Please contact us to ask about current online availability and scheduling options.

Question 13

How much do classes cost?

Accepted Answer

Tuition varies by program level and class frequency. We offer monthly tuition plans as well as semester packages. Please contact us or visit our Pricing page for current rates. The trial class is always free.

Question 14

Are there any registration fees?

Accepted Answer

There is a one-time registration fee for new students. This covers your student's initial assessment, placement, and materials kit. Please contact us for the current fee amount.

Question 15

Do students need to bring their own supplies?

Accepted Answer

For most classes, basic supplies are provided or included in the tuition. Advanced students may be asked to purchase specific materials for portfolio projects. Our staff will let you know exactly what is needed when you enroll.

Question 16

Can US Fine Art help my child get into a top university?

Accepted Answer

Our track record speaks for itself — graduates have been accepted to MIT, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and many other elite universities, often with full scholarships. Our Portfolio Prep program is specifically designed to help high school students build a compelling, cohesive portfolio that stands out in competitive admissions.

Question 17

When should my child start the Portfolio Prep program?

Accepted Answer

We recommend starting portfolio preparation no later than 9th or 10th grade to allow enough time to develop a strong body of work. However, students who have been in our program since a young age are often well-prepared to begin portfolio work earlier.

Question 18

Do you help with competition entries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our students regularly participate in national and international art competitions, including Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Congressional Art Competition, and many others. Instructors provide guidance on selecting and preparing pieces for submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Programs & Curriculum

Schedule & Locations

Tuition & Fees

University & Portfolio

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