Children’s Art Center’s Top Ten FAQs

1. What is an "Art Studio"?
(Often followed by, Is it the same as "Total Anarchy?")
Most of SFCAC’s classes are organized around an "art studio" format. Teachers always have projects, media or techniques that they may want to introduce from week to week, but these projects do not take precedence over what your child may want to work with. If students aren’t engaged with the presented materials or activities, the Teacher will take their cue and guide the class in a more appropriate direction. All classes for children under age 5 are Art Studio; kids aged 5-10 have the option of continuing in an Art Studio, or focusing on a specific media or theme in a "topic" class (like "People, Places & Things" or "Sculpture"). Topic classes, though concentrated around a particular concept, still follow an art studio, student-driven format.

2. Do you teach formal fine art skills like Drawing and Painting?
No. Some of our classes for older kids (5+) may focus on drawing, painting, sculpture, or other disciplines, but these classes are not taught from a formal fine art perspective. Teachers may touch on formal techniques when necessary, if students request it, and introduction of the technique is developmentally appropriate for the age group. The mastering of a given technique would never be emphasized over the experience of the creative process itself.

3. What’s the difference between a "Just For Twos" and "2 3/4 to 4 Year-Olds" class?
For many children in the Twos classes - whose ages may range from the minimum of 27 months, up to 3 and even older - parent separation is usually more of an issue than it is for the children in the 2 3/4 to 4s. The Twos class is also shorter (one hour, as opposed to 1-1/2 hours), the class size is limited to 9 children (versus a max of 10-12 in the other), and the average class age is generally a bit younger. If you’re not sure which class would be most appropriate for your child, talk to one of the Teachers, or call the office at (415) 771-0292.

4. Do parents participate in your classes? If not, do I have to leave?
Parents don’t participate in Children’s Art Center classes, but we would never expect you to leave until you and your child feel comfortable with your doing so. Teachers are well-versed in facilitating a child’s transition into the new, "parent-free" environment, and can usually sense (and will let you know) when your child will be OK without you there. Until then, feel free to make yourself comfortable on the sofa!

5. What is your Student/Teacher Ratio?
The student/teacher ratio in "Just for Twos" classes is 4 to 1; in all other classes, the ratio is 6 to 1.

6. Can we try a "trial" class before I enroll my child?
Absolutely! Drop-ins are welcome (with advance notice), though we always encourage regular enrollment, particularly for younger children, in order for them to gain the most benefit from the program. If you’d like to try a drop-in first, it’s best to do so in the class in which you’re considering enrolling. We’ll include your "trial" class with your pro-rated tuition if you decide to enroll; if you choose not to, the one-time drop-in fee is $20-$30, depending on the class.

7. Am I too late to enroll for this session?
Oh, by no means, no! The Children’s Art Center has ongoing enrollment year-round: classes are not "cumulative," so your child will not have missed anything in previous classes that is crucial to what’s happening today. And your tuition will, of course, be pro-rated for the current (Fall, Spring or Summer) session.

8. Is there tuition assistance available?
A limited number of scholarship funds are available, based on need, to provide tuition assistance, with preference given to new students. Click HERE for more information about scholarships.

9. Do you have a Summer Camp?
In addition to regularly scheduled classes, we offer special 4-day weekly Workshops for 5 1/2-12 year-olds during Summer session Monday through Thursday afternoons. A different Workshop is offered every week. We don’t have "day-long" activities available, but we have many other classes here throughout the week! See our class schedule for a complete listing of our regular classes as well as our Big Kids Weekly Workshops!

10. Can our school take a field trip to the Children’s Art Center?
Depending on current enrollment, the Art Center may be available for "art field trips" of groups of up to 15 children during the week or on weekends. Call the SFCAC Office at (415) 771-0292 for details.