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High school students collaborating on art and design projects in a bright, hands-on classroom at ArtCenter.
Extension Programs

Summer Art & Design Classes for Teens

ArtCenter’s Summer Extension Programs 2026 offer a flexible range of short-term, project-based courses designed to introduce high school students to art and design.

Whether you're trying a creative field for the first time or preparing for a future in art and design, these programs extend ArtCenter’s culture of making, critique, and mentorship to a new generation of creators.

Students learn directly from experienced faculty while working through real-world creative processes in a supportive studio environment.

One-Week Courses

Brief, intensive introductions to specific skills or creative fields.

  • Ideal for trying something new
  • Fast-paced, focused learning
  • Early Bird Tuition: $880 (save $50 — available through June 1)

Three-Week Intensives

Extended programs designed for deeper immersion and portfolio development.

  • More time to refine projects
  • Stronger focus on the creative process and outcomes
  • Early Bird Tuition: $2,640 (save $150 — available through June 1)

Courses run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
All course fees include equipment, supplies, and lunch.

Connect with Your Creative Future

Build art and design skills in a hands-on studio environment this summer at ArtCenter

Register TodayView Classes

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help and look forward to hearing from you.

ArtCenter Extension

626 396-2319
acx@artcenter.edu

Summer teen student work

Have Questions Before You Register?

Get clear answers on schedules, materials and what to expect.

View FAQs

Entertainment Design alumna finds career path through ArtCenter for Teens

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Jump to: July 6–10 (One-Week Courses) | July 13–31 (Three-Week Intensives) | August 3–7 (One-Week Courses)

July 6–10 (One-Week Courses)

/Student presents his car design during critique
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Exploring Creative Careers
/In figure drawing, students work from live models to build confidence in capturing movement, anatomy, and expression.
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Figure Drawing
/Students design original sneakers, learning sketching, form, and material details.
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Designing Sneakers
/High school student sketching original characters in Character Design class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, exploring expression, pose, and storytelling.
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Introduction to Character Design
/High school student taking photos in Digital Photography class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, learning composition and lighting techniques.
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Digital Photography
/High school student building a scale model in Interior Design class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, designing immersive spaces.
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Designing Interior Spaces

July 13–31 (Three-Week Intensives)

/Student building an interactive project in Interaction Design class at ArtCenter Summer Extension using creative coding and digital tools.
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Sketchbook to Screen: Design and Technology
/Game Design class with student creating original game concepts through storytelling and worldbuilding at ArtCenter Summer Extension.
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Secrets of Game Design
/High school student designing characters and environments in Character and Worlds class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, sketching scenes and figures.
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Character & Worlds

August 3–7 (One-Week Courses)

/High school students sketching in Creature Design class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, working on an animal sketch.
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Creature and Animal Design
/High school students sketching in Car Design class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, working on vehicle sketch.
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Designing Cars
/High school student designing a digital poster in Digital Design class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, combining typography, images, and color.”
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Digital Design
/High school student sketching a fashion figure in Fashion Illustration class at ArtCenter Summer Extension, rendering garments and fabric details from a live model.
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Fashion Illustration and Drawing the Costumed Figure
Gallery

Summer Teens Program

A New Chapter for Extended Studies

ArtCenter’s Extended Studies programs have long created opportunities for creative learners. For years, programs like Saturday High, ArtCenter at Night, and ACX have helped thousands build skills and grow creatively.

Next year, Extended Studies will enter a new chapter with refreshed programming and new opportunities for professional creatives—whether they want to learn new skills, advance their careers, or prepare for college.

Start Creating at Your Own Pace

Choose from a series of artist-inspired activities designed to help you reflect, design, and express your ideas—whenever inspiration strikes.

Explore Self-Guided Activities
Photography student working on a lighting project

Start Creating This Summer

Register TodayView Classes