PRICE CHANGE - ALL MATERIALS NOW INCLUDED!

A Pre-College Intensive in Classical Training and Portfolio Development

The PAA Summer Residency is an intensive, pre-college program designed for high school students preparing for college-level fine art programs. This rigorous, full-day residency mirrors the expectations of top art schools by combining technical training in classical drawing and painting with conceptual portfolio development.

Program Structure

Students divide their time between two key areas of study:

Morning Sessions - Classical Training in Advanced-Level Workshops: Students train alongside adult artists in PAA’s advanced studio courses, building technical fluency in still life painting, figure drawing, landscape painting, and portrait painting. Through direct engagement with observational study, material handling, and historical methods, students develop a strong technical foundation that will support their future artistic pursuits.

Afternoon Sessions - Creative Development: In structured creative development sessions, students expand upon their morning coursework, applying the principles of classical training to their independent, concept-driven projects. Advanced prompts challenge students to integrate historical methods with contemporary creative thinking, ensuring their portfolios demonstrate both technical ability and originality. These qualities are essential for competitive college applications.

Program Outcomes

By the end of the residency, students will:

• Master core disciplines of drawing and painting through intensive classical training.Develop a well-rounded, competitive portfolio that reflects both technical skill and creative direction.
• Gain confidence in their artistic practice through mentorship, critiques, and structured projects.
• Be fully prepared for college applications with a portfolio that demonstrates depth, craftsmanship, and individuality.

100 Hours of Work Time!

Equivalent to 80% of the work time available during the academic year (approx 123 work hours during the acadmeic year)

Program Details

Dates: July 21 - August 15

10:30AM - 4:00PM

Morning: Classical Training in PAA Adult-Level Courses

Afternoon: Portfolio Development based on Advanced Prompts

Join us this summer for a three day portrait painting workshop with live models!

Students will learn to accurately portray the sitter with a balanced composition. They will learn to see value, color, and composition through concrete methods and techniques.

Materials: We ask that each student brings one set of Marie's Gouache paint (18 colors). This can be purchased on Amazon or at Jerry's Artarama, located on US Rt 1. All other materials will be provided.

AUGUST 18, 19, 20

9:00AM - 12:00PM

TUITION: $395

LOCATION: 138 Nassau St, floor 2

Join us for a week-long camp where students will build their skills in drawing and painting, with a specific focus on animal subjects. Students will work from photo references, taxidermy specimens, and even live subjects!

Materials: Please bring one set of Marie's gouache paint (18 colors) which can be purchased on Amazon or at Jerry's Artarama on US Rt 1.

DATES: AUGUST 25 - 29

TIMES: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

TUITION: $650

LOCATION: 10 Nassau St, Suite 23

Please email "enrollment@princetonacademyofart.com"  to request your application link for our full time program and digital registration form for part-time study. This includes registrations for night classes.

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025. Please see below for class schedule:

Evening Classes:

• Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM
• Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM

Daytime Classes (10:30 AM–5:00 PM):

• Monday – Portrait Painting
• Tuesday – Still Life & Landscape
• Wednesday – Planar Construction
• Thursday – Figure Drawing
• Friday – Still Life Composition & Art Theory

Princeton Academy of Art does not permit students to enroll in regular adult classes via our course catalog. At this time, our course catalog is used for adult workshops and youth program registrations only.

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 11, 2025 - June 4, 2026

The same PRECAD you love, one hour shorter!

The Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD) offers students aged 7 to 14 a structured introduction to classical drawing and painting. Rooted in traditional academic methods, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through carefully sequenced instruction and hands-on practice.

Students engage in projects that build essential skills in proportion, structure, value, and composition—forming the foundation for lifelong visual literacy. This early training also supports the development of graphomotor coordination and observational acuity.

Beyond technical skill-building, the program fosters creative exploration and encourages individual expression within a framework of historical context. Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic traditions through illustrated lectures and guided discussions, expanding their awareness of global art history.

The PRECAD curriculum is designed not only to produce confident young artists, but to instill an enduring appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and cultural depth of the visual arts.

This year’s program will be richer than ever before, featuring new special-topic lectures and expanded opportunities for off-site visits to museums and cultural institutions, further enriching students’ understanding, and life long appreciation of the arts.

The Princeton Academy of Art Pre-College Program is designed for students who wish to develop a strong foundation in the visual arts before entering a collegiate environment. Whether the student plans to pursue an art degree or whether art is their passion and will remain a part of their lives, students in this program get the chance to experience what visual arts in college will be like and will get to make work that reflects a deeper understanding of fine art in a global context.

Modeled after first-year programs at leading art institutions, this course emphasizes critical technical skills, conceptual development, and portfolio refinement. Through studio work, in-class and out of class lectures, and in-class workshops covering various course materials, students are equipped to meet the demands of higher education in the arts.

Students in this program explore the following interests:

• fine art
• architecture
• interior design
• computer animation
• fashion design
• animation
• concept art 

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 14, 2025 - June 7, 2026

The Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD) offers students aged 7 to 14 a structured introduction to classical drawing and painting. Rooted in traditional academic methods, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through carefully sequenced instruction and hands-on practice.

Students engage in projects that build essential skills in proportion, structure, value, and composition—forming the foundation for lifelong visual literacy. This early training also supports the development of graphomotor coordination and observational acuity.

Beyond technical skill-building, the program fosters creative exploration and encourages individual expression within a framework of historical context. Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic traditions through illustrated lectures and guided discussions, expanding their awareness of global art history.

The PRECAD curriculum is designed not only to produce confident young artists, but to instill an enduring appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and cultural depth of the visual arts. 

This year’s program will be richer than ever before, featuring new special-topic lectures and expanded opportunities for off-site visits to museums and cultural institutions, further enriching students’ understanding, and life long appreciation of the arts.

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 14, 2025 - June 7, 2026

The Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD) offers students aged 7 to 14 a structured introduction to classical drawing and painting. Rooted in traditional academic methods, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through carefully sequenced instruction and hands-on practice.

Students engage in projects that build essential skills in proportion, structure, value, and composition—forming the foundation for lifelong visual literacy. This early training also supports the development of graphomotor coordination and observational acuity.

Beyond technical skill-building, the program fosters creative exploration and encourages individual expression within a framework of historical context. Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic traditions through illustrated lectures and guided discussions, expanding their awareness of global art history.

The PRECAD curriculum is designed not only to produce confident young artists, but to instill an enduring appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and cultural depth of the visual arts.

This year’s program will be richer than ever before, featuring new special-topic lectures and expanded opportunities for off-site visits to museums and cultural institutions, further enriching students’ understanding, and life long appreciation of the arts.