Dates: 

Session 1 (6 sessions): 9/16/2026 - 10/21/2026

Session 2 (6 sessions): 10/28/2026 - 12/09/2026 *SKIP 11/25 FOR THANKSGIVING*

Schedule: Wednesdays, 5 PM – 6 PM

Location: This class is located at our 10 Nassau St location

Meeting once a week, this course provides children ages 5–7 with a joyful and structured introduction to art-making.

Students will strengthen graphomotor skills while exploring creativity, penmanship, and early academic art principles. Students will be introduced to the traditions of classical drawing, offering them a foundation that supports both artistic and academic growth.

*Ask us about our sibling discounts! Send us an email at enrollment@princetonacademyofart.com*

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 17, 2026 - June 10, 2027

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.

Materials: Please have the Marie's 18 color gouache paint set, which can be purchased online or in person at Jerry's Artarama or on Amazon.

*This program is suitable for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors who have been enrolled in previous years may also enroll. If you are a senior and this is your first time in the program, please reach out to enrollment@princetonacademyofart.com for enrollment details.*

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 

Please see the materials list here.

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 20, 2026 - June 13, 2027

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.

Materials: Please have the Marie's 18 color gouache paint set, which can be purchased online or in person at Jerry's Artarama or on Amazon.

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 20, 2026 - June 13, 2027

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. 

Materials: Please have the Marie's 18 color gouache paint set, which can be purchased online or in person at Jerry's Artarama or on Amazon.

Thursdays, 7:00–9:00 PM

Figure Drawing Open Studio provides participants with dedicated time to draw directly from a live, nude model. Sessions include a range of poses, allowing participants to practice gesture, proportion, anatomy, structure, and sustained observation.

Open Studio is uninstructed and welcomes artists of varying experience levels. Participants should bring their own drawing materials and paper. Princeton Academy of Art provides easels, drawing boards, and clips for use during each session.

Mondays, October 26 - December 14 (8 weeks)

6:00pm-9:00pm

*This workshop is located at our second studio location, 10 Nassau St suite 23*

*ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED* Suitable for all skill levels

Ages 16+

In this workshop, students will learn to paint the portrait through the age-old technique of master copying. As they were done centuries ago in artist workshops, students will learn by creating small studies of historical, classical portraits. The workshop will conclude will a multi-week, larger copy of a portrait.

Wednesdays, 10/28 - 11/18

7:00pm-9:00pm

Join Princeton Academy of Art founder and director Anna Neis for a four week landscape painting workshop focused on the principles of classical landscape painting.

Students will study landscape concepts such as atmospheric perspective, value, and the effects of light within a landscape. Anna will demonstrate methods for simplifying complex forms, establishing depth, and developing structure before progressing into color and detail.

This workshop is suitable for students ages 16+, with or without previous instruction. 

Materials: please bring with you a set of standard oil paints, or colors such as those in this Marie's oil paint set.