Kailee TonesDo your walls at home feature an ever-growing gallery of stick figures? If so, you’re probably familiar with the challenge of channelling your child’s creativity into something more structured—ideally without the need for a full house repaint.
That’s exactly why we reached out to fellow aspiring artists and parents for their real-world recommendations. We combined their insights with our own selection criteria to create this guide to the best art schools in Toronto.
How much does going to an art school cost in Toronto?
Art schools in Toronto normally cost around $7,000 to $30,000, depending on whether the academy you’re going to is for domestic undergrads or for international students.
1. Toronto School of Art
Address: 24 Ryerson Ave
Contact details:
- +1 416-504-7910
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday and Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
In 1968, Barbara Barrett and a group of passionate students founded the Toronto School of Art. They started out hiring a teacher and met regularly for lessons.
The academy was initially named Art School Toronto and had only three instructors before becoming one of the city’s premier institutions.
Today, they offer a vast selection of curricula, with over 12 disciplines and 70 courses, including drawing, ceramic arts, printmaking, and painting.
Their classes cater to teens and adults. Young students can develop foundational skills through their youth programs and later transition to more advanced adult courses. However, they don’t provide lectures for kids below 11 years old.
On the flip side, several people we spoke to appreciate the school’s online courses, which are cheaper than a traditional studio setup because they don’t have to pay for facility costs.
The instructors are amazing artists and great at teaching and providing feedback
“I have taken multiple classes here, my favourites being the Life Drawing course taught by Thomas Hendry and Painting Foundations by Brian Harvey. The instructors are amazing artists and great at teaching and providing feedback, while allowing students to maintain their own voice in art. The studios are spacious, equipped and quiet. I highly recommend TSA to any one looking to deepen their skills in art.”
– Helia Sehat, Google Review
My instructor showed interest in my development and was patient in teaching me
“I wanted to make sure I give this school the review it deserves. Throughout the years, I took two courses: one was an anatomy drawing class several years ago followed by ‘Perspective’ with Lindsey Rosenow. Each time I received technical expertise, lots of attention, and a solid learning experience that left me feeling satisfied. As an instructor, Lindsey Rosenow , showed interest in my development and was patient in teaching me trickier elements whilst being one of the kindest teachers I have ever come across. I highly recommend this school and its lovely teachers.”
– P M, Google Review
2. Toronto Art Class
Address: 5460 Yonge St unit 303, North York
Contact details:
- +1 416-892-1661
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 4 PM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM to 7 PM
Toronto Art Class specializes in art portfolio preparation classes for students. This means they help curate a compilation of artworks for college and university applications.
They offer classes for aspiring students looking to pursue a professional career in illustration, fine art, interior design, and graphic design, ensuring their portfolios are tailored to their chosen field.
What we love about their approach is that they value creativity more than technicality. They know that most top academies are interested in seeing rough but experimental pieces that reflect the artists’ personality.
If you need clarity before committing, take advantage of their free consultation to ask all your questions. Most people we spoke to appreciated this kind of complimentary discussion, which not all institutions offer.
That said, all their programs primarily focus on portfolio building for new high school graduates, which makes them suitable only if you’re preparing for art school enrollment.
They’re encouraging and create a positive environment to let students learn
“I have attended Toronto Art to prepare my portfolio. I highly recommend taking classes here, not only just for the students who needs help preparing portfolios but also for anyone who just wants to learn art for fun. Jun is an excellent teacher & instructor who is very knowledgeable and passionate about art. Janet is extremely devoted to help students to get into schools that they want. They are both encouraging and creates a positive environment to let students learn and enjoy themselves at the same time. I have improved my skills greatly with their help and was able to get into my top choice school.”
– Hyesoo Kim, Google Review
The staff is very knowledgeable, and their guidance was vital to my success
“I attended Toronto Art Class over the course of two years. The staff is very knowledgeable and their guidance was vital in my successful Sheridan animation application. Almost every weekend I went to the instructed life drawing here, and I think this really made the difference. They have consistently good models, and Jun is a fantastic instructor. Going to these in person classes has the added benefit of being amongst peers, and being able to talk to others who are going through the same thing as you. The peer support really helps during the tougher moments of preparing a portfolio.”
– Adam Leitch, Google Review
3. Art Academy at Art-Kitect
Address: 401 Danforth Ave Front
Contact details:
- +1 647-368-4011
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 2:30 PM to 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 2 PM
Art Academy at Art-Kitect combines classical realism techniques and contemporary art practices through courses designed for children and teens aged four to 17 years old.
To bring this education to life, students explore various mediums throughout the academic year, including pencil, oil paint, acrylic, and watercolour.
Although they offer adult programs, they’re fewer compared to other schools. If you’re looking for advanced lessons, it would be best to visit a different institution.
One notable advantage is their option for a one-time trial class before full enrollment. We find this extremely helpful in determining if the program is the right fit for your kid.
Most parents commended the school for being beginner-friendly. Their lectures are structured with step-by-step instruction, making the process fun and easy to follow.
Our kids felt welcomed, encouraged, and safe to express themselves
“We absolutely love this art studio! From the very first class, our kids felt welcomed, encouraged, and safe to express themselves. The teachers are incredibly sweet, patient, and truly passionate about what they do. I’m honestly amazed at how much my children have learned — not just how to draw, but how to see and understand art. Every time they come home, they’re proud of what they’ve created and can’t wait for the next session!”
– Anna K, Google Review
I appreciate that there’s a bit of art history that goes into the classes
“After attending a very cool birthday party at Art-Kitect, we decided to try out their kids art classes. We’re so happy we did! My daughter has been going for two years so far and has had a wonderful experience. The instructors and space are excellent, and I love that they use a variety of media, drawing, painting, clay, etc. They also learn about and take inspiration from famous artists, so I appreciate that there’s a bit of art history that goes into the classes. Finally, it’s so helpful to working parents that they offer an after-school program where they pick up the kids from school and walk them to the studio, as well as PD and summer camps.”
– Tania Jordanova, Google Review
4. ART WORKSHOP
Address: 191 Eglinton Ave East, 3rd floor, suite 302B, buzzer code 3022
Contact details:
- +1 416-967-5746
- [email protected]
Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM
Maria, founder of ART WORKSHOP, boasts over two decades of teaching experience. She and her small team operate in a tutorial group environment, providing personalized instruction tailored to the students’ interests.
The school offers drawing and painting lessons for all ages, from one-on-one sessions and couples classes to family discussions.
Students appreciate that they provide all the necessary materials, making their courses relatively cost-effective.
We love their “start when you want, come when you can” policy. This means that you can reschedule your missed classes without penalty.
One thing we noticed, though, is that the academy has only one suite, which limits the number of students they can accommodate at once.
The classes are flexible, and the environment is very friendly
“I really can’t explain how much confidence Art Workshop has instilled in me as a beginner. I’ve always wanted to try life drawing but was too intimidated until I started going to Art Workshop. Maria is a fantastic teacher and her tips have truly helped me improve my drawing. A year later, I can definitely see how much these sessions have equipped me with new skills. Also, the classes are flexible ( you can choose when works best for you) and the environment is very friendly. This is your sign to give it a shot if you’ve been wanting to improve your art but don’t know where to go for classes!”
– Mel R, Google Review
Her encouragement has pushed me to explore various materials and styles
“I’ve been attending Maria’s art classes for a few years now, and the growth in my skills has been phenomenal. Her encouragement and expertise have pushed me to explore various materials and styles, helping me break out of my comfort zone. The Wednesday night figure drawing sessions are my favourite, thanks to Maria’s excellent coordination of models and her ability to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone involved. Five stars all the way!”
– Sonya Padovani, Google Review
5. Avenue Road Arts School
Contact details: [email protected]
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 6 PM
Avenue Road Arts School’s history dates back to 1979, when founder Lola Rasminsky, a music teacher, began offering art lessons in her basement.
Now, she offers lectures on diverse art forms for children and adults, from painting and photography to performing arts.
The institution organizes an extensive yearly virtual course that includes over 100 classes, including landscape painting, contemporary impression, and experimental drawing.
What wowed us most was their Artistic Liberation program dedicated to neurodivergent students. The team creates a safe and nurturing environment where participants can develop their natural talent.
However, we advise you to enroll early because classes fill up quickly.
They facilitated an environment that created supportive groups of adult artists
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every art course I’ve participated in at ARAS over the past 5 years. The instructors have welcomed and supported our artistic development. Additionally, they facilitated a friendly environment that created numerous supportive groups of adult artists. If you are a beginner, intermediate or even an advanced artist and want to develop further, I highly recommend looking at any of their course offerings and talented instructors.”
– Warren Eberlin, Google Review
My 5-year-old kid enjoyed making her own art
“I signed both of my kids, Art Masterpieces(kindergarten) and Water-colour Painting (Grade 5). They LOVED it! My 5 year-old girl would sit 30 min before the class, and 30 min after the class, just enjoying making her own art! Monday becomes her favorite day of the week!”
– Jianshu Cui, Google Review
