SPRING 2026
Middle School Program In-person courses for middle school students, ages 10-13
SPRING 2026
Early College Program In-person courses for high school students, ages 14-18
Middle School Program SPRING
In-person courses for middle school students, ages 10-13
Nurturing creative potential prepares children for life. At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), we believe self-expression and out-of-the-box thinking flourish when creative minds make art. Students learn to explore, imagine, and discover in their own unique ways. SAIC helps them on their path to becoming the creators, innovators, and problem-solvers of the future regardless of where their academic interests take them. For more information, visit saic.edu/msp.
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This spring, Middle School Program courses, available to students ages 1013, will be offered on our campus in Chicago’s Loop. Courses provide access to a wide variety of SAIC resources, including state-of-the-art classrooms, the John M. Flaxman Library, and the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest art museums in the United States. Courses are led by practicing artists and educators, and students make frequent visits to the museum for inspiration and instruction for their projects. At SAIC, middle school students build confidence and self-efficacy as they work with support from their mentors to find creative inspiration, bring their ideas to life, and collaborate with a community of artistic peers.
“The instruction was great. Age and skill-level appropriate. He learned new techniques, as well.” — MSP Caregiver, Drawing Studio: 10-13
“I made new friends and learned how to use apps that will help me in my life.” — MSP Student, Animation Studio: 10-13
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Middle School Program SPRING 2026 IN-PERSON COURSES, AGES 10-13 10-week courses meet on Saturdays. Class #
Title
Days/Time
2405 2421 2410 2403 2404 2416
Advanced Drawing Studio: 10-13 Animation Studio: 10-13 Comics and Graphic Novels: 10-13 Drawing Studio: 10-13 Drawing Studio: 10-13 Fashion Studio: 10-13
SA SA SA SA SA SA
9-12 1-4 1-4 9-12 1-4 9-12
No class March 21 and April 4 Cancellations and Schedule Changes: The School of the Art Institute of Chicago reserves the right to cancel or alter course fees, schedule, or staffing when circumstances warrant. If a cancellation or change is necessary, students will be notified before the first class, and students enrolled in cancelled courses can take another class or receive a full refund.
Course Descriptions Advanced Drawing Studio: 10-13 SA 9-12, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2405 This advanced course invites students with prior drawing experience to explore various materials and techniques that will expand their artistic abilities. While continuing to develop their technical skills, students will focus on using drawing to organize their thoughts and feelings and express their ideas. Students will work with various materials, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago will allow them to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects to inspire their studio work. Students will explore endless possibilities in a supportive environment that fosters growth and artistic confidence— whether experimenting with innovative processes or refining their unique style.
Animation Studio: 10-13 SA 1-4, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2421 In this exciting course, students learn principles of animation while exploring various techniques, including stop-motion, frame-by-frame methods, digitally modified video, and computer-aided techniques. Students will use digital tools such as laptops, still cameras, video cameras, sound recorders, iPads, sketchbook work, and other traditional processes to develop contemporary artistic hybrid methods. Students can repeat this course to continue building their skills.
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Comics and Graphic Novels: 10-13 SA 1-4, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2410 The course teaches skills in drawing and illustration, focusing on techniques such as penciling, inking, coloring, and understanding space and perspective. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, introducing students to character development, plot structure, scripting, and storyboarding. Students will explore various traditional and non-traditional mediums, including colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, digitally edited drawings, and handmade zines.
Drawing Studio: 10-13 SA 9-12, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2403 SA 1-4, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2404 In this course, students will express themselves through drawing and learn techniques and approaches to build their technical, spatial, and creative abilities. Working with various materials, students investigate contemporary subjects and themes through skills such as line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Open to students of all levels.
Fashion Studio: 10-13 SA 9-12, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2416 This course introduces young designers to fashion, emphasizing discovering their personal style while learning the technical skills that allow them to take their designs from concept to reality. Develop original ideas, find inspiration for fashion in the world around you, and respond to the work of other artists and designers. Explore sculptural draping using paper to create exciting experimental garments on the dress form and learn technical skills, including printing, embroidery, draping, and machine sewing.
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Early College Program SPRING
In-person courses for high school students, ages 14-18
Your ideas and vision. Our resources and mentorship. The freedom to explore. SAIC’s Early College Program (ECP) invites you to join us at the nation’s most influential art and design school this spring. What you can expect from our creative community: • Ideas Matter Here – explore new ideas that push boundaries. • Expert Instruction – learn from professional artists, designers, and scholars who are passionate mentors. • Art Institute of Chicago Museum Access – get inspired by one of the largest art museums in the United States. • Preparation – the skills you learn will help you in the classroom, and as you start a portfolio of work, should you be interested in pursuing art and design at the college level. For more information, visit saic.edu/ecp.
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“I feel the course helped me grow as an artist by showing me new materials and pushing me to try new things.” — ECP Student, Drawing Studio
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Early College Program SPRING 2026 IN-PERSON COURSES, AGES 14-18 10-week courses meet Saturdays and Sundays. Class #
Title
Days/Time
2442 2422 2445 2456 2407 2417 2455 2408 2441 2438
Advanced Drawing + Painting Animation Studio Creative Writing Digital Drawing + Illustration Drawing Studio Fashion Construction Fashion Design + Construction Figure Drawing From Drawing to Painting Oil Painting
SU SU SU SU SA SU SU SU SU SU
2-5 2-5 10-1 10-1 1-4 2-5 10-1 10-1 2-5 2-5
No class March 16-22 and April 4-5 Cancellations and Schedule Changes: The School of the Art Institute of Chicago reserves the right to cancel or alter course fees, schedule, or staffing when circumstances warrant. If a cancellation or change is necessary, students will be notified before the first class, and students enrolled in cancelled courses can take another class or receive a full refund.
Course Descriptions Advanced Drawing + Painting
SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2442
In this course, students will focus their interests and refine their skills to create strong, portfolioquality work. This advanced course is intended for students with previous drawing and/or painting experience who are ready to experiment, take risks, and push their skills to the next level. Led by their projects and goals, students may work in various media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, contemporary artist presentations, group critiques, daily writing exercises, and class discussions supplement the studio experience.
Animation Studio
SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2422
Explore traditional and digital animation techniques like frame-by-frame, stop motion, and more. Beginning with sketches and storyboards, complete several projects focusing
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on communicating ideas through motion studies, character and environment development, storytelling, and other cinematic devices. Develop a final project based on individual goals and interests using various tools throughout the course. Basic drawing and computer experience are required.
Creative Writing
SU 10-1, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2445
Learn how to craft short stories, monologues, poetry, and personal essays, as well as edit, revise, and workshop your writing with your peers. Push your skills through journaling, freewriting, writing through music, digging through memories and dreams, and other methods of responding to the world in written form. All levels are welcome.
Digital Drawing + Illustration
SU 10-1, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2456
Begin with traditional media and processes and then translate your ideas digitally into programs such as Procreate. Presentations will feature work by contemporary illustrators pushing the field forward using new approaches to markmaking.
Drawing Studio
SA 1-4, 2/7-4/25 (no class 3/21, 4/4), #2407
Develop and strengthen fundamental skills as you investigate various traditional and contemporary drawing materials and concepts. Explore essential elements of 2D design and contemporary art by studying line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. All levels are welcome. Note: This course may use nude models hired by the School.
Fashion Construction
SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2417
Learn how to design, construct, and sew garments. Develop original pattern blocks, explore drafting and draping, and document three-dimensional explorations with photography and/or drawing. The work produced in this class allows students to reflect and expand on their personal style and ambition while learning the skills to construct a garment from start to finish.
Fashion Design + Construction
SU 10-1, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2455
This course combines elements from the Early College Program’s Fashion Design and Fashion Construction courses. It is for students interested in exploring modern fashion design techniques and garment construction. Participants will develop skills in design research, styling, draping, fabric selection, pattern making, and
sewing. This class is an excellent opportunity for those starting in fashion who wish to explore various pathways in the field. No prior experience is necessary to enroll in this course.
Figure Drawing
SU 10-1, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2408
Discover the beauty of the human form in this dynamic drawing course, where students work from the nude model to develop their observational skills and gain skills in representing proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone.
From Drawing to Painting
SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2441
Do you have a background in drawing and are ready to learn to paint? This course explores skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form, function, and palette through drawing and painting. Various traditional and contemporary materials, such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and collage, are used. By the end of the course, students will have expanded knowledge of materials and the ability to transition from drawing to painting. All levels are welcome.
Oil Painting
SU 2-5, 2/8-4/26 (no class 3/22, 4/5), #2438
Dive into the world of color theory, composition, and proportion, and engage in observational painting and exciting exercises that inspire you to discover your unique style. Students learn essential skills, from stretching a canvas and laying out a palette to mastering various paint application techniques and color mixing.
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Middle School Program
Registration Register online at continuingstudies.saic.edu. Call 312.629.6170 or email cs@saic.edu if you have any questions about online registration.
Tuition
Spring 2026 courses for ages 10-13: $648
Supplies
Supplies will be provided.
Refund Policy
A 100 percent tuition refund may be issued one week prior to the session start date. No refunds will be issued after this date. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to cs@saic.edu and include the student’s name, 7-digit ID number, and course information. Refunds take four to six weeks to process. Note: Nonattendance does not constitute an official withdrawal, nor a cancellation of tuition and fees. Cancellations and Schedule Changes: Continuing Studies reserves the right to cancel or alter the fees, schedule, or staffing of courses when circumstances warrant. If a cancellation or change is necessary, students will be notified before the first class, and students enrolled in cancelled courses will have the option of taking another class or receiving a full refund.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships. Visit saic.edu/mspfinancialaid for more information and how to apply. Additional information regarding registration can be found by visiting saic.edu/msp.
Early College Program
Registration Register online at continuingstudies.saic.edu. Call 312.629.6170 or email cs@saic.edu if you have any questions about online registration.
Tuition
Spring 2026 noncredit courses for ages 14-18: $648 High school juniors and seniors, ages 15-18, have the option to enroll in spring 2026 courses for 1.0 credit for $1,908.
Supplies
Supplies are the responsibility of the student. Students will receive a supply list in the first class meeting for in-person courses and in the week prior for online courses. The cost of supplies varies by course, and can range between $50 and $200. Students may need to purchase additional supplies for specific projects as needed.
Refund Policy
A 100 percent tuition refund will be issued one week prior to the session start date. No refunds will be issued after this date. All requests to drop a course must be submitted in writing to cs@saic.edu and include the student’s name, 7-digit ID number, and course information. Refunds take four to six weeks to process. Note: Nonattendance does not constitute an official withdrawal, nor a cancellation of tuition and fees. Cancellations and Schedule Changes: Continuing Studies reserves the right to cancel or alter the fees, schedule, or staffing of courses when circumstances warrant. If a cancellation or change is necessary, students will be notified before the first class, and students enrolled in cancelled courses will have the option of taking another class or receiving a full refund.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available in the form of limited need-based aid and scholarships where need is not a requirement. Visit saic.edu/ecpfinancialaid for more information and how to apply. Additional information regarding registration and financial assistance can be found by visiting saic.edu/ecp.
Ranked #2 fine arts graduate program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
SAIC also offers courses for adults! Visit saic.edu/ace for more information.
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continuingstudies.saic.edu
REGISTER ONLINE:
Courses begin February 7 & 8, 2026
SPRING 2026
saic.edu/ecp
Early College Program
saic.edu/msp
Middle School Program 116 South Michigan Avenue, 6th floor Chicago, IL 60603