FALL 2025
Middle School Program
In-person courses for middle school students, ages 10-13
FALL 2025
Early College Program
In-person and online courses for high school students, ages 14-18
Middle School Program
FALL 2025
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), the nation’s premier art and design school, we understand that self-expression, out-of-the-box thinking, and cultural awareness flourish when kids make art.
With us, students learn to explore, imagine, and discover in their own unique ways. We help 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.
This fall, our Middle School Program courses will be offered on our campus in Chicago’s Loop. Our 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 world’s largest art museums. Middle school students make frequent visits to the museum for inspiration and instruction for their projects.
Courses are led by practicing artists and expert educators. 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 experience was wonderful. From taking them to the art museum across the street to painting projects, she always had fun and learned something new each week, which is all I could ask for.”
— MSP Caregiver, Painting Studio 10-13
“It was exciting, I learned about new techniques and new materials, and it was really fun.”
— MSP Student, Comics and Graphic Novels
Middle School Program
FALL 2025 courses, ages 10-13 (All MSP courses are in-person)
10-week courses meet on Saturdays.
No class from November 24 to November 30 (Thanksgiving Break).
Class # Title
#2444 Animation Studio: 10-13
#2430 Comics and Graphic Novels: 10-13
#2476 Drawing Studio: 10-13
#2477 Drawing Studio: 10-13
#2440 Fashion Studio: 10-13
#2463 Painting Studio: 10-13
9-12
9-12
9-12
1-4
1-4
1-4
Cancellations and schedule changes: Continuing Studies 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
Animation Studio: 10-13
SA 9-12, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2444
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 express contemporary artistic hybrid methods. Students can repeat this course to continue building their skills.
Comics and Graphic Novels: 10-13
SA 9-12, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2430
This 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, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2476
SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2477
In this course, students express themselves through drawing and learn techniques and approaches to build your technical, spatial, and creative abilities. Working with various materials, 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 1-4, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2440
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. Students develop original ideas, find inspiration for fashion in the world around them, 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.
Painting Studio: 10-13
SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2463
In this course, students explore various traditional and contemporary painting techniques. Projects include painting from observation and the imagination, and experimental approaches to mark-making. Students explore a wide range of materials, such as pastels, acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal, graphite, gouache, and colored pencils while developing skills in rendering, composition, use of shading, color blending, and layering processes. Regular visits to the Art Institute of Chicago to observe and sketch from paintings and sculptures inspire studio work. This course is designed for all levels.
Please note that our schedule is subject to change.
Early College Program
FALL 2025
In-person and online courses for high school students, ages 14-18
Your ideas and vision. Our resources and mentorship. The freedom to explore.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Early College Program (ECP) invites you to join us at the nation’s most influential art and design school this fall.
What you can expect from our creative community:
• Ideas Matter Here – with us you have the freedom to explore new ideas that push boundaries.
• ECP Faculty – professional artists, designers, and scholars who are passionate mentors.
• Access to our Art Institute of Chicago Museum – connect to one of the world’s largest art museums for inspiration.
• 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.
This fall, a majority of our courses will meet on campus, taking advantage of SAIC’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including our museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest collections of art in the world. We will also continue to offer online courses in the fall for those students and families who prefer the flexibility of virtual learning.
SAIC and the Art Institute of Chicago
In addition to the Art Institute’s famous collections of French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Surrealist work, the museum’s Modern Wing houses a world-renowned collection of 20th and 21st-century art. Students enrolled in ECP courses have unlimited access to the museum’s collections.
“I feel this course helped me grow as an artist by showing me new materials and pushing me to try new things.” — ECP Student, Drawing Studio
Early College Program
FALL 2025 in-person and online courses, ages 14-18
10-week courses meet Saturdays and Sundays. No class from November 24 to November 30 (Thanksgiving Break).
Key: = In-Person, = Online Class #
Cancellations and schedule changes: Continuing Studies 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 canceled courses can take another class or receive a full refund.
Course Descriptions
Advanced Painting and Drawing
SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2467
In this course, students will focus their interests and refine their skills to create strong, portfolio-quality 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
SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2443
Explore traditional and digital animation techniques like frame-by-frame, stop motion, and more. Beginning with sketches and storyboards, complete several projects focusing 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.
Architecture: Design and Drawing
SA 1-4, 10/4-12/13, (no class 11/29), #2416
This course introduces students to the process architects use to develop their ideas and concepts. Projects incorporate experimentation with form, basic drawing, perspective, drafting techniques, and 3D modeling. Students are presented with various prompts and design challenges and complete the course with a final presentation of their exploration, which may include prints, drawings, and 3D physical models. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago support student research and provide inspiration. No experience is needed for this course, but computer familiarity is helpful.
Please note that our schedule is subject to change.
Comics and Graphic Novels
SU 2-5, 10/5-12/14, (no class 11/30), #2429
Investigate visual storytelling and drawing strategies through the contemporary art forms of comics and graphic novels. Explore a variety of illustrative approaches, such as writing, storyboarding, penciling, and inking/coloring. Examine research approaches, narrative structures, material choices, and the integration of text and image. Previous drawing experience is helpful but not required.
Drawing Studio
SU 10-1, 10/5-12/14, (no class 11/30), #2428
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, 10/5-12/14, (no class 11/30), #2439
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 on and expand their personal style and ambition while learning the skills to construct a garment from start to finish.
Fashion Design
SU 10-1, 10/5-12/14, (no class 11/30), #2438
Develop skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping, and fabric selection; explore the history of fashion design; investigate contemporary designers and design practices; create unique textile and garment designs; and learn about clothing as a language. Students may explore resources such as SAIC’s Fashion Resource Center, which houses a library on fashion and the history of costume, individual garments and accessories of significant historical importance, and a rich collection of visual material inaccessible to the general public. All levels are welcome.
From Drawing to Painting
SU 2-5, 10/5-12/14, (no class 11/30), #2466
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 acquired the ability to transition from drawing to painting. All levels are welcome.
Portfolio Prep Studio (Online)
SU 2-5, 10/5-12/14, (no class 11/30), #2470
In this hands-on course, students will develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications and select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points of view as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also strongly emphasizes studio time and faculty support to create final projects that will enhance students’ overall portfolio presentation.
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
Fall 2025 courses for ages 10-13: $648
Supplies
Supplies will be provided.
Refund Policy
A 100 percent tuition refund will be issued if courses are dropped at least one week prior to the session start date. No refunds will be issued after this date.
All requests must be submitted in writing to cs@saic.edu and include the student’s name, 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.
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, emailing cs@saic.edu , or calling 312.629.6170.
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
Fall 2025 noncredit courses for ages 14-18: $648
High school juniors and seniors, ages 15-18, have the option to enroll in fall 2025 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 if courses are dropped at least one week prior to the session start date. No refunds will be issued after this date.
All requests must be submitted in writing to cs@saic.edu and include the student’s name, 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.
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, emailing cs@saic.edu , or calling 312.629.6170.
Cover images: Sylvia F., Honor O. (top), Eva H. (bottom)