Should My Talented Teen Be Taking Art Classes Outside of School?

This is a common question asked by parents of visually gifted teens. The answer is yes, if your teen shows strong creative interest or talent, art classes outside of school can provide essential development, mentorship, and opportunities that most regular school programs can’t offer.

But that’s only part of the story.

The real question isn’t should your talented teen take art classes.

It’s which ones, when, and why.

Not every extra class helps, and not every aspiring artist or designer benefits the same way. In fact, choosing the wrong class too early can undermine their growth. Let’s unpack what most parents don’t realize.

Why General School Art Classes Often Aren’t Enough

If your teen loves to draw, paint, build, or design, their school art classes might feel like a natural place to develop that passion. And for some students, they are. But for visually gifted teens, especially those considering a future in art or design, school-based programs are often too limited in one or more of these areas:

• Project depth: Assignments are short, shallow, and often focused on craft over concept.

• Teacher bandwidth: One teacher managing 25–30 students can’t give personalized feedback that can move the needle for your teen’s growth and progression.

• Curriculum gaps: Many programs don’t introduce key skills like observation drawing, figure work, or digital tools, all of which are essential for art school applications.

• Lack of focus: Most high school art classes do not allow for specialization that reflects the students interest. This lack of specialization produces work and subsequently a portfolio that is often generic and cookie-cutter.

What is the solution?

What the Video Showing the Value of Outside Art Classes

The Value of Art Classes Outside of School

Most general high school art classes do not feature projects that are based around a particular area of study or interest that the student wants to learn more about like product design, fashion design or animation.

Suppose your child has a specialized area of interest they want to pursue. In that case, general school art projects won’t address their needs or won’t have the depth or experience to help them improve. This can often lead to the gifted student feeling frustrated. Moreover, they never develop the unique projects that admissions officers and scholarship committees are looking for.

It has been my experience that when I speak to a teenager who is passionate about fashion design, interior design, UX design, automotive design or other specialized area of study, I am the first adult who is doing so who understands their passion for this subject. They go from feeling isolated to feeling like someone finally “sees” them and can grasp what they want to do. This can often be transformative and have a transformative effect on the quality of their artwork.

In other words, talented students can plateau in environments that aren’t built to challenge or stretch them. This is especially true in middle and early high school (ages 12–16) when foundational skills and habits are forming.

When Outside Art Classes Can Make a Huge Difference

Here’s when art classes outside of school tend to provide the most value:

1. Your teen wants more than the school can offer. They’re frustrated by overly simple projects or want to work on ideas in their area of interest (architecture, fashion, interior design etc.) but the class isn’t set up for that.

2. They’re spending hours drawing/designing at home but aren’t improving. Independent effort is great, but without guidance, students may reinforce bad habits or hit a technical ceiling.

3. They’re being told they have “talent,” but no one’s helping them grow it.

Praise alone isn’t a path. Development requires critique, challenge, and structured progression.

4. They’re starting to talk about art school, animation, or design as a career.  This is a turning point. The earlier you understand what those paths require, the more time your student has to build the skills and portfolio they’ll need.

What to Look For in Outside Art Classes

Not all art classes are created equal. Some are glorified craft clubs. Others are run by fine artists with no experience teaching teens.

Look for programs that:

1. Teach skill-building, not just self-expression. Can they learn perspective, value, anatomy, color theory?

2. Provide real feedback. Are students learning why something works or just being told “good job”?

3. Have instructors who understand pre-college development. Ideally, the instructor has experience with these kinds of specialized, art college portfolio projects, art portfolio coaching, teen instruction, or art college expectations.

4. Create a safe, encouraging environment. Teens are vulnerable about their work, especially those who care deeply about it. A growth-oriented, non-competitive space is key.

How to Know If Your Teen Needs Extra Art Instruction

Some parents worry: “Am I pushing too hard?” Others wonder if they’re doing enough. Most simply don’t know how to evaluate where their teen stands artistically. Here are a few signs your budding artist may benefit from an expert review:

• They’re asking for help but you don’t know what kind to give.

• You’re not sure if their work is strong compared to art school expectations.

• You see passion but don’t know how to support it without micromanaging.

• They’re self-taught, and you’re not sure what they might be missing.

What If My Teen Likes Art But Isn’t Pursuing It Seriously?

That’s okay too. Art classes outside of school can be beneficial even for students who don’t plan to go into the arts. Creative thinking, observation, confidence, and visual storytelling, are life skills that support many future paths. That said, for a student with strong interest or visible talent, it’s worth remembering: early support equals more options later.

Waiting too long can limit scholarship potential, admission outcomes, and creative confidence.

“What if they burn out?”

Pick one high-quality class rather than loading them up with too many. Burnout often comes from quantity, not quality.

“What if I choose the wrong program?”

Start with a trial class, or get an outside review of your teen’s current work to see what they actually need.

“What if they change their mind about art?”

No harm done. They’ll have developed valuable skills like discipline—and self-awareness that transfer to any future pursuit.

Outside art classes can absolutely support your teen’s creative growth but only if chosen intentionally. Not every class is right. Not every student needs the same kind of help. Have that conversation with your child about what they want to do and how serious they are about improving.

“If you or they are confused about direction, get a professional appraisal of their work. This will provide some objective answers and answer any questions you may have about the best way to move forward.”

Michael Santoro
Art College Prep

Michael Santoro‘s distinguished career spans more than thirty years, characterized by his dedication to innovation, timeless design, and fostering new talent. His influential work ranges from generating award-winning designs for Chrysler to his pioneering role in founding the Apple-specific case market with MacCase, all while actively guiding the next generation of creative professionals across a broad range of disciplines.