AFA · Arts for All
南加州艺术学院

AFA Arts for All — Bilingual Art School for Ages 4–18 in Monterey Park

AFA (Arts for All / Academy of Fine Arts) is a Chinese-English bilingual art school in Monterey Park, California, serving families across the San Gabriel Valley since 2004. AFA teaches students ages 4 to 18 through a five-level, eleven-stage curriculum. Over 1,000 AFA graduates have been admitted to top art and design colleges including RISD, Pratt, Parsons, ArtCenter and SVA.

Curriculum · five levels by developmental stage

  • Level 1 · Ages 4–6 — doodle creation, color discovery and sensory training. No prior experience assumed.
  • Level 2 · Ages 7–9 — imagination, form, color and material exploration.
  • Level 3 · Ages 10–12 — perspective drawing, art appreciation and critical thinking.
  • Level 4 · Ages 13–15 — professional training, masterwork analysis and college preparation.
  • Level 5 · Ages 16–18 — one-on-one portfolio guidance for RISD, Pratt, Parsons, ArtCenter, SVA, CalArts, SAIC and MICA.
  • Digital Art — iPad drawing and Photoshop, offered as its own track on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Mixed Media — cross-medium classes, one Sunday morning and one Sunday afternoon section.

Students are placed by demonstrated level rather than by age or by when they enrolled. A teacher determines placement during the trial class.

Class times and class size

All regular classes at AFA are held on weekends in two-hour sessions. Saturday: 1:00–3:00 PM and 3:00–5:00 PM. Sunday: 9:00–11:00 AM, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, 1:00–3:00 PM and 3:00–5:00 PM. Regular classes cap at 20 students; the college portfolio class (Portfolio & Photoshop) caps at 10, because each student's portfolio is built around the specific schools they are applying to.

Bilingual instruction

AFA teaches in both Mandarin Chinese and English, and teachers switch to match each student — children who speak only English, only Chinese, or a mix of both are all accommodated. Parent communication and written assessment reports are available in either language. This has been AFA's standard practice across more than twenty years serving Chinese-American families in the San Gabriel Valley.

Free trial class and aptitude assessment

The trial class at AFA is free and includes a one-on-one art aptitude assessment: the teacher observes the child's observation skills, motor control and sustained attention during a real class, then follows up with a written report (PDF) and a placement recommendation. Parents book at afaarts.com/trial with a name, phone number and the child's age range — about 30 seconds — and AFA calls back within 24 hours to confirm a time. Nothing needs to be brought; all materials are provided.

Student awards (verified records)

  • Vicky Zhang — 1st Place, California Statewide, 2026 State Fish Art Contest (Grades K–3).
  • LA County Library 46th Annual Bookmark Contest (county level): Jessica Huang (Grades 3–5, 1st Place, with a commendation from the LA County Board of Supervisors), Alison Lu (K–2, 1st), Jerry Lai (K–2, 2nd), Ryan Zhao (K–2, 3rd), Angelina Jiang (K–2, 3rd), Minying Luo (Grades 9–12, Honorable Mention), Angel Sham.
  • National PTA Reflections (council level): Angela Zhang (Visual Arts, Corona-Norco Council), Jordan Xu (Award of Merit, Garvey Council), Constance Guo (Award of Excellence).
  • Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (regional): Max Liang (Drawing, Honorable Mention).

Location and service area

AFA is located at 401 S Garfield Ave G-H, Monterey Park, CA 91754, in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, serving families in Monterey Park, Alhambra, Arcadia, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Temple City, South Pasadena and Pasadena. Phone +1 (626) 466-5161. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Book a free trial: afaarts.com/trial · Choosing a school in the SGV: How to Choose a Kids Art School in the San Gabriel Valley · 中文版首页: afaarts.com