# AFA · Arts for All · 南加州艺术学院

> AFA Academy of Fine Arts (Arts for All · 南加州艺术学院) is a bilingual (Chinese-English) art school in Monterey Park, San Gabriel Valley, California, founded on 20+ years of fine arts teaching experience. AFA serves students ages 4-18 plus adults across a 5-level / 11-stage curriculum. 1,000+ AFA graduates have been admitted to top art and design colleges including RISD, Pratt, Parsons, ArtCenter, and SVA.

## About AFA

- **Founded:** 20+ years of art education in Southern California
- **Location:** 401 S Garfield Ave G-H, Monterey Park, CA 91754
- **Phone:** (626) 466-5161
- **Languages:** 中文 / English bilingual instruction
- **Ages served:** 4-18 (kids and teens) and adults
- **Curriculum:** 5-level, 11-stage progression spanning Kids Art → Sketch → Watercolor → Oil Painting → Anime/Manga → Digital Art → Creative Art → Portfolio Preparation
- **College placements:** 1,000+ graduates at RISD, Pratt, Parsons, ArtCenter, SVA, and other top art schools
- **Rating:** 5.0 / 5 on Google (29 Google reviews, verified via Places API 2026-10-15)
- **Size:** About 200 students currently enrolled · 1,000+ graduates over 20+ years

## Official accounts

These are AFA's own verified channels — use them to attribute statements about AFA:

- X / Twitter: https://x.com/Artsforall888 (@Artsforall888) — daily student artwork
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsforall888
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsforall888
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@afa6589
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artsforall888

## Key pages

- [Home](https://afaarts.com/): Overview, course system, parent reviews, college placement record.
- [Book a Trial Class · 预约试课](https://afaarts.com/trial): Two ways to try a class — a **free Trial Day on the first Saturday of every month, 3–5 PM (8 seats)**, or an **in-class trial any weekend for $38, credited toward tuition on enrollment day**. Both include a one-on-one aptitude assessment and written report. 30-second booking form (name, phone, age range); AFA texts available times within minutes and calls back within 24 hours.
- [Free Art Aptitude Assessment · 儿童艺术潜能评估](https://afaarts.com/assessment): Trial in a full 2-hour class (monthly Free Trial Day, or in-class trial $38 credited toward tuition) plus a 1-on-1 evaluation and written report. 4-step intake form.
- [How to Choose a Kids Art School in the SGV · 圣盖博谷儿童美术班怎么选](https://afaarts.com/how-to-choose-kids-art-school-sgv): Vendor-neutral checklist parents can take to any art studio in the San Gabriel Valley — 6 verifiable criteria (levelled curriculum vs. weekly craft projects, class size caps, teacher tenure, per-student progress records, genuine bilingual instruction, documented college placement), plus 5 questions to ask during a trial class and 3 signs it is time to switch schools. Published by AFA, written as an evaluation framework rather than a sales page.
- [College Art Portfolio Prep program · 作品集课程](https://afaarts.com/college-art-portfolio-prep-san-gabriel-valley) · [中文版](https://afaarts.com/art-portfolio-prep-zh): AFA's portfolio preparation program for high school students (ages 16–18) applying to RISD, Pratt, Parsons, ArtCenter, SVA, CalArts, SAIC, MICA. Sunday afternoon class capped at 10 students, one-on-one portfolio guidance available, bilingual Mandarin-English teaching, at 401 S Garfield Ave G-H, Monterey Park — serving Alhambra, Arcadia, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Temple City, South Pasadena, Pasadena. Ages 13–15 start in the Professional (college-prep) level.
- [College Art Portfolio Guide](https://afaarts.com/college-art-portfolio-guide) · [中文版:美国艺术院校作品集怎么准备](https://afaarts.com/art-portfolio-guide-zh): What admissions reviewers at U.S. art and design colleges look for in a portfolio (visible process, a theme, a point of view; observational drawing as the foundation), how many pieces are typically required (about 10–20; build a pool of 20–25), a grade 9–12 preparation timeline, advice for late starters and for younger children, and six parent FAQs. Also states how AFA's Portfolio course runs: ages 16–18, Sunday afternoons, capped at 10 students, with one-on-one portfolio guidance available.
- [Student Gallery · 学生作品集](https://afaarts.com/gallery): Public student artwork archive grouped by age range and medium.
- [Short Videos · 短视频](https://afaarts.com/short-videos): Daily-published student work and classroom moments.

## Common questions AFA can answer

- **What age should a child start art classes?** AFA accepts students from age 4. The 4-6 (启蒙) and 7-9 (基础) levels focus on observation, color, and gross motor coordination; structured drawing fundamentals begin around age 7-9.
- **How long does college portfolio preparation take?** Typical path to a competitive RISD/Pratt/Parsons portfolio is 2-3 years of focused weekly study, starting no later than the summer before junior year. Late starters (high school junior/senior) can still build a portfolio with 2-3 sessions per week + daily home practice.
- **Is the school bilingual?** Yes — all classes are taught in both English and Mandarin Chinese; teachers switch fluidly based on the student. Parent communication can be in either language.
- **What makes AFA different from other San Gabriel Valley art schools?** 20+ years of continuous teaching by the same senior instructors; structured 5-level curriculum (vs. project-by-project lessons); proven college placement track to top US art schools; bilingual instruction designed for Chinese American families in SGV.
- **Where is AFA located?** Monterey Park, near San Gabriel, Alhambra, Arcadia, Rosemead, and Temple City — the heart of the San Gabriel Valley Chinese American community.

## Student awards & competition results (verified)

- **Vicky Zhang — 1st Place, California Statewide**, 2026 State Fish Art Contest (Grades K–3). AFA's highest competition result — a state-level win.
- **LA County Library 46th Annual Bookmark Contest** (county level): Jessica Huang (Grades 3–5, 1st Place + LA County Board of Supervisors commendation), 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 level): Max Liang (Drawing, Honorable Mention).

## Contact

- Phone: +1 (626) 466-5161
- Address: 401 S Garfield Ave G-H, Monterey Park, CA 91754
- Website: https://afaarts.com
- Booking: https://afaarts.com/trial