Ichen Art Academy

Ichen Art Academy offers systematic K-12 visual art education with tracks in creative exploration, drawing and sketch, painting and color theory, digital art and animation, AP Studio Art, and college portfolio development. Its year-round programs include drawing, painting, mixed media, pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil painting, and digital tools such as Photoshop, Procreate, Maya, and Blender.

Programs

• K-12 Visual Art Programs — Kindergarten to college · Year-round; progressive K-12 curriculum · Systematic visual art education with tracks including creative exploration, drawing and sketch, painting and color theory, digital art and animation, AP Studio Art, and college portfolio development.
• Foundation & Skill Development: Creative Exploration — Ages 5-9 · Year-round · Introduces young students to drawing, painting, and mixed media in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.
• Foundation & Skill Development: Drawing and Sketch — Ages 10+ · Develops observation and drawing skills through pencil, charcoal, and ink.
• Foundation & Skill Development: Painting and Color Theory — Ages 10+ · Covers watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil painting with color theory and composition.
• Foundation & Skill Development: Digital Art and Animation — Ages 9+ · Uses digital tools including Photoshop, Procreate, Maya, and Blender for illustration, concept art, and animation.
• AP Studio Art — Grades 10-12 · College Board approved AP Drawing, 2D Art & Design, and 3D Art & Design preparation.
• College Portfolio Development — Grades 11-12 · Personalized guidance for supplemental portfolios and art college portfolios.
• Summer & Intensive Programs — Boot camps, competition prep, and accelerated skill-building.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round; progressive K-12 curriculum. AP Studio Art is Grades 10-12. College Portfolio Development is Grades 11-12. Priority Registration for Q4 - Fall 2026 is July 4 - July 19, 2026 for those on a 9- or 12-month plan or those who want to start a new 9- or 12-month plan. Open Enrollment is July 20 and onwards.

About the provider

Ichen Art Academy was founded in 2011. The program is led by Principal Ichen Wu, who is listed with 30+ years of teaching experience, a Master of Chinese Painting & Calligraphy, K-12 art education specialist credentials, and college portfolio expertise. The academy is WASC accredited, and the listed results under Principal Wu’s leadership include 100+ perfect scores on AP Studio Art exams, 12 Harvard and Stanford acceptances, 7 ArtCenter Entertainment Design acceptances in 2025, California’s only Gold Medal Portfolio recipient in 2025, and 60+ top-30 university placements across all majors.

Priority registration applies to 9- or 12-month plan students. For continued same schedule, submit payment and include child's name with note 'same schedule.' For changes, complete the Class Selection Form for your campus, save as PDF, email it to the campus office, and submit payment. General registration is first-come, first-served after priority period. A $100 deposit is required for each class enrolled under the 9- or 12-month plan, refunded upon plan completion. Early termination forfeits the deposit and future long-term plan eligibility.

What families say

“What makes Ichen and her programs so special is that she teaches patience, persistence, discipline, kindness and self-motivation through art. Ichen motivates her students well beyond what they think they are capable of. I would rate Ichen and her school 6 stars if I could.” — Joyce T. Fremont / CA

“Our two daughters have been taking art lessons at Ichen Art Academy for the last 7+ years. The time invested in the Ichen Art Academy lessons and classes for our daughters have been very positive. Our oldest daughter's interest in fashion design has led to her college pursuits having been accepted to the #1 fashion school in the US.” — Ke C., Parent San Jose / CA

Last updated October 5, 2026.