Dylan YoungToronto is Canada’s art capital, and the numbers (as well as these art galleries) back it up.
Compared to other Canadian cities, The Six hosts 93% more creatives, and 70% of Torontonians have rocked up to galleries or exhibitions. What’s more, our arts and culture economy pulls in $11.3 billion per year!
So don’t be shocked if I say many creatives prefer to study here. I’m talking about emerging pros and “casuals” seeking a new hobby.
If you’re either of the two, below are the most decorated art schools and centres for portfolio-building, jumpstarting artistic careers, and having fun with colours.
How much do art schools cost in Canada?
In Canada, the annual cost of lower-range art schools for domestic students is typically $3,000–$6,000, while mid-range institutions fall between $5,000 and $9,000. Higher range colleges, meanwhile, can go up to $15,000.
International students pay more every year, with $12,000–$20,000 (lower range), $23,000–$30,000 (mid-range), and $39,000–$60,000 (higher range) as the cost brackets.
How We Chose
Toronto School of Art
Address: 24 Ryerson Ave
Contact Details: +1 416-504-7910
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 9 am to 7 pm
- Fri to Sat – 9 am to 5 pm
Toronto School of Art (TSA) is where “artists teach artists.” That has been the case since 1968.
For most, the school’s best quality is its practical and authentic instruction. It shows in the faculty, which is composed of award-winning painters, animators with ties to known studios (like Disney), seasoned art critics, and more.
The school doesn’t shut people out either. Accessibility is one of its selling points, with programs for different experience levels and backgrounds.
Speaking of programs, over 10 courses are offered, including niches such as fibre arts and ceramic arts. An interdisciplinary route is also available for those looking to explore diverse media.
You have to be prepared for the costs, naturally. TSA’s fees can sting, especially for classes that span weeks.
Slots can run out as well (some classes have a long wait list), so booking ahead isn’t a bad idea.
Lovely Experience
I’ve had the most lovely experience taking the beginner ceramics course with Natalie. I’ve done 3 semesters already and am signed up for a 4th this fall! Each cohort has been a different mix of people and levels of experience, and it’s great to see what other people do too.
Lyubov Lytvyn, Google Review
Accessible Location
I recommend TSA to advance your skills. I have taken several drawing and painting classes. I like the accessible location and bright spaces to work in. I especially like the classes by Brian Harvey, who specializes in urban scenes.
S. D., Google Review
Avenue Road Arts School
Serviced Area: Toronto
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 6 pm
The teachers of Avenue Road Arts School (ARAS) actively work in their respective fields and have experience teaching it. Thus, you’re getting structured instruction grounded in real artistic practice.
By “you,” we mean nearly everyone; programs for kids and adults are available, and they cover multiple areas. Think illustration, mixed media, painting, and photography.
No need for major shake-ups in your lifestyle either. Virtual classes await, and some, like one-time talks, cost nothing.
Regrettably, ARAS doesn’t have programs for creatives in the performing arts. It’s all visual here.
Oh, and there’s no on-site parking at their Wychwood Barns venue. That’s a hassle if you opt for face-to-face sessions, especially since it’s a 17-minute drive from the CBD.
Good thing complaints about the faculty are rare. Many love the instructors’ effective methods and warm teaching style.
Parents are the most pumped, with several telling us their kids are truly engaged.
I highly recommend this school
Friendly and knowledgeable instructors, always smiling. My daughter always brought home creative drawings and clay figures and she really enjoyed her drawing class. I think it’s because they used a lot of techniques and she learned a lot. She was so proud when she shared her drawings with her regular class. There is parking behind the school but I always parked on Balmoral Ave because it’s easier to get out. There are also summer camps and adult classes. I highly recommend this school.
Marjana, Google Review
LOVED it!
I signed both of my kids, Art Masterpieces(kindergarten) and Water-colour Painting (Grade 5). They LOVED it! My 5 year-old girl would sit 30 min before the class, and 30 min after the class, just enjoying making her own art! Monday becomes her favorite day of the week!
Jianshu Cui, Google Review
Art Academy at Art-Kitect
Address: 401 Danforth Ave Front
Contact Details: +1 647-368-4011
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 3 pm to 7 pm
- Tue – 3 pm to 8 pm
- Wed – 1 pm to 7 pm
- Thu – 3 pm to 7 pm
- Sat – 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Sun – 8 pm to 9 pm
If we’re talking visual arts alone, Art Academy at Art-Kitect has some of the most unique classes. You see, they teach manga, anime, experimental art, and mixed media—styles not always provided elsewhere.
Another cool thing is their immersive setups. Past the usual in-person and virtual sessions, students can attend thematic art camps and art parties.
And no, they’re not just kid-focused. Grown-ups can enrol in the classes or attend events; companies even go here for their team-building activities.
One downside of that? You can’t laze off, as slots get sold out fast. That’s especially true for sessions beyond 5 pm.
Like the last entry, Art Academy doesn’t dabble in performing arts either.
The good news is, parents can set their kids up for the After School Pick-Up Program. Sure, an extra $12 will be tacked on, but you’re paying extra for convenience and peace of mind.
Truly Passionate
We absolutely love this art studio! From the very first class, our kids felt welcomed, encouraged, and safe to express themselves. The teachers are incredibly sweet, patient, and truly passionate about what they do. I’m honestly amazed at how much my children have learned — not just how to draw, but how to see and understand art. Every time they come home, they’re proud of what they’ve created and can’t wait for the next session!
Anna K, Google Review
FUN!
My son loves the after-school art program. We also hosted my son’s 5th birthday party at the Art Academy and the team there is amazing! The classes are fun, educational and interactive – the best teachers who are kind, supportive and FUN!
Haley Gush, Google Review
Toronto Art
Address: 5460 Yonge St, Unit 303, North York
Contact Details: +1 416-892-1661
Operating Hours:
- Thu to Fri – 4 pm to 7 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 7 pm
Toronto Art is the school for portfolio-building. A large portion of their students are in high school and prepping to get into local and international art institutions.
Naturally, the classes are highly personalized. The norm here is one-on-one mentorship from instructors who know what a target school, be it OCAD or Parsons, is looking for.
As for specialty, fine art, graphic design, architecture, industrial design, illustration, and animation are where they excel.
One thing to note, though, is the heavy workload and lack of performing arts programs. If your goal is recreation or honing your dance/music skills, explore other options.
Drawbacks aside, Toronto Art is worth paying for. They have seasoned and award-winning teachers, like Jun Park, who bagged the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles Award thrice!
Above all, their acceptance rate is impressive, with past students getting into unis like Sheridan, Ringling, and MICA.
Really Made the Difference
I attended Toronto Art Class over the course of two years. The staff is very knowledgeable and their guidance was vital in my successful Sheridan animation application.
Almost every weekend I went to the instructed life drawing here, and I think this really made the difference. They have consistently good models, and Jun is a fantastic instructor.
Going to these in person classes has the added benefit of being amongst peers, and being able to talk to others who are going through the same thing as you. The peer support really helps during the tougher moments of preparing a portfolio.
Adam Leitch, Google Review
Super Supportive and Kind
I began attending Toronto Art in the late spring of Grade 10 in hopes of developing a portfolio for my university applications. Prior to this, I had limited portfolio-worthy pieces and was not very confident in my artistic abilities. Toronto Art is a very friendly and welcoming environment. This studio helped me strengthen my skills in observational drawing, painting, graphic design and concept development, which allowed me to express myself skillfully through various art mediums. Jun and Janet are not only super supportive and kind, but they are also exceptional at what they do. They genuinely want to help you flourish and do your best.
In addition, the instructors here at Toronto Art are also incredibly kind and talented; they are huge contributors to Toronto Art’s supportive environment. Many students, myself included, see them as mentors and role models.
I was accepted to all undergraduate programs I applied to. I am now off to my top choice of university on merit scholarship. As I enter my freshman year, I feel prepared and more confident in my artistic abilities thanks to them. Toronto Art doesn’t just help you create a really strong portfolio; they help foster your growth. I am truly happy I got to learn from them 🙂 I highly recommend this studio!
Sophie, Google Review
OCAD University
Address: 100 McCaul St
Contact Details: +1 416-977-6000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 7:30 am to 12 am
- Sat – 8:30 am to 6 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
As Canada’s oldest and largest art university, OCAD, established in 1876, has perks that others don’t have.
For one, their undergraduate program count is 17. The curriculum features unique courses for media, critical studies, animation, indigenous visual culture, industrial design, and literary arts.
One more obvious advantage is their access to around 20 facilities, including digital labs, photography dark rooms, high-end studios, and six galleries (one was even featured on this list of free art galleries).
We can’t forget about the Queen West District location either. It’s often considered the centre of Canada’s arts and design scene.
On the downside, OCAD may be too intense or focused for casual or hobbyist learners. Even the certificates and micro-credentials require years and course completion within a set timeline.
And as you’d probably expect, it comes at a price. For a course of 5.0 credits or one academic year, domestic students typically pay $7,500–$8,900, while international students shell out a whopping $32,000.
#CreativeHub
The OCAD University building is a vibrant beacon of creativity that brings immense joy to its neighborhood. Its striking design, with its bold colors and unique architectural elements, is a visual delight that instantly uplifts the surrounding area. The building’s presence serves as a constant reminder of the artistic energy and innovation that flows through the neighborhood. As a hub for aspiring artists, designers, and thinkers, OCAD University fosters a sense of community and inspiration, creating a positive ripple effect that extends beyond its walls. It’s truly a source of joy and pride for the neighborhood. #CreativeHub #InspiringArchitecture #OCAD
Saeed Moayyedi, Google Review
One of a Kind
Great experience. Creative Advertising Design- the Profs, ppl, location, atmosphere, projects, opportunities and contests- it was one of a kind.
K Proxi, Google Review
