pretty good schoo fun classes nice people and good teachers great electives For people who love to…read morepreform

The amount of bad things I hear from friends about this school is horrible, the teachers aren't…read morekind, and the students? They'll bully you until you have no self esteem left. They'll make up rumors to ruin your life. The amount of trauma this school has caused to my friend is horrible. She went here in 4th grade, left at 6th. She's in high school and it traumatized her to this day. Don't go to this school unless you have a death wish, it's not good for your physical or mental health.

I've always been drawn to nature and revisited landscape painting with oil paints about 7 years ago…read moreafter having not painted since grade school. I've been quite fortunate to have painted with several very talented painters who happened to be instructors, as well. The Art Academy has given me the impetus to paint not only more often, but with confidence, especially, at the painting's sometimes difficult initial stages. I dove into the class after having had it recommended by an artist friend of mine. After several years in Stuart's studio class I've learned an entirely new approach to both studio painting and my original goals for plein air techniques. I'd recommend this course for painters at every skill level. Jim M.

Highly recommend Art Academy of San Diego! Stuart is a skilled artist and personable guide to…read morecreating your art. -CynC

I joined Prima Materia when I was around 10, and I can say that my 7+ years with Olya and Nikusha…read moretruly changed the way I see the world. I've grown not only as an artist, but also as a person. I took part in the portfolio program, where I was able to take all classes and have weekly meetings with Olya to learn from her 30 years of experience. First, the techniques taught at Prima Materia are unlike what I have seen anywhere else. I learned how to create art with numerous materials, including unconventional ones like toothbrushes and clay made of newspaper. Olya and Nikusha are extremely well versed in which specific brands or types of art materials to buy, which ones are economical, and which ones can/should not be used together. Furthermore, Olya's Russian art education combined with her versatile and contemporary approaches to art help her teach in a way that is almost freeing. She's really helped me strike a perfect balance between academic drawing and taking creative liberties. This is especially important to me because as a scientist and STEM-focused student, I have always been bent on perfection and planning. As a result, my art would often turn out stiff and lifeless. Through the unique techniques she taught and our meetings together, Olya taught me to let go and give into randomness, chaos, and chance surprises in art. I learned to stop caring about the end result, take risks, and make myself uncomfortable. This has helped me achieve freedom from my restrictive mindset, find enjoyment in a process that previously stressed me out, and create art that is uniquely beautiful. After being in the portfolio program for a few years, what I think is special is that Olya truly cares for her students, and is willing to go the distance to help us achieve our artistic and personal goals. She notices what students are struggling with(for me, perfectionism and being unhappy and controlling with my art), and personalizes her help and feedback, spending extra time with us to help us advance as artists. She is also very eloquent and knowledgable. I always enjoy my time talking to her about new artists and techniques I find, and I aspire to have her level of intellect. Finally, Prima Matria has a plethora of classes for anyone, no matter the skill level. From a 10 year old until now, I have always found that the classes and art projects have challenged me a perfect amount; this has allowed me to refine my skills as an artist at an exceedingly fast rate. Even in classes teaching foundational skills, we have the option to take the project to the next level. Other art teachers are often astonished by how quickly and accurately I can draw, along with how fast I can pick up new techniques, because this is something that is trained through the rotating courses at Prima Materia. Plus, i have so much fun! Art classes were always a highlight of my week! I have an extremely busy schedule with a lot of research and extracurriculars, so the figure drawing classes I took made me feel like I could finally relax. Although this is already an extremely long post, I still could say a ton more about why Prima Materia's portfolio program is so great. I think one of the best choices I've made(ever!) was to take that initial workshop at Prima Materia. Because if I had not joined years ago, learned under the expertise of Olya and Nikusha, and met all of the other artists in the warm, supportive community we have, I would have missed out on a lot of joy and definitely would not be the person I am today!

I started my art journey in 2017 with Prima Materia Art Institute as a novice, and I believe that I…read morecan now really call myself an artist!! Olya and Nikusha have created an incredibly thorough and interesting curriculum for those who just want to explore their creativity, to those who are looking for a career in art. The classes are always fresh and informative, and both teachers are excellent at igniting creativity in their students. Thanks to this wonderful school for helping me turn an interest into a passion!!!

I have been working as an educational consultant at GSDA for 7 years. It's not only a job for me,…read moreit's like a second home. GSDA provides an alternative T-K through 12th grade educational setting, appealing to families from all walks of life. It's amazing to watch our homeschool parents learn and refine their homeschooling techniques, and I love being a part of that experience. Our high school independent study program is amazing - students don't slip through the cracks at GSDA because the high school team knows exactly how to address the educational and emotional needs of all types of kids. It is an "everyone knows everyone" type of atmosphere. The consultants go above and beyond to make sure that all students are successful, something that is really hard to find in a traditional high school setting. Working at a small school gives all of us the opportunity to get to know each student personally. I love being able to try different curricula, projects, and teaching techniques with my families. No two kids learn in the same way, and GSDA provides a supportive environment for all types of learners. It's a great place to work!

Our daughter will be graduating this from GSDA week, and she has had a wonderful experience. After…read moreattending traditional school for many years, and not being happy there, we made the switch to GSDA when she was in ninth grade. She will be attending a 4 year university in the fall, and she feels that this would not have been possible without the support of her consultant and other teachers at GSDA. She became involved in the ASB, and she enjoyed this as well. We are very happy that we made this decision. A lot of parents don't know that there are choices out there, and that they can make a choice that might make a difference for their child's future. Every student is different, and this school makes a great effort to meet each student's needs. Good job, GSDA!

My twin granddaughters love Little Artists! They'd go every day if they could. They get to choose…read moretheir own subject from a wide range of sample pictures, and there's always at least one kind and helpful teacher who spends the whole time observing, making suggestions and teaching skills. My girls have grown so fast into accomplished little artists! The price is more than reasonable for what you get. Makeup classes are available for when the child is sick (give 2 hours notice) or on vacation. You can also do drop-in classes if you call ahead. I highly recommend Little Artists for being that rare kids' class that actually works to impart skills.

I had given this place a bad review. Based on cookie cutter art and personality less staff. My…read moretwins attended a few years ago. Some how they re set their yelp account and my review was deleted because I mentioned another art studio as being better. I would never call what they do art! This place is not only not good at what they do, they r sneaky and start over in yelp reviews! They had over 100 before. Now 1. 2. Not cool!

We love Little Fish! I have a kiddo that isn't big into sports or theater, and we've trying to…read morefigure out what would spark their interest. Little Fish was and is that spark! Alonso and his amazing team make the sessions so fun and entertaining! We always love hearing about and seeing what our kid is learning. Our kid more recently tried the digital media arts class and I am always amazed at how cool the art is that goes along with each session's theme. We are definitely thankful for a place like Little Fish where our artsy kid can be totally themself!

My son attended the comic book camp this summer. To be fair,…read morehe throughly enjoyed the camp. At the end of the week he had made his very own comic book. The instructor, Alanso (spelling?) said he would make copies and would send each child their copy in the mail the following week. It has been 4 weeks and we have yet to receive. I have emailed them 4 times and left 2 voicemails. They have never responded. My very enthusiastic 7 year old still waits everyday to see if it's coming in the mail. You have lost our business as future campers and I will be sure to let all of our fellow friends know of our experience.

Excellent. I have been making soap for about a year now. I went from curious about soap to making &…read moreformulating & designing my own soaps. I make them for myself, family & friends. If you want to learn how to make soaps safely & the correct way Kerri is your very best option. The last class one women had flown out from NY for the class. Yes Kerri is that good. We are so lucky to have her in San Diego. The classes are informative, backed up with printed material to aid you once you've left & available to answer questions on the phone when you run across something you need help with. From crafter, soap maker to soap business. She has classes to cover it all. Kerri & wonderful husband David also have tons of supplies. Molds, colorants, fragrances, stick blenders, oil mixes, oils & lye. Everything you need to make soap. The classes & very relaxed, she will answer questions & your fellow class mates are anywhere from 1st time to professional soap makers. 4 classes under my belt now & planning to take more.

I have taken many of Kerry's classes and she is completely informed about soap. She IS the soap…read moremaking community in San Diego. If you want to make soap on any level, just for yourself, starting a business, the farmers market circuit, to grow a business to be bought out, she is the person to see. by the way, the soap makers luncheon she hosts once a month is great.

Had fun in this class... Walked around balboa park on such a beautiful day. I was taught so many…read morenew things and features for my camera and they answers all questions that the group had. They talk human talk not photographer talk that is what I liked the most the class is 101 and and when u leave it all makes sense. I'm looking forward to going to the 102 class...

Took a 101 class and finally learned how to use my Cannon. Thanks to Nick and Don! Great class. I…read morerecommend this class to anyone who wants to understand all those confusing camera settings.