Atelier
Learn new techniques at our youth programs in San Francisco for high schoolers finding their creative voice.
Please note: CCA will wind down its current operations and will close by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. Vanderbilt will then become the owner of the campus and will establish undergraduate and graduate programming, including art and design programs, at the campus. Read the full announcement.
About
A year-round weekend program
Meet other art lovers from the Bay Area and beyond
CCA Atelier, named after the French word for “workshop,” provides curious young high school students an opportunity to hone their skills and practice new techniques through intensive discussion and activity.
Atelier's non-credit, non-residential youth programs are held in San Francisco throughout the year. All rising ninth through twelfth-grade students (ages 14-18) are eligible to attend weekend-long intensives and multi-week classes in the fall and spring. In the summer, rising ninth, tenth, and eleventh-grade students can attend enhanced weeklong studio offerings, culminating in a student exhibition for family and friends.
Workshops
Deepen established skills or try something new
Explore a range of interests in topic-focused intensives
Atelier offers accessible, flexible, and immersive learning experiences in a variety of art and design topics. Each Atelier instructor is a practicing artist or designer with experience teaching high school-aged students. Our instructors help Atelier participants investigate their interest, get hands-on with new materials, and create pieces they can use in future art and design school applications.
Recent fall and spring weekend workshops
- 2D Portfolio Development
- Animation
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Illustration: From Concept to Cover
- Figure Drawing
Recent weeklong summer workshops
- Animation & Comics
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Communication Design
- Fashion Design & Textiles
- Film & Photography
- Game Arts & Design
- Illustration & Printmaking
- Industrial Design & Prototyping
- Painting & Drawing
- Sculpture & Drawing
How to Register
Join our supportive and inspiring community
Key dates
Spring Atelier
Support & FAQs
Attend a top youth program in San Francisco
Atelier frequently asked questions
What age groups can attend Atelier?
All rising ninth through twelfth-grade students (ages 14-18) may attend Atelier in the spring, summer, and fall. For example, if your student is about to complete eighth grade this spring and you want to register them for Atelier this summer, they are eligible.
How much does Atelier cost?
Tuition for Atelier varies by session type, listed below. Class materials are included in the cost of tuition.
- Fall and spring Atelier: $200 for a two-day workshop (this does not include lunch)
- Fall and spring Atelier: $395 for an eight-session course (this does not include lunch)
- Summer Atelier two-week: $1,350 for a five-day workshop (this does include lunch)
Will you provide food throughout the day?
Only for summer Atelier sessions, which includes the cost of food for the whole week in the price of tuition. If your student has allergies or dietary restrictions, we can likely accommodate any request. You’ll provide that information on the general enrollment form we will send you via email after signing up for summer Atelier. Read Atelier Policies.
How big are classes?
Workshops are restricted to 12 to 16 students per studio. The small class size helps ensure our instructors are empowered to concentrate on each individual student and provide hands-on experiences that best supports each participant. This does mean that the studios fill up quickly, however, so please sign up for our newsletter to get an alert when registration opens. Subscribe for summer registration alerts.
Do you have any accessibility, safety, and medical policies?
Yes, and we encourage every parent and guardian who wishes to register their student for Atelier to review them before the program begins. Read Atelier Policies.
What is your refund policy?
To request an Atelier tuition refund, you must formally withdraw by written notice to [email protected]. Read Atelier Policies.
Contact us anytime
We believe creativity is a lifelong experience that expands the potential of communities and individuals alike. How can we help? Email [email protected].