Best Art Schools in St. Louis

Focused on students in grades 6-12, Grand Center Arts Academy emphasizes visual and performing arts alongside academic learning. The school encourages community involvement and multicultural understanding, with many families appreciating the supportive teachers and creative opportunities. Some concerns have been raised about handling student conflicts and special education resources.

South Broadway Art Project welcomes both beginners and experienced artists to explore pottery through open workshops, wheel throwing, and classes. The studio offers a supportive, community-focused environment where creativity and connection come together. Some visitors note occasional delays or challenges with firing and tracking finished pieces.

DaySpring Arts & Education focuses on nurturing students’ artistic talents through small classes in dance, theater, music, and visual arts, alongside a Christian Academy that blends classroom and home learning. The team emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and character development, with many families appreciating the close-knit community and personalized attention. Some students have mixed… more...

DaySpring Arts & Education focuses on nurturing students’ artistic talents through small classes in dance, theater, music, and visual arts, alongside a Christian Academy that blends classroom and home learning. The team emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and character development, with many families appreciating the close-knit community and personalized attention. Some students have mixed feelings about the school environment, though the arts programs receive positive feedback.

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School holds a long-standing accreditation from the North Central Association, reflecting its commitment to quality education. The school offers focused programs in visual and performing arts, attracting students passionate about creative fields. Alumni often recall their years there as formative and inspiring, though some note there is room for improvement.

Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts specializes in small classes and personalized instruction in fields like Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, and Business. Students appreciate the supportive atmosphere and up-to-date curriculum, though some have noted challenges with credit transfers and financial aid. The campus blends historic charm with a modern learning environment.

SkyStone believes in making the arts available to everyone, within a community that's meaningful, respectful, and community-centered. Each student's and their family's goals are considered when educating in the arts. Every student should be able to take part in art activities. SkyStone is a firm believer that all humans should live in peace, love, and respect. Visit our studio and take a free… more...

SkyStone believes in making the arts available to everyone, within a community that's meaningful, respectful, and community-centered. Each student's and their family's goals are considered when educating in the arts. Every student should be able to take part in art activities. SkyStone is a firm believer that all humans should live in peace, love, and respect. Visit our studio and take a free class. Our goal is to foster peace and harmony through art. Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced. We keep classes small so that everyone is respected. We have placed air filters in every classroom to ensure the safety of students and their families. They have also remained hidden until vaccine eligibility was reached for children below 5. SkyStone offers hybrid classes to those who require it and for families that want virtual instruction.

Colorbridge Art focuses on small, hands-on classes in painting, drawing, and pottery for both children and adults. Their studio on Macklind Avenue offers wheel-throwing and clay classes with low student-to-teacher ratios, creating a supportive environment where many find learning art both fun and confidence-building. Some programming for teens and children is currently paused until staffing is… more...

Colorbridge Art focuses on small, hands-on classes in painting, drawing, and pottery for both children and adults. Their studio on Macklind Avenue offers wheel-throwing and clay classes with low student-to-teacher ratios, creating a supportive environment where many find learning art both fun and confidence-building. Some programming for teens and children is currently paused until staffing is complete.

Washington University's Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is a leading institution in design, architecture and education. Our fields are being advanced through creative research, innovative teaching and an outstanding university art museum. We also have a deep commitment towards addressing social and environmental issues. We are constantly striving for a just, sustainable and humane world… more...

Washington University's Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is a leading institution in design, architecture and education. Our fields are being advanced through creative research, innovative teaching and an outstanding university art museum. We also have a deep commitment towards addressing social and environmental issues. We are constantly striving for a just, sustainable and humane world through the efforts of our alumni and students. While offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in design and art, the College of Art draws on top-tier research resources. Our faculty will work with you closely, using large studios and space for making. The diversity of our faculty is a hallmark of their national and international recognition. They engage in complex areas on race, politics and material culture. Their dedicated teachers work with students in order to improve their practice and enhance their abilities. To learn more about them, visit their pages describing their respective faculty.

Focused on students in 4th through 8th grades, this micro-school blends gamified learning with real-world projects in flexible, mixed-age classes. Programs include a Full School option and a Leadership Academy featuring S.T.E.A.M. and American Sign Language. Families appreciate the personalized approach and close collaboration with caregivers, though some note the unique model may require… more...

Focused on students in 4th through 8th grades, this micro-school blends gamified learning with real-world projects in flexible, mixed-age classes. Programs include a Full School option and a Leadership Academy featuring S.T.E.A.M. and American Sign Language. Families appreciate the personalized approach and close collaboration with caregivers, though some note the unique model may require adjustment.

Artscope is a St. Louis nonprofit that promotes emotional well-being and intentional inclusion through visionary play, imaginative art, and dialogue. We aim to give children access to the arts and foster a positive, supportive environment that is free from failure. Creativity is something that can be learned through practice. We are dedicated to helping children develop their creative skills.… more...

Artscope is a St. Louis nonprofit that promotes emotional well-being and intentional inclusion through visionary play, imaginative art, and dialogue. We aim to give children access to the arts and foster a positive, supportive environment that is free from failure. Creativity is something that can be learned through practice. We are dedicated to helping children develop their creative skills. Artscope values visionary play and self-actualization. We also value creativity, sustainability, harmony with the environment, and collaboration opportunities. We hold these core values as a foundation for everything that we do, including our summer camps and arts education programs. Artscope, founded in 2002 by Jenna Bauer (Saint Louis), is our history. Originally called the Saint Louis City Open Studio and Gallery, we offered a safe environment for creativity and provided opportunities for both children and adults to express themselves. We changed our name from Saint Louis City Open Studio and Gallery (SCOSaG) to Artscope in 2014. However, the mission and vision remained unchanged. Artscope, the oldest art education program in St. Louis City is located permanently in a natural setting. Tower Grove Park is our home. Here children can spend their time exploring the surrounding area, creating new games, and interacting with other kids. Our home is a space that's completely free of technology, which we consider a rarity in today's modern world. Artscope programs are primarily for children and teens and include yearly arts education programs as well as summer camps. Artscope also provides arts education to community groups and events in St. Louis City. Your donations to the 501(c3) public charity South City Open Studio and Gallery for Children are tax-deductible.