Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Does my child need experience to join?

No experience is needed. Some of our upper-level classes do build on earlier ones, so a few have prerequisites:

Art 2 (Prerequisite: Art 1)
Art 3 (Prerequisite: Art 1, Art 2)
Advanced Art (Prerequisite: Art 1, Art 2, Art 3)

What ages go in which class?

Classes are grouped by age so every student is working alongside peers at a similar stage:

Grown-Up & Me — ages 3–4, with a grown-up
Tiny Hands — ages 3–4
Introduction to Art — ages 5–6
Beginning Art — ages 7–8
Art 1 and above — ages 9+
Teen Night — ages 13+

How big are the classes?

Tiny Hands: up to 6 students
Introduction to Art: up to 10 students
Beginning Art and up: up to 12 students

Class sizes can run smaller depending on enrollment — either way, every student gets real one-on-one attention from their teacher.

How Classes Work

How do classes work, and how long do they go?

Classes meet once a week at your student’s scheduled day and time, and run for a full nine-month season that parallels the school calendar. Class length increases with age:

Tiny Hands and Grown-Up & Me — 45 minutes
Introduction to Art — 1 hour
Beginning Art and Art 1 and above — 1 hour, 15 minutes

Can we start mid-season?

Yes, as long as a seat is available in the class you’re interested in. Reach out and we’ll confirm availability.

Can we reschedule or switch days?

Yes. Contact your teacher to arrange a makeup class (within the same week your student missed) or to switch enrollment days, provided there’s space in the new class.

How do I register?

All registration, scheduling, and enrollment details are handled through our online booking system, so you always see current availability — reach out anytime and we’ll help you find the right fit.

During Class

Can parents stay during class?

The lobby is always accessible during class hours and has Wi-Fi, so you’re welcome to stay. Once class begins, students head into the classroom on their own with their materials ready to go, and we lock the interior classroom door for the class period. Most parents use the time to run an errand or relax and come back at pickup; others prefer to wait in the lobby. Either way works.

What does the curriculum look like, and do I need to sign up for the full semester?

Our award-winning curriculum is what sets Children’s Art Classes apart, and it’s built differently from a typical after-school craft activity. Rather than a one-off project each week, classes are built in nine-month sections that grow in complexity over the season, so your child develops real skill and confidence over time. Across the program, students explore more than 40 different art forms and mediums, building both technical ability and creative problem-solving.

Because the curriculum is designed to build skills and expose students to new techniques and materials progressively, we ask families to commit to the full semester. Staying enrolled for the whole season is what lets your child really grow creatively and discover what they’re capable of.

What kind of materials do we use?

Students work with a wide range of mediums throughout the season, including drawing, clay and sculpture, printmaking, collage, stained glass, and painting with watercolors and acrylics (we don’t use oil paints). Some projects involve age-appropriate use of sharp tools like scissors or needles — students are given clear guidance and the chance to build real skill with them under close supervision. A one-time supply fee is charged at registration and covers all materials for the season — there’s nothing extra to bring unless your teacher specifically requests it.

Safety & Security

What are your security processes?

A parent or guardian brings their child in at class start time — we don’t accept curbside drop-off, so please plan to come inside. If you arrive early, our lobby is open with Wi-Fi while you wait. Once class begins, we bring students into the classroom, get them set up, and lock the interior classroom door for the duration of class.

At pickup, a parent or guardian comes into the lobby to collect their child — we don’t send children out to a car. We make sure every handoff includes eye contact and a direct exchange with the adult picking up.

Our studio is covered by internal cameras as well as cameras monitoring the front and back doors. If you ever notice anyone unfamiliar in the parking lot or shopping plaza, please let us know right away and we’ll address it.

Do you accommodate allergies or medical needs?

Please let us know about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications (including whether your child carries an EpiPen or inhaler) at the time of registration so our teachers can be prepared.

Accommodations

Do you accommodate neurodivergent children or other individual needs?

Every child is welcome in our studio. If your child needs support like noise-cancelling headphones, extra personal space, reduced music or stimulation, or anything else specific to them, please connect with owner Kelly Tanner-Backenroth — either before the semester starts or any time a need comes up during the year. We’ll work with you to build a plan for your child. We can’t promise every accommodation is possible, but we’ll always make every effort to create a safe, comfortable creative space for your child.

Have More Questions?

Reach out — we’d love to help you find the right class for your artist.

6119 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616

919-322-9123

KellyTB@childrensartclasses.com

Raleigh, North Carolina

Register NOW for Classes! Give Your Child this Gift of Art!

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