It’s not easy to decide which Toronto art school to apply to, but you’re lucky because we’ve made it easier for you!
There are dozens of art schools in Toronto and other cities across Canada, but only the very best are listed below.
From our research, we concluded that the best art school in Toronto is the Faculty of Arts at the Ontario College of Art & Design University, the school is also ranked among the best art and design universities in the world by the QS World University Ranking.
Our goal in writing this article is to help you find which of the art universities in Toronto will help you the most in developing your artistic skills while you have fun doing it.
With that said, let us go down to business.
Is Toronto a good place to study arts?
Maybe you are an international student wish to further or pursue your career in Toronto and you are in doubt if this city can give you the best.
Absolutely! Toronto is a very good place to study arts, it is famous for being an artistic and cultural hub in Canada.
Toronto is also home to some of the best art schools in the country, in fact, many of Canada’s top artists have studied here.
It takes four years to complete an art program in Toronto which leads to an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Studio, the average length of time for an art school program in Toronto is three years.
According to the Toronto Arts Council, Toronto is home to 93% more artists than any other Canadian city, and about 70% of the citizens regularly attend, volunteer, or donate to the city’s many artistic and cultural events.
Hopefully, this city will give you the light you wish to see, and if you’re looking for a world-class education in the arts, look no further than Toronto.
We have also written a complete article about the best reasons to study in Canada.
What are the best art schools in Toronto?
Here is a list of the art schools in Toronto with high-quality programs;
- OCAD University – Professional Arts Program
- Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design
- Toronto School of Art
- Rosedale Heights School of the Arts
- The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Fine Arts
- Avenue Road Arts School
- George Brown College, Center for Arts and Design
- Sheridan College – School of Creative Arts
- Etobicoke School of the Arts
- Faculty of Media & Creative Arts – Humber College
- Claude Watson School of the Arts
- Canadian Contemporary School of Art
- Academy of Realist Art
- Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts
- Art Academy at Art-Kitect
- Artbarn School
- VR School of Art
- Art Works Art School
1. OCAD University – Professional Arts Program
Founded in 1876, the Ontario College of Art and Design is the oldest and largest public art and design university in Canada.
The Faulty of Arts at the OCAD University is arguably the best art school in Toronto known for programs like:
- Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories (MA)
- Inclusive Design (MDes)
- Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media, and Design (MA, MFA & MDes)
- Criticism and Curatorial Practice (MFA)
- Design for Health (MDes)
- Strategic Foresight and Innovation (MDes)
- Digital Futures (MA, MFA, MDes)
The program provides students with a solid foundation in the arts, as well as practical experience through internships and opportunities to showcase their work.
Contact details:
Address: 100 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W1, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-977-6000.
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2. Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design
One of the most well-renowned art schools in Toronto is Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design.
The school offers a four-year bachelor’s degree program in:
- Classical & Computer Animation & Production
- Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts, and
- Concept Art for Animation & Video Games.
Max the Mutt has a strong focus on practical skills, with students spending around 60% of their time in studio classes.
The school’s small size helps to build the student’s intimacy with the instructors which builds their confidence.
3. Toronto School of Art
Toronto School of Art is one of the schools with high-quality art programs in Toronto.
The Toronto School of Art is a non-profit, independent school that puts students through by teaching painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and digital arts.
The school has a strong focus on studio-based learning, giving students the opportunity to get real-world experience.
With its impressive facilities and small class sizes, the School of Art is a great choice for those looking to pursue a career in the arts.
Contact details:
Address: 24 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-504-7910
4. Rosedale Heights School of the Arts
If you’re looking for an art school in Toronto that will challenge you and help you grow as an artist, Rosedale Heights School of the Arts is the place for you.
The school offers a variety of programs ranging from visual arts to music to drama, and the faculty is comprised of working artists who are passionate about teaching.
As one of the best art schools in Toronto, RHSA also has a strong focus on community engagement, and students have opportunities to get involved with arts initiatives both inside and outside of the school.
The school has a small size of just about 974 students, which means you will get hands-on learning experience and proximity to your instructors.
Contact details:
Address: 711 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON M4W 1J4, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-393-1580
5. The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Fine Arts
Founded in 1827 as King’s College, the University of Toronto is the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada.
The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Fine Arts is one of the most renowned fine arts institutions in North America.
Students get practical learning experience from the Studio, this program includes courses in:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Performance art
- Video
- New media
- Animation, and
- Conceptual practices in art.
Contact details:
Address: 399 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
Read more: 12 Best Art Schools in Ottawa To Get Into
6. Avenue Road Arts School
Avenue Road Arts School is one of the leading art schools in Toronto offering art classes in the city since 1993.
The art classes are mainly for preschoolers, kids, teens & adults to create, they also offer online programs.
The faculty is comprised of working artists who are passionate about teaching, and the curriculum is designed to give students a well-rounded education in the arts.
There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in the school’s vibrant arts community.
Check out the 20 Best Art Schools in Ontario, Canada: Don’t miss out
7. George Brown College, Center for Arts and Design
George Brown College’s Center for Arts and Design is one of the best art schools in Toronto with a strong focus on creativity and collaboration, the school provides an immersive and nurturing environment for artists to thrive.
George Brown students have gone on to win prestigious awards and exhibitions, and the school has a well-respected faculty.
If you’re looking for an art school that will challenge and inspire you, George Brown is a great choice.
Contact details:
Address: 160 Kendal Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-415-2000.
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8. Sheridan College – School of Creative Arts
As one of the best art schools in Canada, Sheridan College – School of Creative Arts offers a wide variety of programs and services to help students succeed.
Sheridan College is famous for its illustration and animation programs, students receive hands-on experience in the school’s world-class studios.
The program offered at Sheridan College leads to Honours Bachelor of Animation and most graduates have gone to win academy awards at studios like Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar.
Sheridan also offers a number of unique programs, such as their Film Production Apprenticeship program, which helps students get hands-on experience in the industry.
The school has a strong focus on industry partnerships, which provides students with opportunities to work with some of the top businesses and organizations in the country.
Although Sheridan College is not easy to get into, you are guaranteed quality programs should you get admitted.
9. Etobicoke School of the Arts
The Etobicoke School of the Arts is one of the most reputable art schools in the Etobicoke area of Toronto.
It offers programs for both visual and performing arts and has a strong focus on the liberal arts.
The school has a good reputation for getting its students into top art programs, and many of its alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the arts.
The Etobicoke School of the Arts school offers an intense arts education for those passionate about pursuing a career in the arts.
Contact details:
Address: 675 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 2T1, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-394-6910.
10. Faculty of Media & Creative Arts – Humber College
Located in Etobicoke, Ontario Toronto, Humber College is one of the public colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, it was founded in 1967.
The Faculty of Media and Creative Arts is one of the best art schools in Toronto because it offers high-quality diploma programs in creative advertising, graphic design, illustration, interactive media design, photography, and web design and development.
The school also has an extensive list of courses for students to choose from, ensuring that they can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
The school has small class sizes, which allows for more individualized attention from instructors.
Contact details:
Address: 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-675-3111.
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11. Claude Watson School of the Arts
The Claude Watson School of the Arts is a grade 4 to grade 8 school offering arts education to its students, it is one of the best art schools in Toronto for several reasons.
First, the school offers a range of courses in both the visual and performing arts, giving students a well-rounded education.
Second, the faculty is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about their craft.
Third, the school has a strong focus on creativity and innovation, which allows students to explore their full potential.
Lastly, the school provides ample opportunities for students to showcase their work, both on campus and off.
Contact details:
Address: 130 Doris Ave, North York, ON M2N 0A8, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-395-3180
12. Canadian Contemporary School of Art
The Canadian Contemporary School of Art is one of the best Toronto Art schools offering art classes for tots, kids, teens, and even adults.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the school offers a comprehensive education in the visual arts, with an emphasis on contemporary practices and theory.
Students can choose to study Fine Arts, Illustration, or Photography, and can complete their degree in as little as two years.
The school has a strong focus on community engagement, and its facilities include an art gallery, darkroom, and printmaking studio.
Contact details:
Address: 109 Vanderhoof Ave Unit 6, East York, ON M4G 2H7, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-740-0078.
13. Academy of Realist Art
The Academy of Realist Art is a great choice for aspiring artists who want to learn the techniques of the Old Masters.
Located in the heart of Toronto, ARA offers classes in painting, drawing, and sculpture, taught by some of the best instructors in the city.
The Academy of Realist Art offers some of the best art classes in Toronto, it is a private school with a strong community of artists, who support and inspire each other.
If you’re looking for an immersive art education experience, the Academy of Realist Art is the place for you.
Contact details:
Address: Third Floor, 901 Lawrence Ave W, North York, ON M6A 1C3, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-766-1280
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14. Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts
What makes Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts one of the best art schools in Toronto is that it offers a wide range of updated courses in the arts, from acting and dance to music and visual arts, and the faculty is comprised of working artists who are passionate about teaching.
The CCAA was founded in 1990 and has a strong focus on community engagement, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved with the local arts scene.
Admission into the Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts is through an audition process and the school is religiously affiliated with the Catholic church.
Contact details:
Address: 36 Greenfield Avenue Willowdale, ON, M2N 3C8.
Phone: 416-393-5556.
15. Art Academy at Art-Kitect
With experienced and passionate instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum that is designed to challenge and inspire, the Art Academy at Art-Kitect is the perfect place to pursue your passion for art.
As one of the schools with top art classes in Toronto, students within the age range of 5 to 18 are grounded in;
- Water Colour
- Digital Art
- Oil Painting
- Sketching & More
Contact details:
Address: 401 Danforth Ave Upper Floor, Toronto, ON M4K 1P1, Canada.
Phone: +1 647-368-4011.
16. Artbarn School
Artbarn School is a top-rated art school located in the heart of Toronto offering programs for both children and adults and having a strong focus on creativity and imagination.
With experienced instructors, small class sizes, and a supportive community, Artbarn is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in the arts.
Artbarn is actually a not-for-profit art school on Eglinton Avenue West with a community space that offers art classes in Toronto for children to adults.
Contact details:
Address: 250 Eglinton Ave W Suite 101, Toronto, ON M4R 1A7, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-518-6108
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17. VR School of Art
The VR School of Art is perfect for those looking to pursue a career in the arts, the school has a world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum that covers everything from painting and sculpture to digital media and installation art.
The VR School of Art is definitely one of the best places to study art in Toronto, the art classes are for both adults and children.
As one of the schools with top-notch art classes in Toronto, students will learn;
- Landscape painting
- Impressionist painting
- Life model painting and drawing
- Composition courses
- Portraiture courses, and much more.
The VR School of Art offers everything a Toronto art school should, from beginner-to-advanced drawing courses to oil painting classes.
Contact details:
Address: 65 Rameau Dr #108, North York, ON M2H 1T6, Canada.
Phone: +1 647-894-7706.
Related: 18 Easiest Film Schools To Get Into US, UK, CANADA, EUROPE
18. Art Works Art School
The Art Works Art School is among our list of the best Toronto art schools and this is because the school offers high-quality art programs for all ages; adults, children, and teens receive art classes daily from Tuesday to Sunday
Another reason is that the school has small classes, so students get plenty of individual attention from their instructors.
The school also has a strong focus on community involvement, and its students have gone on to do great things in the city’s art scene.
Contact details:
Address: 256 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3X9, Canada.
Phone: +1 416-532-1584.
Conclusion
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Art Schools in Toronto | FAQs
What is the best art school in Toronto?
Ontario College of Arts & Design (OCAD University) is easily the best art school in Toronto.
Does the University of Toronto have art courses?
Yes, the University of Toronto has art course, students learn drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, performance art, video, new media, animation, and conceptual practices in art.
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