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The Academy's students produce exceptional art for their age and it has achieved a reputation as “the children’s art school with most art contest winners.”  2006-2007 PTA Reflections National 1st Place Theme: My Favorite Place Age: 7  2008-2009 PTA Reflections National 1st Place Theme: Wow！ Age: 13  2012-2013 PTA Reflections California State 1st Place Theme: The Magic of a Moment Age: 11  2014-2015 PTA Reflections California State 1st Place Theme: The World Would Be a Better Place If… Age: 8  2019-2020 PTA Reflections California State 1st Place Theme: Look Within Age: 9  2020-2021 PTA Reflections California State 2nd Place Theme: I Matter Because… Age: 10  1997 MetLife Drawing Contest National 1st Place with $2,500 Scholarship Theme: Under the Sunshine Age: 6  2001 MetLife Drawing Contest National 1st Place with $1,000 Scholarship Theme: Horse Race Age: 7  2007 National Chinese American Museum Drawing Contest 2nd Place Theme: China Town Age: 7  Art enriches children's lives, develops children’s creativity, and prepares children for the future. The Academy’s instructors encourage students to participate in art contests. Indeed, many students earning acceptance to top universities have art contest experiences. The message the educators here give students is that just as you strive for excellence in art, you must try your best in everything you do. 2016 Doodle4Google California State 1st Place Theme: What I See for the Future Age: 7  2020 Doodle4Google California State 1st Place Theme: Sharing Is Caring Age: 10  2012 International PHE Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Peace, Health, Environment Age: 12  2015-16 "US Kids" Magazine Cover Design Contest National 2nd Place Theme: If I Had a Time Machine… Age: 6  2019 My Dream House Art Contest 1st Place Theme: My Dream House Age: 11  2016 National “Toyota Dream Car” Art Contest Silver Prize Theme: Toyota Dream Car Age: 10  2019 National “Toyota Dream Car” Art Contest Semi-Finalist Theme: Toyota Dream Car Age:7  2020 National “Toyota Dream Car” Art Contest Semi-Finalist Theme: Toyota Dream Car Age: 10  2021 EDI Children’s Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Our City’s Guardian Age: 13  2015 LA Web Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Hands of Nature Age: 15  2019 LA Web Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: My Imagination Age: 9  Winning contest can give students a great sense of accomplishment and confidence. Most importantly, students learn a lot by just participating contests. They learn to work under pressure and time, and putting their best effort (extra details and best craftsmanship, and patience) in order to make one of the kind of art work: It is a lot of work. 2017 Paint the Future Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Castle on Sea Turtle’s Back Age: 11  2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Water System in the Future Age: 11  2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: My Water Park in the Future Age: 9  2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Water Recycling Class in the Future Age: 9  2010 Space Foundation International Art Contest 3rd Place Theme: Where Will Your Spaceship Take You? Age: 6  2019 Art-Tech Poster Contest 1st Place Theme: Innovative Technologies for Sustainability Age: 14  Being creative and being able to learn are lifelong skills and can be used in everyday situations. 2016 Health Fair Drawing Contest 27th Congressional Award Theme: My Dream of Peace Age: 13  2016 Health Fair Drawing Contest LA County 1st District Award Theme: Sand Glass of Nature Age: 16  2017 Health Fair Drawing Contest Rosemead Mayor Award Theme: Protect the Environment Age: 14  2018 Health Fair Drawing Contest Senator Award Theme: Protect the Environment Age: 10  2018 Health Fair Drawing Contest 22nd Senate District Award Theme: Protect the Environment Age: 17  2020 Illustrations of Chinese Cultural Stories Drawing Contest 1st Place Theme: Butterfly Lovers Age: 14  For almost 30 years, West California Academy of Art and Design has been transforming students into confident, creative artists and designers who have gone on to have successful careers in their chosen field. 2021 WeiChuan Mother’s Day Drawing Contest 3rd Place Theme: My Dear Mom Age: 10  2021 WeiChuan Mother’s Day Drawing Contest Excellence Award Theme: My Dear Mom Age: 6  2021 Ranch Market Mother’s Day Drawing Contest Grand Prize Theme: Happy Mother’s Day Age: 10  2015 Solute to Nobel Peace Laureates Theme: Peace Age: 5-13 Group Project    West California Academy of Art and Design 100-Student Group Artworks are collected by 2015 Art Exhibition for Nobel Peace Laureates Summit.  The Academy continues to adapt the program and curriculum to offer new ways to have meaningful interactions with students to create innovating ways of thinking through the Arts and build self-expression, research and exploration.
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WCAAD students took active part in the 2020 Rosemead Fitness Day and Health Fair Children’s Drawing Contest, a contest celebrating the importance of creativity and healthy lifestyle expressed through art. The 2020 contest provided three themes - “Healthy Living,” “Protect the Environment” and “Water-in-Motion” for contestants to choose. 5 WCAAD Students Won the 22nd Senate District Award.  Emily Zhuo, 17, Protect Environment  Irene Xue, 13, Protect Environment  Aden Li, 10, Water-in-Motion  Kate Xiao, 7, Water-in-Motion  Evan Wang, 5, Water-in-Motion 4 WCAAD students won the 49th Assembly District Award.  Christian Liao, 16, Protect Environment  Avril Deng, 9, Protect Environment  Kate Zhang, 7, Healthy Living  Muxuan Zhang, 4, Protect Environment Besides, 5 WCAAD students won the Treasurer Fiona Ma CPA Award.  Lawrence Zhao, 10, Healthy Living  Lucas Zhao, 7, Protect Environment  Owen Xiao, 5, Healthy Living The artworks of Irene Xue and Muxuan Zhang also won the Treasurer Fiona Ma CPA Award.    Saving the Earth is not just for grow-ups. Kids are also taking an active part in it. WCAAD instructors see their responsibility to cultivate children’s environment-protection concept through art teaching and learning process. They believe that introducing environment protection education into schools is crucial for the next generation, and instructors have the responsibility to help students develop the habit of healthy lifestyle at a young age.    2021 UCLA computer Science admittee Derek Jiang, is a WCAAD student who has extraordinary abilities and sensibilities that make him remarkable.  In his time here studying at WCAAD, he has adapted very quickly pursuing his creative visions to reality. His work is compounded with research, craft and excellent drafting skills.    Derek’s work demonstrates a variety of work in design, fine art, and innovation.   Derek always does more than what he is asked to do and believes in being as professional, as possible. His SAT 1550, 1600 PSAT perfect score and 5 Ap’s showcases his involvement and commitment to handle stress and pressure yet, deliver quality work. Holding a 4.63 GPA, Derek busy schedule lent to create DEREK JIANG TUTORING- motivational tutoring opportunities for others. Derek tutored classmates for the AP Computer Science Test, which uses Java and supported 6 people for a total of 9 hours on concepts such as inheritance and syntax. Honors and awards are as follows:
  Aside from art, extracurricular activities include: Boy Scout Troop 501 Eagle Scout patrol and quarter master. He has worked to earn $1600.00 in eagle scout projects. As a Spartan Vanguard Officer, he has represented his school in various math competitions and interned in La Canada HS tech council. He collaborated with La Canada High School administration to streamline implementation of technology in the classroom, such as Google Classroom, remote learning software, and online communication platforms- streamlining for school.   Derek has experience working on hardware for FRC robots, including the pneumatic systems, and making aluminum parts resulting in FRC worlds in 2019 (in Houston, an international competition), placing 28th out of around 50 teams. In his Cyber security club as a team programmer, Derek developed an application to help protect students and teachers against phishing attacks. He helped create presentation to inform students and teachers about how to better protect their personal information and electronic communication from online threats.   Derek is an advocate of promoting technology and innovation as part of the Hack Club, advocating interest in programming with younger students, providing workshops and intro to basics such as HTML. He has recruited students to the Engineering club FRC team 2429.   Other contributions include: FTC GOLDEN GEARS TEAM 9881 LA CANADA, CA Programmer (August 2019- April 2020 working on programming for FTC robot: Developed image recognition using vuforia and robot autonomous movement, implementing and tuning control algorithms such as the PIDs for the robot’s mecanum drive. Programmed for FTC team 9881 in 2020 using Java and Android studio.   Art and Design produced here demonstrated the same research and investment. These successes only show a small window into this talented student that will be a true asset for UCLA and the world of tomorrow.   (By Omar Gallegos, WCAAD Vice Principal and Director of Education)
WCAAD students won top awards in the 2020 Rosemead Fitness Day and Health Fair Children’s Drawing Contest with themes of “Healthy Living,” “Protect the Environment” and “Water-in-Motion”. 7 WCAAD Students Won the 27th Congressional Award.  Alex Liao, 16 years old, Protect Environment  Shunshun Xie, 13 years old, Protect Environment  Nathan Liu, 9 years old, Protect Environment  Bill Wang, 7 years old, Healthy Living  Leland Shi, 7 years old, Protect Environment  Eason Xue, 6 years old, Water-in-Motion  Harry Zhang, 6 years old, Protect Environment 5 WCAAD students won the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, 1st District Award.  Celine Li, 9 years old, Protect Environment  Chloe Shyu, 9 years old, Water-in-Motion  Dangdang Xie, 7 years old, Protect Environment  Joey Zheng, 6 years old, Protect Environment Eason Xue’s art work also won the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, 1st District Award. Besides, 2 WCAAD students won the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce Award.  Alice Zhou, 13 years old, Protect Environment  Michelle Zhang, 4 years old, Healthy Living All the winning artworks were produced by students during the time when they were taking WCAAD online art classes. WCAAD instructors believe that cultivating children’s environment-protection concept is very important, and instructors have the responsibility to help students develop the habit of environment protection through art learning process.    2021 UCLA computer Science admittee Derek Jiang, is a WCAAD student who has extraordinary abilities and sensibilities that make him remarkable.   In his time here studying at WCAAD, he has adapted very quickly pursuing his creative visions to reality. His work is compounded with research, craft and excellent drafting skills.   Derek’s work demonstrates a variety of work in design, fine art, and innovation.   Derek always does more than what he is asked to do and believes in being as professional, as possible. His SAT 1550, 1600 PSAT perfect score and 5 Ap’s showcases his involvement and commitment to handle stress and pressure yet, deliver quality work. Holding a 4.63 GPA, Derek busy schedule lent to create DEREK JIANG TUTORING- motivational tutoring opportunities for others. Derek tutored classmates for the AP Computer Science Test, which uses Java and supported 6 people for a total of 9 hours on concepts such as inheritance and syntax. Honors and awards are as follows:   Aside from art, extracurricular activities include: Boy Scout Troop 501 Eagle Scout patrol and quarter master. He has worked to earn $1600.00 in eagle scout projects. As a Spartan Vanguard Officer, he has represented his school in various math competitions and interned in La Canada HS tech council. He collaborated with La Canada High School administration to streamline implementation of technology in the classroom, such as Google Classroom, remote learning software, and online communication platforms- streamlining for school.   Derek has experience working on hardware for FRC robots, including the pneumatic systems, and making aluminum parts resulting in FRC worlds in 2019 (in Houston, an international competition), placing 28th out of around 50 teams. In his Cyber security club as a team programmer, Derek developed an application to help protect students and teachers against phishing attacks. He helped create presentation to inform students and teachers about how to better protect their personal information and electronic communication from online threats.   Derek is an advocate of promoting technology and innovation as part of the Hack Club, advocating interest in programming with younger students, providing workshops and intro to basics such as HTML. He has recruited students to the Engineering club FRC team 2429.   Other contributions include: FTC GOLDEN GEARS TEAM 9881 LA CANADA, CA Programmer (August 2019- April 2020 working on programming for FTC robot: Developed image recognition using vuforia and robot autonomous movement, implementing and tuning control algorithms such as the PIDs for the robot’s mecanum drive. Programmed for FTC team 9881 in 2020 using Java and Android studio.   Art and Design produced here demonstrated the same research and investment. These successes only show a small window into this talented student that will be a true asset for UCLA and the world of tomorrow.   (By Omar Gallegos, WCAAD Vice Principal and Director of Education)
Five WCAAD students won awards at the 2020-21 National PTA Reflection contest.The theme for 2020-21 PTA Reflections contest is “I Matter Because…” Angie Li, 10 years old, won the California State 2nd Place Award. She won the 1st Place awards at the school level and district level respectively.  Angie’s artwork is titled “Paint the Future Together”. “I matter because I am a small part of the world,” in the description she writes, “I have small hands to make a difference in the future, just like any other kids. We will paint he future together!” |
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During her time at WCAAD she not only produced exceptional work, but also participated in art competitions such as the juried show Narrative with her painting “Hero”! This artwork was selected from 11 schools, all from the San Gabriel Valley schools.
Katrina Wu has studied on the Academy and has been working on her portfolio for college with a concentration of Fashion Design.
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She has taken Figure Drawing and Portfolio intensive studies that have accelerated her skills, creativity, and critical thinking through our training.
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During this pandemic Katrina worked with WCAAD’s online instruction and produced a remarkable piece that impressed her admission officers and granted her scholarships and a bright future.
 |  WCAAD offers college-bound students a unique combination of practical expertise and mentorship to help them develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to choose the right school for them – and get in. Students will work one-to-one with faculty to develop an intense individual focused and disciplined-specific portfolios. |
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This program is especially targeted for students seeking High school Art school admittance, college admittance and college transfers national and international students. Whether you require the full range of mentoring services or just one or two, your experience can be tailored to your needs. It’s all about making you the strongest college candidate you can be.
Sign up for the 2021 Fall Class to create a quality portfolio!
Sign up for the 2021 Fall Class to create a quality portfolio!
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Author
Omar Gallegos, WCAAD Vice Principal and Director of Education
Alisa Chang，13 years old; Eric Chang, 11 years old. The siblings started learning art at West California Academy of Art and Design in 2014.
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Both are talented top winners for various drawing contests!
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“I pay close attention to the selection of schools. ” the siblings’ mom says, “Children are a piece of white paper. A good teacher teaches children not only knowledge, but also good learning habits. Being creative and being able to learn are lifelong skills and can be used in everyday situations. A good teacher and school are very important for children’s education and future.”
Indeed, a good art training program not only teaches children drawing skills, but also puts emphasize on protecting and inspiring children’s imagination and creativity. “This school has greatly improved my children’s drawing and imagination skills.” Mom says.
 (Alisa, 2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest，1st Place，11 years old) |  (Eric, 2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest 1st Place & 2020 China Children’s Art & Calligraphy Contest Grand Prize, 9 years old) |
During the eight years of studying at the Academy, Alisa and Eric have won multiple art contests, giving them more confidence to excel in their student life.
 (Eric, 2018 Ranch Market Mother’s Day Drawing Contest, Grand Prize，8 years old) |  (Alisa, 2019 LA Web Drawing Contest Excellence Award，11 years old) |
To the siblings, the Academy is more than just a school teaching art. “Art for them isn’t just a drag-and-drop class. It’s now something that they enjoy, something that they look forward to every week.” Mom says
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Art training program is one of the best ways to protect and promote children’s creativity, which is essentially a form of problem-solving. Children have the opportunity and confidence to take risks, challenge assumptions, and see things in a new way.
(Alisa, 2018 Paint the Future Drawing Contest 1st Place & 2018 Edison Student Art Contest 1st Place，10 years old)
(Eric, 2015-16 National PTA Drawing Contest School 2nd Place，5 years old)
Good art instructors are actually helping students use artistic passion and power to get through their academic, and transforming students into confident, creative adults who will go on to have successful careers in their chosen fields.
It has been a great experience for their teacher to see the young artists’ growth and achievements.
It has been a great experience for their teacher to see the young artists’ growth and achievements.
 (Alisa, 2016 LA Web Drawing Contest Excellence Award，8 years old) |  (Eric, 2014 LA Web Drawing Contest Excellence Award，4 years old) |
Alisa and Eric have continued to learn art and created productive and proactive art during the period of school closure due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Despite what may have seemed at one time “a stretch”, WCAAD student Dorothy Wei’s never-ending quest for her dream came true this year. Ringling College of Art and Design has accepted her for Entertainment Design in the Fall 2021 with a scholarship of $12,000 per year $48,000/4 years.
Additional Schools:
Laguna College of Art and Design—Entertainment Design--scholarship $9,000 per semester $72,000/4 years;
Art Center—Illustration.
Laguna College of Art and Design—Entertainment Design--scholarship $9,000 per semester $72,000/4 years;
Art Center—Illustration.
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Dorothy Wei’s desire to stay the course and pursue a possible difficult challenge where she decided to delay her application to get a solid portfolio first, was worth every effort. She graduated high school and took courses at a community college while applying as a transfer working with us in the process. This particular situation is very common as our Academy has very diverse situations and stories. At the end of the day all students enter college successfully.
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Ringling Art & Design is a private college located in Sarasota, Florida. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,605 undergraduate students. Admissions is somewhat competitive as the Ringling Art & Design acceptance rate is 64%. Popular majors include Entertainment art majors such as: Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects, Illustration, and Cinematography and Video Production.
Though not as strong technically as others, her work ethic is what stands out above others. Dorothy has gone beyond her limits and shows promise to take it far and beyond.
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Dorothy has been a humble student open to critiques, constantly working in all aspects of self. This is where her story took a turn and visual growth creating a hub for her art making an impact. Preparing her for a stable future is the sacrifice that can truly make a student succeed.
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An active lifestyle outside the classroom, she brings inspiration into her work. In high school, she was an avid Water polo participant competing with tournaments and games. She has been in Chinese and Anime clubs and K culture, as well as volunteering in Chinese schools helping instructors set up their classrooms and working with children. After graduating, Dorothy performed with the Guzheng 12 years up until the quarantine and singing with New U Life (singing performance) 2020 Jan, Asian EXPO (singing performance). Dorothy relationship with others is notable as she is always helping other students. Even in her personal life you will see her walking the dogs to help out neighbors and never think twice.
 |  Author(By: Omar Gallegos, Vice Principal and Director of Education) |
In the past year, some students have already taken advantage of the WCAAD’s fantastic online classes with successful outcomes.
(WCAAD 11-year-old student artwork created at online class
(WCAAD 6-year-old student artwork created at online class
The Academy encourages students who have not yet enrolled to participate in this enrichment program that is as nurturing as in-person classes.
The Academy encourages students who have not yet enrolled to participate in this enrichment program that is as nurturing as in-person classes.
(WCAAD 10-year-old student artwork created at online class)
(WCAAD 4-year-old student artwork created at online class)
The Academy is providing the same rigor and doing their best to accommodate the community with the same fun curriculum.
The Academy is providing the same rigor and doing their best to accommodate the community with the same fun curriculum.
( WCAAD 14-year-old student artwork created at online class)
In March 2020 with a global crisis looming, WCAAD staff acted fast. The Academy's instructors rapidly moved all classes online and kept operations running remotely without interruption.
In March 2020 with a global crisis looming, WCAAD staff acted fast. The Academy's instructors rapidly moved all classes online and kept operations running remotely without interruption.
 (WCAAD Portfolio Preparation Class student artwork created at online class) |  (WCAAD Portfolio Preparation Class student artwork created at online class) |
The WCAAD faculty and teachers have prepared online lessons that are accessible at home and nurturing to students. As long as you have Internet access, you can register the online art classes for your children right away. No matter where you live and how far away you are from the school, your children are able to take the art classes of West California Academy of Art and Design (WCAAD), the WASC accredited school.
 (WCAAD Portfolio Preparation Class student artwork created at online class) |  (WCAAD Portfolio Preparation Class student artwork created at online class) |
WCAAD’s Virtual Online Courses saves you wasted time searching “how to make art” online videos and tutorials. Through the Academy’s virtual classes the same structured learning experience you would get at our prestigious accredited Art Academy in the comfort of your own home.
Offering:
Offering:
- Instant Access to Structured Virtual Art Classes
- Learn to Create Art and Design Online
- Study Art Online anytime, anywhere
- Access to: Children’s, Transitional and Advance/Portfolio Preparation
- Online guidance counseling packages
- Choose from levels, medium and schedule preference
- WCAAD’s online art academy courses contain workshops, and focused assignment
 (WCAAD 13-year-old student artwork created at online class) |  (WCAAD 10-year-old student artwork created at online class) |
The Academy highly encourages parents and students to try out these online classes. These are available resources for parents and students who wish to continue to learn art and create productive and proactive art during the period of school closure due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
(WCAAD 15-year-old student artwork created at online class)
( WCAAD 10-year-old student artwork created at online class)
WCAAD Now Offers 2021 Summer Children’s Online Art Class and Portfolio Online Intensive Program from June 14 to August 20, 10 Weeks, Monday--Friday: 9:00am--5:30pm (Portfolio Preparation Class 9:00am--7:00pm).
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Now in its 30+ year of Art education, The Academy continues to adapt the program and curriculum to offer new ways to have meaningful interactions with students to create innovating ways of thinking through the Arts and build self-expression, research and exploration.
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