Certificate Programs

The FAA application process begins when candidates submit their online application. 

Entry to The Florence Academy of Art is based on a review of five images of recent drawings, paintings or sculpture. These images will be reviewed by our Certificate faculty to determine who is best suited for study with us. During the selection process, our instructors want to see if an applicant’s work reflects a strong interest in figurative realism, if the applicant is attempting to draw, paint or sculpt from life, if they have looked at or studied from the old masters, and finally, if they exhibit potential for success in the program. It is a good idea to submit examples of work done in the materials we use, like charcoal or pencil, or possibly oil or clay. These suggestions are not meant to imply the applicant must already be working at an advanced level, but simply demonstrate that they are interested in working figuratively and in the realistic tradition.

Applicants may request advanced standing upon entry. This requires prior training in an academy or atelier similar to The Florence Academy of Art, and completion of the same drawing exercises as those required by the Florence Academy’s Intensive Drawing curriculum. The possibility for advanced entry is assessed and determined by the faculty during the portfolio review and no more than 37.5 credits of coursework may be awarded (equivalent to a cast in charcoal and white chalk).

Some applicants have said they hesitate to apply to The Florence Academy of Art because their work is “not as good as the work by students on the website.” Our mission is to train you to achieve those same skills, and possibly surpass them, by providing you a curriculum, teaching method and studio environment grounded in the soundest principles of realistic tradition, and an intellectually stimulating community fostered by the students, teachers and staff at The Florence Academy of Art.

Entry to our program is competitive due to a limited number of places available in each academic year. The academic year begins in the Fall. At the time they submit their application, applicants may indicate whether they wish to keep their applications active for consideration for entrance during the Winter or Spring term. This means, for applicants who are not immediately invited to join the program, their applications will be placed on the waitlist. Should a place become available during the year, faculty will go back to the waitlist to select a replacement. 

All applicants are required to have a high school / secondary school diploma, as well as a good level of English language (speaking and comprehension). Applicants may be called for a short video interview.

View our Calendar & Tuition.