Academic Art Classes for Kids in West Lake, Hanoi

Structured academic drawing for children aged 5–11 — English instruction in a calm Tay Ho studio, minutes from West Lake.

Academic art for kids · English instruction · West Lake, Hanoi

Many Japanese and Korean families living around West Lake (Tây Hồ) look for more than a casual craft class — they want their child to build real observational drawing skills: line, form, light and shadow, and composition.

Our Drawing Class pathway follows an academic fine-art approach taught by graduates of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. Classes are in English (with patient, clear instruction), in small groups, with all materials included.

Whether you live in Ciputra, Starlake, Xuân Diệu, or along Âu Cơ — the studio is a short ride from most West Lake residences and international schools.

What “academic art” means for kids

• Learning to see and draw — shapes, proportion, light, shadow, and form
• Building skills for school art projects and long-term creative confidence
• Screen-free studio time in a quiet, focused environment
• Small groups with guidance matched to each child's level
• Optional portfolio of work to take home; certificate after a 12-session course

International schools & preschools near West Lake

Families from these schools often join us for after-school and weekend drawing. We are an independent studio — not affiliated with any school listed below.

UNIS Hanoi — Ciputra, Tây Hồ · IB curriculum · large international community

Singapore International School (SIS) Ciputra — Ciputra, Tây Hồ · International curriculum

Westlink International School — Starlake / Tây Hồ Tây · IB World School · 30+ nationalities

The Dewey Schools (Starlake campus) — Starlake urban area · Bilingual US-standard program

Japanese International School (JIS) — Hanoi · British, Japanese & Vietnamese curricula

Korea Global School Hanoi (KGS) — Hanoi · British & Korean curricula · Korean expat community

Hanoi Academy International Bilingual School — Near Ciputra / Tây Hồ · Bilingual program

Sakura HoaAnhDao Kindergarten — Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ · Japanese kindergarten · since 2005

Nakayoshi Kindergarten — Near Tây Hồ / Bắc Từ Liêm · Japanese preschool

Sakura Montessori Thụy Khuê — Thụy Khuê, Tây Hồ · International preschool

Sky International Preschool — Tây Hồ · International early years

Residential buildings around West Lake

We welcome families from expat-friendly towers and villa areas across Tây Hồ. Typical drive or taxi time to our Âu Cơ studio is about 10–20 minutes from the areas below.

• Ciputra Hanoi — G2, G3, E1, E4, E5, P1, P2, L1 & L2 (The Link) towers
• Starlake (Daewoo Starlake) — Towers 901, 902, 903 · Tây Hồ Tây
• Kosmo Tay Ho — Metro, Centro & Novo towers
• D'. Le Roi Soleil — 59 Xuân Diệu · Quảng An peninsula
• Heritage West Lake (SOHO Heritage) — 677 Lạc Long Quân · near Lotte Center Tây Hồ
• Sun Grand City — Thụy Khuê · lakeside residences
• Villas & low-rise — Yên Phụ, Nhật Tân, Quảng An, Trích Sài, Thụy Khuê

Studio location

82 Ngách 264/15 Ngõ 374 Đường Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hanoi · Open in Google Maps

• Quiet residential lane near West Lake — not a tourist district
• Grab or taxi from Ciputra, Starlake, or Xuân Diệu is usually 10–20 minutes
• Parents may wait in the studio lounge or drop off for older children
• Home tutoring elsewhere in Hanoi available on request

What's included

• Small group classes with English-speaking teachers
• All materials included — pencils, paper, erasers, and more
• Academic drawing focus: observation, line, light, shadow, and form
• Certificate after course completion
• Artwork portfolio to bring home
• Optional guided visit to an art museum or exhibition

Who will teach

Classes are taught by graduates from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, with expertise in both academic drawing and contemporary art practices.

Meet our artists

Questions from international families

Is this class suitable for Japanese or Korean children who speak limited English?

Yes. Our teachers use clear, simple English and demonstrate every step visually. Many expat children in Hanoi join us while building their English — patience and encouragement are central to how we teach.

What age can my child start academic drawing?

The Drawing Class pathway is designed for ages 5–11. Younger children (5–7) start with basic shapes and observation; older children work on light, shadow, and form for school art projects.

How is this different from Contemporary Art for Kids?

Contemporary Art explores art history and painting styles — great for creative exploration. Academic Drawing builds foundational observational skills first. See our full {kids-courses}kids programs{/kids-courses} for both pathways.

Do parents stay during class?

Parents may wait in the studio lounge or drop off for older children. Tell us your preference when you {book-kids}book{/book-kids}.

How do I get to the studio from Ciputra or Starlake?

Most families use Grab or a taxi (about 10–20 minutes). Open Google Maps for directions to our Âu Cơ studio in Tây Hồ.