Start with your child’s age. You’ll notice that some of our age ranges overlap — that’s intentional. Children of the same age can be in very different places socially and developmentally, and sometimes a slightly older or younger age group is simply a better fit. The overlap gives families flexibility to choose the class environment where their child is most likely to feel comfortable, connected, and successful.

No. Petite Canvas programs are grouped primarily by age, not by ability level. Overlapping age ranges are designed to give families flexibility based on social and developmental fit rather than to label one class as more advanced than another.

There is no need to move simply because another class sounds more advanced. As children grow, families and teachers can work together to decide when another age grouping feels like a better social and developmental fit.

No. Classes rotate through different materials, techniques, and artistic concepts throughout the year. Some skills are intentionally revisited, but projects and creative experiences change from week to week.

Children should wear comfortable clothing that can get messy. Aprons are provided, but art materials can still make their way onto sleeves, shoes, and clothing.

That’s okay. Our teachers give children time to settle in, observe, and join at their own pace. We do not expect every child to participate in exactly the same way from the moment they arrive.

Our teachers use clear demonstrations, manageable steps, movement when appropriate, and supportive redirection to help children stay connected to the class. We recognize that children engage and learn in different ways.

For Petite Studio and Petite Studio Bridge, a caregiver participates with the child and remains for the full class. Foundations, Atelier, Mixed Sibling Studio, and independent Adaptive classes are drop-off classes, so caregivers do not need to remain in the studio.

No, your child’s art teacher will mark them absent and you will automatically receive makeup token in your account.

Adaptive versions of Petite Studio, Foundations, and Atelier offer smaller class sizes, flexible pacing, sensory-aware teaching, and access to adaptive art tools and materials to support different ways of creating.

Yes. Petite Canvas has an open-concept studio with a designated waiting area and additional tables where caregivers and siblings may sit during class.

We want the studio to feel welcoming for the whole family, including babies and younger siblings. Normal family noise is expected, and caregivers should never feel like they need to keep an infant perfectly quiet.

Because the waiting area shares the same open space as the classroom, we simply ask families to be mindful if noise or activity begins to make it difficult for artists to hear instruction or stay focused.

If you need a little more space, there is also seating just outside the classroom on the balcony, plus plenty of room downstairs at River Street in the grassy and table areas.

Petite Canvas has an on-site restroom available to enrolled artists and families.

For Petite Studio and Petite Studio Bridge, caregivers remain with their child during class and are responsible for any bathroom assistance needed.

For our independent classes, children must be able to use the restroom independently from start to finish, including entering and exiting the restroom on their own, managing clothing, toileting, and washing and drying their hands properly.

Teachers may show a child where the restroom is located, but they cannot enter the restroom with a child or provide hands-on toileting or handwashing assistance.

If your child may need help with any part of the bathroom routine, a caregiver is always welcome to remain nearby in any of our waiting areas during class.

If your child is sick, please keep them home.

Children should not attend class if they have had fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or symptoms of a contagious illness within the past 72 hours, or if they are feeling too tired or unwell to comfortably participate.

Missing class is okay, that’s exactly why Petite Canvas offers unlimited makeups for enrolled artists.

When your child is marked absent, a makeup token is automatically added to your account. Makeup tokens may be used to schedule another age-appropriate class, subject to availability, and must be redeemed within 30 days.

We know it’s disappointing to miss class, especially when your child is excited to come. Please give them the time they need to fully recover. Their makeup class will be waiting when they’re ready to return feeling well.