Our Mission
We are a portfolio-focused studio specializing in admissions preparation for art high schools, art and design colleges, graduate programs, and Ivy League supplemental portfolios and essays.
Our mission goes beyond teaching technical art skills. We work closely with each student to develop strategic, school-specific portfolios and written materials that clearly communicate artistic vision, strengths, and readiness for highly competitive programs.
Through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and deep admissions insight, we guide students in building cohesive portfolios and compelling essays that meet the exact expectations of top art schools and universities, from specialized art high schools to elite undergraduate and graduate programs.
Art High School Portfolio Summer Intensive
Registration is NOW OPEN!
Our Art High School Summer Intensive is designed for students applying to New York City’s most competitive specialized visual arts high schools. Through structured instruction and individualized mentorship, students develop strong foundational skills while creating audition-ready portfolio work aligned with each school’s expectations.
Ideal For Students Applying To
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Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
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Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
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High School of Art and Design
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Edward R. Murrow High School
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Interlochen Arts Academy
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New World School of the Arts
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and other leading visual arts programs
Proven Record of Success
Manhattan Art students have earned admission to top art high schools year after year.
To date, our art high school applicants have achieved a 100% acceptance record, reflecting the strength of our training and personalized preparation.
Summer Enrollment
Summer is the most effective time to build momentum, strengthen fundamentals, and prepare for upcoming auditions.
👉Secure your spot today.
Enrollment is limited to maintain small class sizes and individualized attention.
Art College & Ivy League Supplemental Portfolio Summer Intensive
Registration is Now Open!
Our Summer Portfolio Intensive Program is designed for students applying to art and design colleges, competitive undergraduate and graduate programs, and Ivy League schools that require supplemental portfolios.
Through focused, full-day instruction and a carefully structured plan, students use the summer to build a strong, cohesive portfolio rather than just individual artworks. Our goal is to help students present their work at a level that aligns with top admissions and scholarship expectations.
Why Students & Parents Choose This Program
Individualized Portfolio Strategy
Each student follows a custom portfolio plan based on their intended major, artistic strengths, and target schools. There is no fixed curriculum—every portfolio is developed intentionally to meet school-specific requirements and stand out in competitive applicant pools.
Small Classes, Real Mentorship
With a maximum of six students per class, students receive close guidance, in-depth critiques, and consistent mentorship, allowing for measurable progress and refined work each week.
Guaranteed Portfolio Completion (8–10 Weeks)
Students enrolled for 8–10 weeks are guaranteed to complete up to 20 finished portfolio pieces, the maximum number typically required by top art and design colleges. This ensures students enter application season with a complete, submission-ready portfolio.
Flexible Program Length
Students may choose 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks, depending on their goals, timeline, and application requirements.
College-Focused Training
Projects emphasize:
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Strong technical fundamentals
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Concept development and experimentation
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Artistic voice and clarity of intention
These are the exact qualities that admissions committees and scholarship reviewers evaluate in competitive portfolios.
Admissions & Scholarship Readiness
By the end of the program, students leave with:
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A cohesive, polished portfolio
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Work aligned with top school expectations
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Strong preparation for merit-based scholarship consideration
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Confidence in submitting to multiple competitive programs
Our intensive summer structure allows students to focus fully, giving them a significant advantage when applying to selective art schools and universities.
👉 Secure your spot today.
Enrollment is limited due to small class sizes.
College & Ivy League Essay & Supplemental Prep
Personal Statements • Supplements • Artist Statements
Our Essay & Supplemental Preparation Program supports students applying to art colleges, universities, and Ivy League programs that require written components alongside portfolios.
This program helps students clearly articulate their creative identity, academic goals, and personal story through structured, authentic writing. Students receive one-on-one guidance to develop personal statements, school-specific supplemental essays, and artist statements.
With experienced mentorship and a thoughtful revision process, we help students produce compelling, polished essays that strengthen their overall application and complement their portfolio work.
What Students Work On
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Common App personal statements
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School-specific supplemental essays
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Artist statements and written portfolio components
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Narrative clarity, structure, and voice
A Strategic Approach to Writing
Our approach emphasizes:
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Authentic storytelling, not templates
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Clear structure and intentional revision
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Alignment between written materials and portfolio work
This ensures students submit writing that reflects both their academic readiness and artistic direction—qualities admissions committees value when reviewing competitive applications.
👉 Schedule a One-on-One Essay Consultation today.
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"I’ve been going Manhattan Art since my sophomore year of high school and let me say this, going through this program was 100% worth it. At the end of the day all the staff truly cares about you and your future as an artist. They really help you refine your skill and learn many new techniques. I got into all my schools (including all my reach schools) due to my portfolio that I made at Manhattan Art. All my love and support goes out to the staff the people who founded Manhattan Art."
Accepted Schools with scholarships: RISD, PARSONS, SVA, PRATT, SCAD, MICA, SAIC, FIT
