Fine Arts Academy

Fine Arts Academy

September-June FAA Registration is OPEN

Registration is ongoing. Tuition will be pro-rated based on your registration date. We can’t wait to meet your little one!

What is the Fine Arts Academy?

The Fine Arts Academy is a diverse, all-inclusive program for children ages 2.5 – 5 years.

It’s fun and active curriculum allows children to develop social skills and talents at a young age. Children will participate in dance, yoga and fitness classes while enjoying music, art and drama lessons. Students have five classes each day filled with imagination and creativity.

The goal of the program is to enhance each child’s overall development by advancing gross and fine motor skills and improving social, cognitive and emotional awareness. This is your child’s opportunity to develop their confidence, spark imagination and foster creativity. It’s time to get active and connect with others with a small class size in a large studio space.

Each month, the program has an exciting new theme, all while growing your child’s development, fine/gross motor skills and cognitive abilities.

Past themes have included:

  • All About Me
  • ABC and 123
  • Our Five Senses
  • Space Invasion
  • Friendship
    …and more!

Official Fine Arts Club Provider!

Prestige Dance Academy is pleased to be an official provider of the Fine Arts Club program!

This program was created by early childhood experts, and is delivered at our studio by dance teachers and educators.

official fine-arts club provider

Program Costs

South – Auburn Bay Location

$540 – January 18th – May 25th

Wednesdays from 9:15-11:15

Thursdays from 9:15-11:15 am

West – Glenbrook Location

$420 – January 16th – May 15th 

Mondays from 9:15-11:15 am

Dress Code – Girls

Shoes: Light runners (with socks) or slippers. No bare feet please.

Apparel: Comfortable clothing that they can move and do crafts in! Dance wear is not recommended.

Dress Code – Boys

Shoes: Light runners (with socks) or slippers. No bare feet please.

Apparel: Comfortable clothing that they can move and do crafts in! Dance wear is not recommended.

Our fine arts educators

Miss Jamie - Fine Arts Instructor

Miss Jamie is excited to share her enthusiasm for learning with the students in the Fine Arts Academy as the Lead Teacher at the West location.

A born and raised Calgarian, Miss Jamie graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor’s Of Education in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. Since then, Miss Jamie has had a number of diverse teaching experiences with a range of students from Kindergarten to Jr. High, including students with complex learning needs.

She taught health education in Tanzania, Africa; she was a Developmental Specialist for preschoolers diagnosed with moderate to severe disabilities; and she has taught with the Edmonton Public School Board, and the Calgary Board of Education.

Also, as a mother, Miss Jamie is skilled at finding ways to diversify and teach to each child’s strengths and abilities in order to help them work toward their learning goals and achieve success. Miss Jamie is married with two daughters. She enjoys camping, downhill skiing, crafting, and cuddling with her ferret Jaq and her cat Merlin.

Miss Tammy

Miss Tammy is looking forward to working with the students in the Fine Arts Academy as the Lead Teacher at the South location. Miss Tammy danced from the age of three until her mid-twenties, competing in tap, jazz, and contemporary. Throughout that time, she completed many ADAPT jazz exams and Al Gilbert tap exams.

Miss Tammy taught and subbed for Prestige Dance Academy during its early years, and recently has enjoyed participating in their adult classes. After working as a piping drafter for nearly nine years, Miss Tammy left the workforce to raise her then three- and five-year-old daughters.

She now studies online through Lethbridge College to become an Educational Assistant. Her daughters are now seven and nine, and they keep her on her toes and bring great joy to her life.

Working with children has always been something that Miss Tammy has loved, and she cannot wait to watch the kids grow and learn through dance, yoga, music, fitness, art, and drama.

What's included?

Dance

Introduce your child to the world of dance. Children will learn the basics of jazz, ballet, hip hop and creative movement in a fun and encouraging environment.

Yoga

Your child can enjoy the many benefits that yoga has to offer. The introduction to basic poses, stretching and learning tools will create a foundation for calmness and focus.

Fitness

Obstacle courses, gymnastic skills and active games are incorporated to keep children moving! A focus on fitness will improve their coordination, body awareness and muscle memory.

Music

Children will enjoy nursery rhymes and classic children’s songs while playing the drums and bells. Music will help facilitate smooth transitions between activities and set the mood for a fun and positive class.

Art

Painting, colouring, cutting, glueing and assembling… the possibilities are endless with arts and crafts! Students will experience hands-on creativity and make crafts aligned with the theme of the day.

Drama

Students learn through their imagination and will experience shadow play, expressing emotions, puppet theatre and dress up days. Creativity is encouraged through drama games and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you register your pre-schooler!

What can I expect from the program?

An experience that is active, educational and creative. It will build self- esteem and social skills in a positive and encouraging environment.

How is your Fine Arts Academy different from a preschool or daycare?

Our Fine Arts Academy is a fun and active program that allows children to develop social skills and talents at a young age. Children participate in dance, yoga, and fitness classes while enjoying drama, art and music lessons. Each week the students will enjoy a theme such as animals, seasons or feelings and will learn alphabet, numbers and letters.

How old does my child need to be?
  • Mini Movers is the perfect class for all 2 and 3 year olds that are new to non-parented programs. Mini Movers need to be at least 2 years old on the first day of the program but do not need to be potty trained.
  • Little Movers builds on skills learned in Mini Movers and is appropriate for children ages 3 – 4 years old with experience (at least 6 months) in a non-parented setting. Children must be 3 years old on the first day of the program and need to be fully potty trained.
  • Kinder Movers builds on skills learned in Little Movers and is appropriate for children ages 4-5 years old with significant experience in a non-parented setting. Children need to be 4 years old on the first day of the program and must be fully potty trained.

Please note that we assess all of our students during the first few weeks of classes and may make recommendations to transfer between levels, if appropriate. Our goal is to ensure your child has the best and most positive experience possible!

Do I drop my child off or is this a parented class?

This is not a parented class – you drop off your child for the 2 hours. Parents will be invited to watch during designated parent viewing weeks. (Viewing dates will be announced for each class.)

What can I expect during drop-off? Am I able to stay?

Our teachers are trained in child development and know how to deal with separation anxiety. You will be encouraged to say your goodbyes and allow the teachers to take your child to class. If this is your child’s first time in a non-parented setting, it will definitely take time for them to feel secure and comfortable. It is common for children to cry anywhere from 5-20 minutes for the first 4-6 weeks. Our goal is to ensure your child feels safe, confident and inspired and we have outlined our integration policy below.

  • First class – Parents are invited to attend the first 15-30 minutes of class. If your child has siblings, they are more than welcome to attend as well. Children feed off their parent’s energy – when the parent is relaxed, the child is more likely to be relaxed. Teachers will lead a 15-30 minute welcome orientation and connect with the parents and collect all personal profiles. This is your opportunity to get to know the teachers and connect with them. After the orientation is complete, parents will be kindly asked to leave and children will explore and interact with one another. The goal is to set your child up for success and build trust and confidence.
  • Second class – Parents are welcome to come in the room for the first 5-10 minutes to help their child settle. After 10 minutes we kindly ask that all parents say goodbye to their child and leave the studio. This will allow us to build trust with your child.
  • Third class – Parents are welcome to bring the child into the classroom and have free play with their child for 5 minutes.
  • Fourth class – Parents say goodbye in the lobby area and teachers bring the students back into the room. If your child cries, it is best to leave them with us so we can redirect and build rapport with them. If your child is still unsettled after 30 minutes, we will call you and provide you with an update. At this time, we can come up with a suitable plan.
What if my child has separation anxiety?

It’s perfectly normal for children to have anxiety and separation issues when they first begin. Our teachers are prepared to help your child adjust to this new dynamic of leaving mom or dad at the door. In the beginning, we give your child approximately 30 minutes to ease into the class. Our teachers are well trained in comforting your child and easing them into the class. If your child is still upset and feeling scared, our teachers will call you. Usually within 3-4 drop offs, your child will understand the routine and will be comfortable with attending class independently.

How many children are in the class?

We accept 12 students in each class, and we have two certified teachers working with the children. Our standard ratio is one teacher for every 6 children.

What is the background of the teachers?

All of our teachers have experience working with children ages 2-5. They all possess unique certifications, degrees and diplomas, and are passionate about working with this age group!

Do I have to pay the full amount at time of registration?

The program must be paid for at the time of registration.

What does my child need for the class?

Please pack along diapers, a change of clothes and soft-soled footwear such as Robeez or ballet/dance shoes. Students also need a nut free snack in a lunch bag with their name on it. Please put your child’s name on all backpacks, lunch bags, reusable cups and diapers.

What if my child does not like the class, can I get a refund?

We are very confident in our program, but if for some reason it is not a fit for your child we will place a credit on your account. Please note withdrawal must take place within 30 days of the programs start date. Due to the limit of space in each program, we do not offer refunds.

Can I make up a class if I miss one?

As all of our classes are full and at a capacity we are unable to allow children to make up classes. Refunds and credits are not provided for missed classes.