Is it possible for a student to skip levels or test out of levels?

When the new Achievement Program launches in October 2025, students may “test out” of Levels 1–5 if they meet all the requirements for those levels. After October 2025, students will not be allowed to skip levels. The only exception is for returning students who previously took a break; they may be placed back into the appropriate level based on their prior progress.

Even though some students may already have the skills to advance beyond level 5, the highest level a student may test out of is level 5. This policy ensures that all students build a strong foundation in the Cordovan Art School teaching methodology.

To test out of a level, students must also meet the following minimum time requirements as a Cordovan Art School student:

• Level 1: 1 month minimum
• Level 2: 3 months minimum
• Level 3: 6 months minimum
• Level 4: 9 months minimum
• Level 5: 12 months minimum

During a portfolio review presentation, does the student show every piece in their portfolio to the class, or do they just pick one piece to share

Time permitting, students may share more than one artwork from their portfolio with the class during their presentation. If there is not enough time to review every requirement in class, the teacher may review the remainder of the portfolio privately to ensure all requirements are met. Repetition is valuable. As students hear the PRINCIPLES, ELEMENTS, and TECHNIQUES explained during portfolio reviews, the repeated exposure helps reinforce these concepts and strengthens learning for the entire class.

If a student shows a portfolio piece that represents the principle of “Balance” for Level 1, can they use “Balance” again to achieve their Level 2 pin?

Yes. Students may demonstrate the same Principle again. However, Level 2 requires two Principles, so the student would need to choose one additional Principle besides “Balance” in order to advance to Level 2.

Can a student use the exact same piece they already used in a previous portfolio review?

Yes, but only for for levels 1-5. The process of building a portfolio is cumulative.

Levels 1–5 (Beginning): Students may reuse the same pieces, adding new work along the way. However, during their class presentations, it is recommended that they choose unique piece(s) to show the class that they have not presented before, so it isn’t a repeat presentation.

Levels 6–7 (Intermediate): Students must start over with brand-new portfolio pieces that demonstrate higher quality work.

Levels 8–10 (Advanced): Students may use ANY of their artwork, as long as the pieces are showcase-worthy. In most cases, artwork created for Levels 1–7 will not carry over into Level 8-10.

Should a student frame their piece(s) for the portfolio review?

No. We do not require students to frame their artwork for the portfolio review. If a piece is already framed, that is acceptable, but framing should never be an expectation or requirement.

Is the Achievement Program the same for CLAY as it is for 2-D art? (e.g. hand build or pottery wheel)

Since our curriculum is built upon the PRINCIPLES and ELEMENTS of art, the learning applies to all forms of art, including clay classes. The TECHNIQUES, however, will vary from medium to medium.

Do students in a Drawing & Sketching class need to use a variety of mediums to advance?

No. A student enrolled in a Drawing & Sketching class may successfully pass a portfolio review using only the medium of graphite. However, students are encouraged to explore a range of drawing mediums to broaden their experience and strengthen their skills. Common mediums in Drawing & Sketching include: Graphite, Charcoal (vine, compressed sticks, pencils, etc), Pastels, Markers, Oil Pastels, Colored Pencils, Pen & Ink, Brush Pens, Silverpoint, Scratchboard, Digital Drawing.

Do students in a Drawing & Sketching class need to use a variety of mediums to advance?

No. A student enrolled in a Drawing & Sketching class may successfully pass a portfolio review using only the medium of graphite. However, students are encouraged to explore a range of drawing mediums to broaden their experience and strengthen their skills. Common mediums in Drawing & Sketching include: Graphite, Charcoal (vine, compressed sticks, pencils, etc), Pastels, Markers, Oil Pastels, Colored Pencils, Pen & Ink, Brush Pens, Silverpoint, Scratchboard, Digital Drawing.

How does a student know if they are ready to present their portfolio at the next portfolio review?

This curriculum is designed to recognize students for their effort and personal growth. When a student brings the required number of portfolio pieces and can use the correct art vocabulary to describe their work (with teacher support if needed), they will advance to the next level–provided they have also met the minimum time requirements as a Cordovan student. The most challenging part of a portfolio review is the work that’s already been done creating the artwork! Becoming a talented artist takes time, practice, and dedication. Portfolio reviews are meant to be a celebration of all those months of effort, growth, and learning.

It is important to remember that no two students are alike. Each artist progresses at their own pace. Think of it like a running analogy: every runner is striving for their own “personal best”. Just as no two runners run the same race, no two artists create or progress in the same way. Our goal is to recognize each artist for their unique journey and individual growth.

How strict is the judging for the advanced levels 8, 9 and 10?

For levels 8, 9, and 10, students are expected to demonstrate a higher level of craftsmanship and skill in their portfolio reviews. Advancement at these upper levels requires not only effort and vocabulary, but also a stronger artistic ability, attention to detail, and technical refinement. Levels 8 and 9 are to designed to help the student work their way up to level 10.

The highest award–LEVEL 10–will require a more rigorous and structured portfolio submission process. At this stage, students should present work that reflects maturity, consistency, and mastery of techniques, as well as the ability to thoughtfully evaluate and articulate their artistic choices. Talk with your teacher when you are ready for 8, 9, and 10, and they will help you get ready!

What if a student feels too shy to present in front of the class?

If a student does not feel comfortable presenting in front of the class, they should let their teacher or the studio manager know ahead of time. Teachers can provide an alternate option such as a 1:1 review. The goal is to work with each student individually so they can receive recognition in a comfortable setting where the students feels supported and confident.

Are students permitted to use artwork created outside of class, or does it have to be work done only at Cordovan Art School?

Students may include artwork created both inside and outside of Cordovan Art School in their portfolios, as long as the pieces demonstrate the required Principles, Elements, and Techniques for their level. For example, many students may want to work on their pieces at home, and this should be encouraged.

When is a brand-new student eligible to receive their Level 1 pin? When does the clock start ticking?

A brand-new student becomes eligible to receive their Level 1 pin after completing their first full month of enrollment. For example, if a student enrolls on September 15, their first full month of classes is October. This means they would eligible to receive their level 1 pin during the November portfolio review.

If a student is enrolled in multiple classes, do they receive an apron and Level Pins for each class, or are these shared across all classes?

Aprons and Level Pins are shared across all classes. A student only receives one apron and progresses through one set of Level Pins, regardless of how many classes they are enrolled in. When it is time for a student to participate in their portfolio review, they can choose to present in either class…or they can choose to present to both classes!

Are students expected to take their aprons home each week? 

Yes, students should take their aprons home each week. Since we do not have storage space at the studio, we cannot hold aprons or be responsible if they are lost or stolen.

What happens if a student loses their apron or pins?

If an apron or pins are lost or stolen, students have the option to buy replacements.

If a student pauses classes for any reason, does their progress reset, or do they keep the time and goals they’ve already achieved?

A student’s progress does not reset. All time and goals they’ve already achieved remain recorded, so the student can continue where they left off when they return.