Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University
Former name
Académie of Advertising Art,
Academy of Advertising Art,
Richard Stephens Academy of Art,
Academy of Art College
MottoBuilt by artists for artists
TypePrivate for-profit art school
Established1929
PresidentElisa Stephens
Academic staff
126 full-time
492 part-time
Students6,786
Undergraduates4,555[1]
Postgraduates2,231
Location, ,
United States
CampusUrban and online
ColorsBlack and Red   
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division II
Websiteacademyart.edu

The Academy of Art University (AAU, or ART U), formerly Academy of Art College and Richard Stephens Academy of Art, is a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California. It was founded as the Academy of Advertising Art by Richard S. Stephens in 1929.[2] The school is one of the largest property owners in San Francisco, with the main campus located on New Montgomery Street in the South of Market district.[3]

In fall 2023, it had 126 full-time teachers, 492 part-time teaching staff, and 6,786 students;[1] it claims to be the largest privately owned art and design school in the United States.[4]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference nces was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "The Academy of Art University is a school with a soul". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved May 22, 2016.
  3. ^ John Cote (November 15, 2010). "Academy of Art land use violations ignored". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  4. ^ "Who We Are". Academy of Art University website. Retrieved October 16, 2013.