In 1917, at a time of profound social and intellectual transformation, Cai Yuanpei, as the then Minister of Education of the Republic of China, advocated "replacing religion with aesthetic education", in order to restructure the spiritual world of the Chinese people and promote the tide of science and democracy. In 1928, Mr. Cai Yuanpei founded the National Academy of Art on the shore of the West Lake. The following year, its high school division was established, thus marking the beginning in secondary art education in China. Rooted in the spirit of Chinese culture, the Affiliated High School has carried forward Lin Fengmian's vision of "cultivating the great artists of the future." Over the decades, it has nurtured world-renowned masters such as Wu Guanzhong and Zhao Wuji, as well as countless influential figures in art education, creation, and media.
As a leading institution in China's secondary art education, the School enrolls students from across the country and engages in a wide range of international exchanges and cooperation. In response to the evolving demands of the art examination reform in the new era, the school has built a new integrated training of "cultural foundation - professional training - college preparation" model. Its professional curriculum is built on a broad-based, three-dimensional system that covers foundational studio training, general art education, and select pre-college courses. Its academic curriculum follows the standard high school humanities track, aligned with the national curriculum. Beyond the classroom, the School enriches students' learning through field investigation, academic lectures, and student clubs — cultivating a well-rounded education that fosters both national commitment and creative spirit.
Faculty and Staff:
The School currently has 49 faculty and staff members, including 26 full-time teachers — 1 professor and 6 associate professors.
