Parent Testimonial by Alice Zhang’s Mom

“West California Academy of Art and Design (WCAAD) has been so much more than an art school for us.” Alice Zhang’s Mom wrote, “It has been a place of growth, heart, and community. We are forever grateful for Ms. Noriko, Miss Wang, and everyone who has shaped Alice’s journey.”

Alice’s parents come from a family that deeply values sincerity in education, and from the moment their daughter Alice joined West California Academy of Art at age 7, they found something truly special in Ms. Noriko’s class.

Now, four years later, as Alice graduates from Ms. Noriko’s class and is upgraded to the advanced class, “we reflect with immense gratitude and admiration for everything she’s learned—not just about art, but about patience, dedication, and creative confidence.” Alice’s mom said.

Based on Alice’s mom’s observation, Ms. Noriko pours her whole heart into her teaching. She prepares each class with such care and intention. “During competition seasons, she never misses a beat—keeping track of deadlines, reminding me to submit Alice’s work, and following up to make sure everything is in on time. That level of commitment is rare.”

For every competition piece, Ms. Noriko collaborates with Alice—guiding her gently, but always encouraging her to express her own ideas. In a world where some art teachers simply direct students or draw for them, Ms. Noriko respects the child’s voice and fosters true artistic growth.

Ms. Noriko has taught Alice essential skills: how to shade properly, how to combine colors with harmony, and how to compose a piece with clarity and vision. With Ms. Noriko's guidance, Alice has won numerous competitions in the past 4 years.

2023: 9-year-old Alice won the 1^st Place award at the Assembly District 49 Art Contest. Assemblymember Mike Fong presented the recognition certificates to the winners at the Rosemead Community Center. The theme of this art contest is “The Beauty of Our Community,” calling young artists to create works of art showing their favorite parts about living in Assembly District 49. Alice’s winning artwork is titled：Explore the Beauty and History of San Gabriel. The winning artworks were displayed in the State Capitol Office in Sacramento during the 2024 legislative year.

2023: 9-year-old Alice won the 3rd Place award of San Gabriel Library at the LA County Bookmark Contest

2024: 10-year-old Alice won the Best Creativity award at the EDI Children’s Drawing Contest themed "My Extracurricular Life: Art, Sports, and Entertainment Activities"

2024: 10-year-old Alice won the 1^st Place award of La Canada Flintridge Library at the LA County Bookmark Contest

2025: 11-year-old Alice won the Excellence Award at the LA Web Children’s Drawing Contest themed “Better World”

2025: 11-year-old Alice won the 1st Place award at the art contest themed “Being Water Wise is…” sponsored by PWP and MWD. This art contest is open to all K-12 students residing within PWP service territory，and only one 1st Place winner is selected. Each year, participating students submit artwork portraying a water-wise theme, along with a short message about water conservation.

With heartful gratitude, Alice’s mom wrote a long comment about WCAAD on Yelp.

“Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful and detailed review for my class and our school!” Alice’s instructor Ms. Noriko said, “I am truly touched by your kind words. It’s been an absolute pleasure teaching Alice — watching her improve, explore her creativity, and grow in confidence has been so rewarding! She’s grown so much not just as an artist, but definitely as a person as well!”

Ms. Noriko expressed her appreciation for Alice’s parents’ support. “Thank you for always communicating with me and the school, and for being there to cheer her on. Your involvement and encouragement meant so much to both of us.”

Alice’s mom also made a comment about Miss Wang, the owner of WCAAD. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to learn about her life: her challenging early years in China, her immigration story, and the sacrifices she made to build this school from the ground up.” she wrote, “Miss Wang treats her teachers like family, and it shows. She is always present—at the school, at student exhibitions, and at award ceremonies, cheering on every child as if they were her own. She is a role model not only to the students but to all of us. Her perseverance, strength, and kindness remind the children where their current opportunities come from—and inspire them to dream big while staying grounded.”