• Animation schools teach traditional techniques alongside computer animation.crayon image by anna karwowska from Fotolia.com
  
  As animated films continue to hold a popular position in American moviemaking, more and more students are becoming interested in learning to become animators. Some of the best animation schools in the world are located in California, where Hollywood serves as the center of animated film production. Students can learn traditional and high-tech animation techniques in several different school environments.
  
  

CalArts

• CalArts, or the California Institute of the Arts, was founded with the support of Walt Disney in the 1960s. Located in Valencia, California, about 25 miles north of Hollywood, the school offers several programs in the visual and performing arts, including a bachelor of fine arts in character animation and a B.F.A. or master's degree in experimental animation. The private university features extensive film and animation facilities including the latest film and digital cameras and editing equipment. Dozens of CalArts animation graduates have gone on to successful careers in mainstream and experimental animation production in Hollywood and around the world.
  
  CalArts
  24700 McBean Parkway
  Valencia, CA 91355
  661-255-1050
  calarts.edu
  
  

The Los Angeles Film School

• The Los Angeles Film School is situated on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood. It is a private, for-profit college with programs in film, computer animation, audio and video game production. In 1999 the school's founders included Hollywood professionals with real-world experience in modern filmmaking. Animation students have access to a state-of-the-art animation studio, as well as a THX-certified screening room. The Los Angeles Film School's classes start monthly and last between 12 and 18 months, with animation students earning an associate of science in computer animation degree. Instruction is intended to prepare students to go directly to work in the animation industry.
  
  The Los Angeles Film School
  6363 West Sunset Blvd.
  Los Angeles, CA 90028
  323-860-0789
  lafilm.edu
  
  

Academy of Art University

• Located in the heart of San Francisco in northern California, Academy of Art University offers a long list of programs, including advertising, web design, fashion and animation. The private school's animation program includes courses in traditional animation, 3-D computer animation, cartooning, character design, visual effects and stop motion animation. Students can work toward B.F.A., M.F.A. or associate degrees, or receive an award of completion for the program's online coursework. Animation instructors at Academy of Art University include current and former employees of nearby animation firms Pixar and Industrial Light & Magic.
  
  Academy of Art University
  79 New Montgomery St.
  San Francisco, CA 94105
  415-274-2200
  academyart.edu