This year, BFS graduates have demonstrated exceptional artistic and creative talent, earning offers from five of the world’s top art and design schools, including Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt Institute, Parsons School of Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and University of the Arts London.

We are especially proud to celebrate Subin Lee, who will attend RISD, and Gisselle Hwang, who will continue her studies at UAL. What makes their accomplishments particularly remarkable is that both students joined BFS in Grade 11—achieving these results in less than two years.

Their success highlights the impact of a highly personalized, mentorship-driven approach. At a small school like BFS, students benefit from a bespoke learning experience, with individualized guidance, focused portfolio development, and the opportunity to quickly unlock their creative potential and reach ambitious goals.

Both students developed portfolios shaped by interdisciplinary learning. Drawing from AP Art and the human-centered themes explored in AP Psychology, Gisselle’s work explored nostalgia—capturing memory, identity, and emotional connection—while Subin’s portfolio examined nature as a response to emptiness, using organic forms to convey restoration and balance.

Under the guidance of Ms. Hwang, our AP Art teacher, students engage in intentional portfolio development, one-on-one critique, and thoughtful integration of academic learning into their creative work—building not only strong portfolios, but meaningful artistic identities.

We are incredibly proud of Subin and Gisselle and look forward to the impact they will make on the global stage.