Family & Student

Testimonials

“LK Sleat has been the single most impactful art teacher in my son’s academic career. We first met LK at The Oxbow School, an extraordinary semester-away art school in California, where she was the Academic Dean and Printmaking teacher. I was immediately impressed by her focus on the students and her attention to detail. During a brief introduction of all students, I mentioned that my son was interested in skateboarding, after which LK let us know about a special class that could be arranged where students made and designed their own boards. She was interested and tuned in to my son’s passions, and it made the difference in his education and experience at Oxbow. Her profound influence continued over the semester, and LK became my son’s first academic mentor. She pushed and encouraged him, and he produced exciting and dynamic work. After Oxbow, which was a profound and near-perfect experience, LK began teaching an AP Drawing class to a select group of students. This AP class has been conceptually and concretely rigorous, and my son has produced the strongest and most daring work to date under LK’s guidance. LK offers a deeply individualized approach to teaching art. She is able to see the details, get to the heart of the work, and encourage and push for the level of art she believes her students are capable of producing. Beyond teaching, LK has been a tremendous help with college applications. She wrote a beautiful recommendation letter for my son, which was surely a boon to his submission. She has also been able to guide us on which art schools specialized in various areas and provide insight into the admissions process. I am deeply grateful for her expertise and knowledge. My son was admitted to every art school to which he applied and received merit scholarships at each. LK’s guidance, letter of recommendation, mentorship, and individual teaching have undoubtedly helped in this exciting accomplishment. I am beyond grateful for LK’s presence in my son’s and our family’s life and would recommend her as a teacher and/or college advisor without reservation.”

“Under Ms. Sleat’s guidance, my daughter earned a 5 on her AP Art Portfolio and was accepted into a highly competitive design program. What sets her apart is her ability to connect with students and help them discover their unique strengths. Ms. Sleat was an exceptional mentor and teacher to both of my children. Her impact on their education and self-confidence has been truly immeasurable. She created a safe, supportive environment where they felt comfortable expressing themselves, embracing their individuality, and growing creatively. That strong foundation continued into college, where my daughter was accepted into a highly competitive design program and is now preparing to move to New York City to pursue a career in the creative field. What sets Ms. Sleat apart is her genuine ability to connect with her students, nurture their artistic passions, and help them discover their unique strengths and interests. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom. We are especially grateful that she continues to stay in touch, regularly checking in with her former students and their families. I cannot recommend Ms. Sleat highly enough!”

“The reason I got into Pratt was that LK didn’t just know my art—she knew who I was as a student and as an individual. I met LK during my time at an arts semester program in Napa. As soon as I met her, I knew that she would be my teacher long after the semester was over. She balances a personal and professional relationship with all her students, making them feel encouraged, seen, and appreciated. LK’s online class that I took (AP Drawing) was rigorous, yet she always understood our physical limitations with resources and always offered solutions. The online classes and advising were fairly self-motivated, yet still encouraged individual growth and independence. I feel confident in saying the reason why I picked and why I got into Pratt, as well as how I got to that decision, was because LK not only knew my art, but also knew who I was/am as a student and as an individual.”

“I attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on scholarship thanks to the support I received building my AP portfolio. That path led me to where I am today. From 1998–2002, LK Sleat was my art teacher. Because I had LK as a teacher, I am sitting in the position that I am now: art therapist and adjunct professor of art therapy at Lewis and Clark. LK supported my growth as a fledgling artist, helping me both understand the materials I was working with and challenge myself to grow my skills as an artist establishing myself in the world. I will never forget the day LK brought in oil paints on her own accord to support high school students with exposure to art mediums they would have never otherwise engaged with without her creativity and thought. I attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on scholarship due to the support I received around making my AP art portfolio and learning how to present myself as a professional artist. This path led me to where I am today, supporting the mental health side of art making and healing. I cannot recommend LK highly enough for what they have contributed to the field of fledgling artists, both in what they can become and where they can go. Her art knowledge and awareness are strong, insightful, and incredibly relevant in supporting those today who would like to take this path.”

“L.K. Sleat is a dear friend and former colleague at Marist School in Atlanta. Over my forty-plus years at Marist, I have had the opportunity to hire several brilliant artists who also happened to be exceptional Advanced Placement teachers. L.K. brought to the classroom decades of experience as an artist working in several media, decades of work with the College Board scoring A.P. Studio portfolios, and a wealth of pedagogical knowledge from her diverse teaching positions around the country. Her classrooms are always collaborative, vibrant, creative spaces welcoming everyone and all ideas. Among her many gifts as a teacher is her ability to be fully present and listen to students, challenging, cajoling, and joyfully guiding the work through an endless experimental process. L.K. has inspired generations of students to create portfolios whose depth and breadth equaled the best in the country.”

“I’ve met very few people as talented and brilliant as Ms. Sleat, easily among the best leaders and thinkers in our group of artists and teachers at the College Board. I was lucky enough to work with her for many years with Advanced Placement for the College Board. Ms. Sleat was easily among the best leaders and thinkers in a group of extraordinary artists and teachers, and in addition, she is also a deeply talented artist, an innovative thinker, and a very successful and creative teacher and mentor.”

“Anna made a 5 on her AP Art Exam because of LK’s teaching, and her recommendation went a long way toward getting into the college of her choice. My daughter Anna’s life would look very different without the teaching and encouragement from her favorite high school teacher, LK Sleat. Anna always had a bent toward art, but until LK taught her, she never knew what to do with that interest. LK awakened a love and passion for painting and drawing that will remain with her always. Anna lacked confidence in her skills, and LK pushed her to leave her comfort zone. LK has also served as a mentor to Anna, and they continue to maintain a close relationship today. Anna received several awards from the school and made a 5 on her AP Art Exam because of LK’s teaching. LK also wrote an outstanding college recommendation, which certainly went a long way toward helping her get into the college of her choice. Our family has been deeply touched by LK, and I personally cannot recommend her highly enough. She is smart, detailed, and encouraging. She cares deeply about her students and works very hard on their behalf. I have no reservations about recommending her as a teacher or college advisor.”

“LK has helped me a stupendous amount through my artistic career and growth as a person. I first met her at a semester school for Arts and Academics in California, but then soon after she became my AP Studio Art Drawing and Painting teacher. I don’t think I’ve progressed artistically in any class as much as I have in hers! I owe a ridiculous amount to her and would recommend her to any artist, no matter the medium, level of dedication, or skill.”

“She was always willing to help me outside of class with any project, and she’s one of the best educators I’ve had. I had LK as an instructor at the Oxbow School in Napa, and she truly made my time there amazing! She was always willing to help me outside of class time with any project I was working on or anything in my life that I needed help with. She is one of the best educators I’ve had, and I am so lucky to know her and call her my friend!”