I have a middle schooler that loves art. Unfortunately where we live, the art programs for her age group are more “art & crafts” fun focused rather than teaching techniques. Any suggestions on how we can develop techniques at home? online programs? private teachers?
For my daughter, Youtube videos. And lots of practice. Unfortunately our HS art program was very little help to her. The internet also helped her know what kinds of supplies are good and getting Prismacolor colored pencils made a big difference for her.
Have I got a subforum for you…ask the parents of art majors
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/
I have a child interested in interior design, so lots of art classes. 
I would talk to the art teacher at the high school where she will go, independent local arts and crafts stores (owned and operated by actual artists), museum schools, galleries, etc. Seek out artists in your area who can help guide her themselves or put her in touch with others.
Also keep in mind that while the classes for her age group are more “art & crafts fun,” the people who lead the classes are probably plugged into the art scene in your area. They teach the classes that interest the vast majority of clients. Ask them about other opportunities for your child. Most artists love mentoring other artists.
Also, don’t discount classes outside her age group. She may have to be with much older students to get real instruction. If she approaches the classes with maturity she will be welcomed.
“Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” (with the workbook as a nice addition) is a great way to start.
Plus a sketchbook and good drawing pencils.
Also look at other design fields. My kid liked baking fancy stuff, and doodling all over her notebooks. She’s now an MFA candidate in theatrical lighting design. Lots of her friends started out doodling too much in class in middle school and now do costuming, stage design, industrial design, jewelry design, etc. Lots of options out there.
If it helps, I found the supply list for D20’s drawing class (I have no idea about the other art classes such as painting):
Textbook: “Creating and Understanding Drawings” by Gene A. Mittler and James D. Howze
Assorted drawing pencils
charcoal pencil set (at least 1 dark, 1 medium, 1 white)
vine charcoal
soft pastels (Prismacolor Nupastels suggested)
drawing pad
colored pencils (Prismacolor preferred)
gum eraser
Portfolio
container for supplies
These are all great ideas! thank you.
The visual art forum should be helpful.
What do you mean by “she loves art”? Can you be more specific?
Art is the center of my life right now and I can barely draw
All throughout elementary school years, art has always been her favorite subject, she draws and doodles at home, she wants to go to art camp in the summers. As for how talented she is, I think she is pretty good for her age but I am not the expert. thank you, will check out the visual art forum,
All throughout elementary school years, art has always been her favorite subject, she draws and doodles at home, she wants to go to art camp in the summers. As for how talented she is, I think she is pretty good for her age but I am not the expert. thank you, will check out the visual art forum,
Clara Lieu, a RISD art professor, provides a full free online arts curriculum:
There are free teaching videos organized into courses. You can also purchase portfolio critiques or Skype consultations.
Good luck!