Discover a high school for art and music
Here, you'll unlock your potential and find the confidence to push through your own limitations, surrounded by a community of like-minded artists.
What does Interlochen Arts Academy have to offer?
Have you dreamed of taking the stage in a leading role? Writing a bestselling novel? Performing in a renowned orchestra? Filming an award-winning documentary? Whatever your creative ambitions are, you'll develop your skills and find the space to flourish.
- Spend half of the school day immersed in your art form
- Study with professional artists who have real-world experience
- Engage in college preparatory academics developed with the emerging artist in mind
- Showcase your work through regular concerts, performances, exhibitions, and readings
- Experience learning outside the classroom through hands-on professional projects and national touring opportunities
- Enjoy a vibrant residential community that fosters life skills, health and wellness, and lifelong friendships
Artistic Majors
Interlochen Arts Academy offers a variety of majors in seven different arts disciplines for high school students in grades 9-12 and a post-graduate year.
Music
Hone your technique as a young musician through one of 6 tracks: Classical Music, Composition, Jazz Performance, Music Production & Engineering, Popular Performance, and Singer-Songwriter.
Dance
Receive pre-professional training to strengthen technique, improve form, build confidence, and discover your own artistry. Learn from faculty who have danced, directed, and choreographed around the globe.
Theatre
Pursue your love of theatre and choose your own path through Acting, Design & Production, and Musical Theatre tracks. Each year students have the opportunity to design and audition for two of nine annual productions.
Creative Writing
Receive hands-on and workshop-style instruction that will develop your technique, versatility, and vocational know-how. Share your work in student-led publications and develop a stand-out portfolio.
Film & New Media
Pursue your passion in Filmmaking or Animation and have access to professional equipment and spaces to develop and share your stories. Directors, producers, and screenwriters will become your mentors.
Visual Arts
Develop your creative ideas and artistic voice as you experiment with a variety of media, and create a stunning portfolio as you learn from renowned faculty.
Additionally, the Interdisciplinary Arts major allows students to explore more than one artistic discipline and the intersection of multiple art forms—both as an individual artist and in collaboration with others.
An Exceptional Four–Year Journey
Our team of faculty, advisors, and school counselors are dedicated to ensuring your four years at Interlochen are transformational and enriching, and that you are successful at Interlochen and beyond.
Our students enjoy:
- Group Bonding and Friendship-Building Activities: Go on fun field trips, get involved in recreational activities, and make new friends at social events.
- Weekly Advisory Group: Work with peers and an adult advisor on an age-specific curriculum that covers sleep hygiene, social-emotional skills, goal-setting, and more.
- College Preparation and Standardized Testing: Get a head-start in 9th and 10th grade through workshops and with your very own academic and college counselor to ensure you are on the best path for your future.
- Daily Support: Enjoy 24-hour, on-site support from our team of highly qualified Instructors of Residence Life in age-specific residence halls.
- Plus: All students have access to assisted study and tutoring services, the Writing Center, mental health counselors, Health Services, and the Dennison Center for Recreation and Wellness.
Get the most out of your Interlochen experience. Here, you'll have the support you need to thrive in this vibrant creative community as you pursue your interests, passions, and goals within and beyond high school.
Where the arts and academics connect
Interlochen Arts Academy offers a challenging and comprehensive college-preparatory program with dual credit and AP courses offered. The academic curriculum includes courses in math, sciences, English, history, political science, and world language. Our holistic, integrated academic and arts education prepares you for a life of purpose and promise within—and beyond—the arts.
Graduates attend:
Berklee College of Music
Carnegie Mellon University
Columbia University
Curtis Institute of Music
Eastman School of Music
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
The Juilliard School
New York University
Rhode Island School of Design
Rice University
University of Michigan
Yale University
Plus many other top schools
On average, Arts Academy students who attend for four years receive nearly double the national average in college scholarship awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interlochen is located in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula. We are a four hour drive from Detroit, and about a five hour drive from Chicago. Our region is served by Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which offers multiple daily flights to and from Chicago and Detroit, and seasonal service to/from Minneapolis, New York City, and Newark.
All applications for Interlochen Arts Academy are submitted online. During the application process, you'll need to provide transcripts from the last three years, contact information for a school principal or guidance counselor, optional contact information for a non-family member recommender, and optional SSAT test scores. If you are an international applicant, English language testing results are required through DuoLingo.
You'll also need to submit an audition or portfolio to show your artistic readiness.
November 15 | Early Application Deadline: Space is limited. Applying early gives you the opportunity to find out if you're accepted before the next wave of applicants, and gives you priority consideration for your artistic major and financial aid opportunities. Early decisions are sent in December.
January 15 | Regular Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however, space is limited so it's recommended to complete your application by this deadline.
Each major has different audition or portfolio requirements. We want to see your best work, but we're not expecting perfection. More than anything, we're looking for potential. This is your opportunity to shine and show your passion. We recommend that you sign up to learn more, start an application, or visit our website for more information.
Interlochen Arts Academy is committed to making an arts education accessible, and we believe each and every talented student who is offered admission should be able to attend. Nearly 80% of Interlochen’s incoming students are awarded financial aid, a percentage that is over 30% higher than many competing schools. Arts Academy offers both talent scholarships and need-based assistance. Completing a financial aid application will not affect your admission decision.
Since Interlochen exists to help artists develop and improve, it is most important that students showcase potential to learn and a capacity for continued growth. Students are not expected to be "perfect."
We recommend that you learn more about Interlochen, visit our campus, or apply.
Every person is different. Some people might be terribly homesick, and some might not be homsick at all–both are okay and normal. It's important to remember, all students are living away from home for the first time. You will have friends to learn alongside with. We have supports in our residence life program to help you thrive including counseling services, organized activities with your dorm, a life skills program, and more.
Every student has an Instructor of Residence Life (IRL) who is their main point of contact when they have questions, concerns, or need different support. The IRL is a faculty member who lives in the same hall as the students. Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with their student's IRL and partner with them.
A dedicated orientation session is held for all parents on at the start of the school year.
What People Are Saying
“With an Interlochen education comes the ability to mix artistic and academic learning, a community that fosters close friendships, and a constant array of incredible opportunities.”
Poppy, Creative Writing major
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