Discover an arts high school unlike any other
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 per year.
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.
Where the arts and academics connect
Interlochen Arts Academy offers a challenging and comprehensive college-preparatory program. 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Interlochen Online is an online learning program. You do not need to come to our campus to participate in Interlochen Online.
No, take the plunge and be brave. While Interlochen Arts Academy accepts students of every grade level, one-year senior spots are limited. Make sure to ask the Office of Admission & Financial Aid if your program is accepting one-year senior applications. The more time you spend at Interlochen, the more prepared you'll be—artistically, academically, and personally—for both college and your future career. Beginning the Interlochen journey as a freshman or sophomore allows you to develop deeper relationships, spend more time focused on your art, and learn how to think critically and creatively.
Interlochen Online is an online learning program. You do not need to come to our campus to participate in Interlochen Online.
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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