Discover an arts boarding school unlike any other
Have you dreamed of painting a masterpiece? Becoming a top-notch photographer? Exhibiting your sculptures in galleries around the world? Whatever your creative ambitions are, you'll develop your skills and find the space to flourish at Interlochen Arts Academy.
What does Interlochen Arts Academy have to offer?
As a student at Arts Academy, you'll spend half of your school day immersed in visual arts in a safe environment where you're encouraged to take risks. You'll develop your portfolio in a high school designed for young artists to pursue their art alongside academics.
Immerse yourself in visual arts
- Develop your artistic ideas and learn how to share your work with the world
- Benefit from individual and group critiques
- Create in our 36,000 square-foot facility with separate studios for painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, metals, fibers, photography, and printmaking
- Exhibit your work in an on-campus professional-caliber gallery and enjoy opportunities to show your work nationally
- Learn from renowned faculty who are artists, and who have served as museum board members and curators
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:
ArtCenter College of Design
Alfred University
Cleveland Institute of Art and Design
Cooper Union
Institute of American Indian Arts
Maryland Institute College of Art
New York University
Norwich University of the Arts
Northern Michigan University
Otis College of Art and Design
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Parsons School of Design
And many more top institutions
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.
The Visual Arts application requires a video introduction to tell us more about who you are as an artist, seven to ten recent pieces of artwork, one to three drawings from observation, and a personal statement. 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 detailed 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
"I've gotten to meet extraordinary people and extremely talented artists. I've been able to pull influence from a vast array of people, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and actors. I've learned about process of thinking and ways of interacting with the world that inform my art. This school has made me grow exponentially in only two years, and I'm excited to continue for two more."
Sendra U. | Visual Arts major | Champaign, Illinois
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