2024 is almost over. Take a moment to make a lasting difference in a young artist’s life. Inspire their journey. Make your gift today.

Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy.

Arts Boarding School


Why Interlochen Arts Academy

Here, learning extends far beyond the classroom. You'll work with world-renowned faculty and staff who'll become treasured mentors and teachers. You'll find people and kindred spirits who'll reveal other parts of yourself. You'll enjoy experiences and classes that will help you grow in ways you never thought possible.

At Interlochen, you'll unlock potential and find the confidence to push against your own limitations. Immersed in nature and surrounded by a global community of like-minded artists, you'll discover a high school for the arts (grades 9-12) you may only have dreamed about.


College Matriculation

Why arts boarding schools can expand your college opportunities
Three smiling students hold up their college decision signs.
Class of 2022 students post with college acceptances
A group of students wearing sweatshirts and carrying signs representing various colleges and university poses for the camera.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, we have a history of success. Our talented and imaginative students go on to attend top colleges, universities, and conservatories. Here is a list of some of the institutions our students matriculated to recently:

  • Bard College
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • Brown University
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Colburn School
  • Columbia University
  • Cooper Union
  • Cornell University
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • DePaul University
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Emerson College
  • Georgetown University
  • Harvard University
  • Indiana University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Marymount Manhattan College
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Pace University
  • Parsons School of Design
  • Princeton University
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Stanford University
  • Tulane University
  • University of California
  • University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Yale University

College admission counselors discuss why Interlochen Arts Academy students stand out

Admission representatives from arts-focused colleges, universities, and conservatories share why they’re excited to see Interlochen Arts Academy on an application—and how Interlochen students are uniquely prepared for the academic, artistic, and social challenges of college life.


Our Arts Areas & Academics

Interlochen Arts Academy offers seven arts disciplines and a robust academic curriculum with college preparatory, advanced placement (AP), and college credit courses. Get ready to be challenged. Get ready to be inspired.

An Exceptional Four-Year Journey

The Interlochen experience is a vibrant journey of creativity and camaraderie. We offer remarkable advocacy and support for all our students, particularly for our younger 9th and 10th graders, as they pursue their interests, passions, and goals both within and beyond high school.

Learn More

Three students walk across a fall campus

Interdisciplinary. Interactive. Interwoven.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, transformation and opportunities happen everywhere—from the classroom to your residence hall, from the studio to the stage. Our holistic, integrated academic and arts education prepares you for a life of purpose and promise within—and beyond—the arts. Learn more about The Interlochen 5.

Two students and a faculty member look at a tomato during ecology class

Academic Life

Balance Intellectual Pursuit and Personal Growth

You’ll get an education that’s intellectually rigorous but so much more. Our academics emphasize the importance of creativity, empathy, resilience, and connection. Skills that will serve you well in college—and in life. Our Liberal Arts and Math & Science departments include courses like Algebra, English, History, Physics, World Languages, Chemistry, and Agricultural Science, in addition to AP programs, college credit courses, and much more.

Two Interlochen Arts Academy students scale the climbing wall at the Dennison Center

Residence Life

Immerse Yourself in a One-of-a-Kind Environment

You'll be inspired by the natural beauty of our campus and invigorated by our state-of-the-art facilities. You'll live in a passionate community that fosters and values constant creativity, collaboration, communication, and real-life experience. In addition, you'll have a whole lot of fun with classmates who will challenge, support, and value you and become your lifelong friends along the way.

Students relax in the Music Center lounge between classes at Interlochen Arts Academy

Artistic Life

Do What You Love, Better than Before

Here, you’ll find a high school for art that provides opportunity to master your discipline: from superior equipment and resources, to personalized instruction from teaching artists who excel in their fields. You’ll practice, perfect, and perform your art constantly with teachers whose passion and experience help you build a foundation for excellence.

By the Numbers

82%

of 2024 graduates enrolled at a top 50 college

$56M

in college scholarships were earned by our 2024 senior class

51

Presidential Scholars graduated from Interlochen

140+

high-profile guest artists visited our campus to teach our students last year

24/7

mental health support and wellness benefits available free of charge to our students

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Out Our Viewbook

Step 2: Fill Out Your Application

Step 3: Upload Your Audition/Portfolio

Step 4: Review & Submit

Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid

Step 6: Schedule a Time to Connect


Arts Academy Concerts & Events
Dec
12

Visual Arts, Academy Student

Thesis II, Herlitz Open Studio Night

Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 7 p.m. ET

Herlitz 1 FREE, no tickets required

Dec
12

Dance, Academy Student

"The Nutcracker"

Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Corson Auditorium Adult $42; Child-College $19

Dec
13

Dance, Academy Student

"The Nutcracker"

Friday, December 13, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Corson Auditorium Adult $47; Child-College $19

Arts Academy News & Features

A student poses with a double bass.
From Shanghai to Interlochen: Sophomore Joseph Zhang shares his Arts Academy journey

Zhang reflects on his favorite classes, the support he’s received from International Student Services, and the friends he’s made—even across language barriers.

A man dressed in orange and black poses with his arms flung up behind him.
Strength and sensitivity: Craig Hall of the New York City Ballet teaches Arts Academy dancers to embrace their contradictions

In ballet, power meets grace—and few understand this duality better than Craig Hall. Known for his masterful partnering of the world's top ballerinas, Hall showed Interlochen Arts Academy dancers how to harness both strength and sensitivity in their craft.

Large logo for YoungArts, with tagline The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists
Interlochen students shine in 2025 YoungArts competition

More than 45 Arts Academy, Arts Camp, and Online students earned accolades in one of the nation’s leading awards programs for high school-age artists.

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free guide

In our free informational guide, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more

See what you can experience at Interlochen.

Come to an arts high school where young creatives thrive—and see how your unique journey unfolds. Plan your visit, request more information, or apply to Interlochen Arts Academy today.