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

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

140+

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

51

Presidential Scholars graduated from Interlochen

24/7

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

Arts Academy Concerts & Events
Oct
23

Creative Writing, Academy Student

Red Wheelbarrow Reading

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

The Writing House FREE, no tickets required

Oct
23

Music, Academy Faculty

Faculty Recital: Renee Skerik, viola, and Susan Snyder, piano

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall FREE, no tickets required

Oct
24

Music, Academy Student

Singer-Songwriter: Fall Showcase

Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall Adult $17; Child-College $14

Arts Academy News & Features

Interlochen Arts Academy visual arts students from Conor Fagan's Public Art class
Traverse City Light & Power partners with students from Interlochen Arts Academy for 'Art on Infrastructure' during Public Power Week

Students from Conor Fagan's Public Art class designed and implemented artwork on infrastructure in Traverse City.

Three students put their arms around each other and smile at the camera.
How to overcome homesickness at boarding school

From practicing self-care to getting involved on campus, here are some top tips for staying healthy and connected as you adjust to your new school.

Mauricio Garcia plays the trumpet in a concert hall.
Music, mentorship, and motivation: Mauricio’s story

Trumpet major and four-year senior Mauricio Garcia shares his musical childhood, how an Arts Academy alumnus helped him find his way to Interlochen, and what he loves most about studying at the Academy.

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.