Interlochen Arts Academy named #1 Best High School for the Arts in America by Niche.com

The school also garnered high ratings in numerous areas including academics and college prep.

Two students walk on Interlochen's campus. The image is overlaid with a badge reading "2026 NICHE Best Schools."

Interlochen Arts Academy has been named the #1 Best High School for the Arts in America by Niche.com, the country’s leading college and school search platform. This prestigious ranking is based on factors like college enrollment, arts majors, culture and diversity, student and parent surveys, student-to-teacher ratio, and graduation rate. Interlochen also garnered ratings of A+ for Academics and A+ for College Preparation, as well as A ratings in Clubs & Activities, Teachers, and Diversity.

“We hear from alumni constantly about how their time at Interlochen Arts Academy changed their lives,” says Trey Devey, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “Rankings like this one from Niche.com confirm what we already know—that Interlochen is a leader in arts education nationally and around the world, and that we continue to have an immense impact on every student who spends time on our campus.”

“In receiving this #1 ranking, we are grateful to the individuals who continue to support Interlochen’s flourishing, from the friends whose gifts support scholarships to the staff and faculty whose efforts ensure we continue to thrive,” says Camille Colatosti, Provost at Interlochen Center for the Arts. “Recognition at the national level would not be possible without our incredible community, both in the United States and beyond.” 

Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier arts boarding high school. Guided by distinguished artists, emerging artists from around the world pursue pre-professional training in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing, interdisciplinary arts, and film alongside a robust academic curriculum, preparing them to excel in the arts and beyond. Nestled in scenic northwest Michigan, the Academy has been a leader in arts education since 1962 and has produced 51 Presidential Scholars—more than any other high school in the country. Applications are now open for the 2026-27 school year. Apply today.