The Best Creative Writing High Schools: What to Look For
One school has an entire northwoods lodge dedicated to creative writing. Another allows you to explore a wide variety of genres. Find the perfect creative writing high school for you with our top tips.
When searching for a high school with a strong creative writing program, certain features can transform a good experience into an exceptional one. The right environment not only nurtures talent but also provides the tools, community, and opportunities that young writers need to flourish. Here's what to consider when evaluating creative writing programs at the high school level.
Look for Dedicated Writing Facilities
The physical space where young writers work can significantly impact their creative process. Dedicated writing facilities offer students a sanctuary where they can focus entirely on developing their craft.
The gold standard in this category is Interlochen Arts Academy's Writing House. Completed in 2002, The Writing House stands as the only building in the United States dedicated specifically to the craft of writing at the pre-college level. Designed in the style of a northwoods lodge, this remarkable facility features rustic flagstone fireplaces and soaring wood beams that create an atmosphere of both inspiration and contemplation.
Creative writing students at Interlochen can often be found in every corner of the building—discussing poetry by the fire or hard at work in quiet, cozy nooks. The central Great Room is equipped with a lighting and sound system for readings by students, faculty, and guests. Other amenities include classrooms, conference rooms, community-use printers, and a full kitchen stocked with plenty of coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.
Beyond just the physical space, Interlochen offers a full creative writing major with master classes and workshop critiques. This combination of dedicated space and comprehensive curriculum creates an immersive environment where young writers can truly develop their voices. The school also hosts an annual writing competition, the Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Scholarship Competition, which awards a full-tuition scholarship to Arts Academy for one talented applicant.
Having a dedicated space matters because it communicates the value placed on writing as an art form. It provides students with the right balance of community and solitude, allowing them to surround themselves with beauty, remove distractions, enjoy reliable technology resources, and spend quality time with fellow writers to exchange ideas and feedback.
Look for Public Reading Opportunities
Developing the confidence to share one's work publicly is an essential skill for any writer. Programs that incorporate regular public readings help students overcome performance anxiety while allowing them to get a feel for how their words impact an audience.
The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities makes this a priority in their curriculum. Creative writing students give two formal public readings each year. They also have the opportunity to read their works during community open-mic nights at the nearby M. Judson Booksellers. During their two years in the Creative Writing program, students spend time in small, collaborative sessions where they are constantly reading, writing, editing, and critiquing works under the guidance of practicing writers/mentors.
Public sharing opportunities are invaluable because they help young writers develop confidence in their work, learn to receive feedback constructively, and understand how their writing affects actual readers.
Look for Multi-Genre Exploration
The best programs encourage students to explore multiple writing genres rather than specializing too early. This approach develops versatility and adaptability—crucial qualities for writers in today's diverse publishing landscape.
The Mississippi School of the Arts exemplifies this approach with its literary arts program. This residential program for 11th and 12th graders offers courses across multiple genres including poetry, intermediate and advanced fiction, and playwriting.
This multi-genre approach provides students with flexibility and broader knowledge, allowing them to discover their strengths while developing competency across different forms of writing. By exploring various genres, students can make more informed decisions about their future educational and career paths.
The Perfect Fit
The journey to becoming a writer begins with finding the right educational environment. The best high schools for creative writing offer dedicated spaces for writing, opportunities for public readings, and exploration across multiple genres. These elements combine to create programs that nurture not just technical writing skills, but also the confidence, versatility, and artistic vision needed for success in creative fields.
Whether you're considering Interlochen's one-of-a-kind Writing House, South Carolina Governor School's public reading opportunities, or Mississippi School of the Arts' multi-genre curriculum, look for programs that will challenge you while providing the support and resources you need to grow as a writer.
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