A day in the life of a boarding school student
Ever wondered what it’s really like to study at an arts boarding school? Get an inside look on a typical student’s day, including college-prep academic classes, learning from renowned guest artists, and spending time with friends.
Choosing to continue your artistic journey at an arts boarding school is more than an academic or artistic choice—it’s a brand-new lifestyle. For young artists like you, it means living, learning, and creating in a community where everyone shares your love of art. No matter what kind of school program you’re familiar with—whether a public, private, or charter school—you’ll find that your average day looks quite a bit different at a boarding school.
At Interlochen Arts Academy, one of the most prestigious high school arts programs in the country, students thrive with a routine that’s built for academic excellence, artistic success, and plenty of recreation. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for an Academy student.
Morning: Calm, community, and creativity
Your day might begin as early as 6 a.m., especially if you’re a morning person who likes to meditate, write, or stretch before the rush of the day begins. Officially, quiet hours end at 7 a.m., which gives early risers time for solo reflection—an essential routine for many creatives.
Breakfast is served at the Stone Cafeteria, where you’ll find more than just cereal. Think hearty hot meals, fresh fruit, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. You can start your morning just the way you like it with fresh coffee or tea.
If you’re the ambitious type (and let’s be honest, most Interlochen students are), you might take advantage of the optional “Zero Hour” period. It’s an early start to your academic or artistic day, designed for students who want to deepen their skills or get a jump on their creative projects.
Midday: Balancing academics and artistry
The official school day begins at 8:30 a.m., kicking off a balanced schedule of academic and arts classes. While other schools might force you to choose between traditional schoolwork and your love of art, each day at Interlochen allows plenty of time for both.
Academics at Interlochen are just the right kind of challenging. Get ready to explore college-preparatory math, science, history, languages, and literature, as well as the deep connections between academics and the arts. Interlochen also offers plenty of options for students who are looking to earn college credit, including dual enrollment and AP classes.
Meanwhile, your arts classes will allow you to work with world-renowned faculty in your discipline as you perfect your creative skills. Depending on the major you choose, you might learn from a New York Times bestselling author, a GRAMMY-winning musician, or even a world-renowned dancer. With an average class size of 11, you’re sure to get the personal attention and mentorship you need to thrive.
Lunch at Interlochen is a bustling scene, with most students enjoying the chance to catch up with friends halfway through the day. To keep the cafeteria from getting too crowded, you’ll have a designated lunch period between 11:00 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. That gives everyone time to recharge without feeling rushed.
Need help with homework or preparing for a test? Academic office hours run from 12:20 to 12:50 p.m. on most weekdays. It’s a built-in support system that encourages connections between students and faculty—a hallmark of the Interlochen experience.
Students at Interlochen learn from working with top arts educators like Bill Church, Director of Theatre.
Wednesdays: Designed for connection and growth
Wednesdays are special at Interlochen. Rather than sticking to a traditional schedule, the Academy sets aside time for programming focused on community and preparing for life beyond high school.
If you’re a junior, senior, or postgraduate, your morning includes a college counseling session. After lunch, you’ll join your advisory group—a tight-knit cohort led by a faculty mentor—to explore topics around personal development and emotional intelligence drawn from the Academy’s signature social-emotional framework, The Interlochen 5.
At 2:00 p.m., the entire school—students, faculty, and staff—gathers in Corson Auditorium for a weekly Community Meeting. This is your chance to hear from inspiring guest speakers like award-winning activist Loretta Ross or world-renowned psychologist Lisa Damour. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging within the Interlochen community and often include performances by gifted Academy students—maybe even you!
Afternoon: Time to dive into your art
While the morning balances both academics and the arts, the afternoon is where your artistic focus sharpens. Whether you’re rehearsing with the orchestra, finishing a painting, polishing dance choreography, memorizing a monologue, editing a short film, or revising a portfolio of poems, this is your time to create.
You won’t be doing it alone. Interlochen offers world-class facilities, professional-grade equipment, and opportunities to work with visiting artists who are leaders in their fields. This is the kind of access most artists only dream of—and here, it’s part of your daily reality.
Evenings: Reconnect, reflect, recharge
Dinner is served from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Afterward, many students return to the studio or the practice room to finish out their days with some extra skill development. Others head to the gym (which includes weight and fitness studios, a game room, a rock climbing wall, and more), join friends to relax in the common rooms, or go for a quiet walk along the lake. There are also plenty of events happening on campus every week, from musical theatre performances to slam poetry nights and fashion shows. You might enjoy joining a student group or club for an even deeper experience of community.
By 9:30 p.m., all boarding students are required to check in to their residence halls. The final hours of the day—before lights out at 11:00 p.m.—are perfect for winding down, journaling, and prepping for tomorrow.
Students at Interlochen enjoy a variety of on-campus events inculding annual favorites like the International Food Fair.
More than a schedule—it’s a creative ecosystem
Still wondering what’s so special about attending a boarding school? There’s more to it than meets the eye. Schools like Interlochen Arts Academy are unique not only in their schedules, but also in the artistic atmosphere that pervades the whole campus. You’ll be surrounded by creativity all day, from the sounds of jazz musicians playing outdoors to the sights of student art adorning walls all over campus. You’ll be supported by peers who share your drive to excel, faculty who challenge and encourage you, and a legacy of alumni who have gone on to reshape the arts world. An arts boarding school is a place where you are free to be your creative self and pursue your dreams to the best of your ability.
From mentorship with GRAMMY winners to facilities that rival university campuses, the best arts boarding schools are built with one goal in mind: helping you become the artist—and the person—you’re meant to be. As you consider whether you want to attend a boarding school, take time to dive deep into the details of what your new life would look like. Good luck!
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook
