How to choose the right filmmaking high school: A checklist for parents and students

From artistic curriculum to school location, here are eight things to consider when evaluating potential schools.

Two Interlochen Arts Academy students on a film set

July 8, 2025

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in film, a filmmaking high school can be a pivotal step on your journey to Hollywood—and beyond.

The nation’s top filmmaking high schools offer classes, resources, and opportunities that aren’t available at regular high schools—giving you an advantage over your peers in both professional and academic pursuits. Whether you plan to go to college or break into the industry after you graduate, the creative and technical skills you’ll gain at a film-focused school will help you stand out in a highly competitive field.

With the film and television industry's continued growth and the increasing demand for visual storytelling across all media platforms, finding a program that nurtures talent while providing a comprehensive education has never been more important. Below, we’ll explore some of the best filmmaking high schools in the U.S.—and how to choose the right one for you.

The best filmmaking high schools in the U.S.

Before you begin evaluating schools, it’s helpful to create a “short list” of programs to compare. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of some of the nation’s top-ranked filmmaking high schools:

Interlochen Arts Academy (Interlochen, Michigan)
Los Angeles County School for the Arts (Los Angeles, California)
Academy for Careers in Television and Film (New York City, New York)
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (Astoria, New York)
Baltimore School for the Arts (Baltimore, Maryland)
Chicago Academy for the Arts (Chicago, Illinois)
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Orange County School of the Arts (Santa Ana, California)
Denver School of the Arts (Denver, Colorado)
Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts (Hartford, Connecticut)

Evaluate the curriculum and technical resources

The foundation of any exceptional filmmaking program lies in its curriculum depth and technical infrastructure. Look for schools that offer comprehensive coursework covering cinematography, screenwriting, directing, editing, and sound design. The best filmmaking high schools integrate creative and technical aspects, ensuring students master both storytelling fundamentals and industry-standard equipment operation.

Examine the school's equipment inventory carefully. Does the program provide access to professional-grade cameras, lighting equipment, editing software, and sound recording tools? Additionally, consider whether students can check out equipment for personal projects, as this hands-on access accelerates learning significantly.

Interlochen Arts Academy’s Film & New Media program is housed in the DeRoy Center for Film Studies—a spacious, state-of-the-art facility that features a 178-seat projection space, a 40x40 black-box soundstage, four editing suites, tech-enabled classrooms, and more. Students also have access to professional-grade equipment and software, including ARRI lighting, Blackmagic 6K Pro cameras, Adobe Premiere, and more.

Assess faculty qualifications and industry connections

Outstanding filmmaking education requires instructors with real-world experience. Research the faculty's backgrounds—do they have professional film credits, industry recognition, or ongoing connections within the entertainment business? Teachers who actively work in the field bring current industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and authentic project experiences to their students.

Faculty connections often translate into valuable internship opportunities, guest speaker sessions, and potential mentorship relationships. The best programs frequently host working industry professionals who share insights about industry trends, career paths, and portfolio development strategies.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, students have regular opportunities to speak with guest artists from all aspects of the filmmaking industry. The cornerstone of the program’s visiting artist series is the Future of Cinema Film Festival, a multi-day event that features Q&A sessions, screenings, and master classes with high-profile and alumni guests. Students can also participate in the Interlochen Cinema Collective, an intergenerational cohort of students, faculty, alumni, and guests that collaborates to create fully realized professional film projects.

Examine student showcase opportunities and achievements

A school's commitment to student success becomes evident through its showcase opportunities and graduate achievements. Look for programs that organize film festivals, competition entries, and public screenings of student work. These events not only celebrate student creativity but also provide networking opportunities and real audience feedback.

Film students at Interlochen participate in regular screenings, which enable students to share short films, animations, and new media projects with instructors, peers, and the public. Those enrolled in screenwriting courses can also present their not-yet-produced scripts at public readings. The Arts Academy film experience culminates with the planning, creation, and presentation of a capstone project—an ambitious film, script, or new media project that challenges students to put everything they’ve learned during their time at Interlochen into practice.

Research recent graduate success stories. Where do alumni attend college? Have they received scholarships for film programs? Do they work in the industry or continue creating independent projects? Strong alumni networks often indicate program quality and ongoing support systems.

Arts Academy film graduates regularly matriculate to top cinema programs; others begin working in the industry immediately after graduation. The deep personal and creative connections forged at Interlochen last a lifetime: Many film graduates continue to collaborate with their Arts Academy classmates in their professional careers.

Review collaboration and cross-disciplinary opportunities

Filmmaking is inherently collaborative, requiring skills in project management, communication, and creative problem-solving. Investigate whether the program encourages interdisciplinary projects with theatre, music, visual arts, or writing departments. These collaborations mirror real industry dynamics, help students develop versatility, and enable them to easily create fully realized film productions.

Look for schools that emphasize team-based projects where students rotate through different crew positions. This approach ensures well-rounded skill development and helps students discover their particular strengths and interests within the filmmaking process.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, film students live and learn alongside peers studying six other artistic disciplines: music, theatre, creative writing, dance, visual arts, and interdisciplinary arts. This vibrant multidisciplinary environment encourages students to develop personal and artistic relationships with peers from other creative paths—broadening their perspectives and providing an abundant source of collaborators.

Academy film students regularly partner with both other film students and peers from other disciplines to bring their vision to life. Film & New Media students have partnered with singer-songwriter students to create music videos for original songs; contributed short films and animations to touring multidisciplinary showcases such as MUKTI and ONE; and collaborated with fellow students on extracurricular projects.

Consider location and industry proximity

Geography plays a crucial role in filmmaking education opportunities. Schools located near major film hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or Chicago often provide enhanced internship possibilities, industry guest speakers, and field trip opportunities to studios, production companies, or post-production facilities.

However, don't discount programs in smaller markets. Some of the best filmmaking high schools exist in unexpected locations, offering intimate learning environments and unique storytelling perspectives that larger programs might lack.

Nestled in the woods of northern Michigan, Interlochen Arts Academy offers film students the opportunity to focus deeply on their craft and to set their films against a stunning backdrop of lakes and forests. The Academy’s unique location unlocks learning experiences not available at urban schools: The Film Division has offered courses on nature cinematography, and is currently partnering the Ohio-based Greenacres Foundation and the school’s Sustainability Department to create a feature-length documentary on regenerative agriculture.

Compare academic programs

While a school’s filmmaking program is the most important criteria, it’s not the only aspect to consider as you’re making your decision: The academic curriculum is also a vital component of your educational experience.

Look for schools that balance artistic pursuit with academic rigor. The ideal school provides an intellectually engaging academic environment with diverse course offerings—including Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. An exceptional academic curriculum is particularly important if you’re hoping to compete for a spot at a competitive college or university filmmaking program.

Interlochen Arts Academy’s college-preparatory academic program is designed to develop students as well-rounded creative problem-solvers. Faculty regularly encourage students to discover the connections between the arts and academics; you might write a paper on a famous French-speaking filmmaker as part of your French class, examine the geometric principles behind camera angles in your Geometry class, or discover how microphones work in physics class.

Decide what type of living experience you’d prefer

High schools with exceptional film programs aren’t common—which means you may need to travel to find the right fit.

If you’d prefer to attend a day school, you’ll want to start with options in your area. Consider how far you’re willing to commute each day and look for appropriate schools within driving distance. If you’re not able to locate a school in or near your hometown, you may need to explore other options—such as living with a member of your extended family or temporarily relocating during your high school experience.

Several of the best high schools for film in the U.S. offer boarding options. In these communities, you’ll live and learn alongside your peers—allowing you to forge meaningful connections with creatives from around the world. While leaving home as a high schooler can be daunting, it’s also a deeply rewarding experience that prepares you for independent living at college and beyond.

Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier boarding arts high school: More than 90% of Academy students live in the school’s residence halls. Film students are typically housed in the DeRoy Center for Film Studies’ residential wing, which enables them to form closer bonds with their fellow filmmakers and access the center’s facilities and resources after the class day has ended.

Explore financial considerations and scholarship opportunities

Quality filmmaking education can be expensive, particularly when factoring in equipment, software, and potential travel costs for festivals or competitions. Research available scholarships, financial aid options, and payment plans. Some of the best filmmaking high schools offer need-based assistance or merit scholarships to students with exceptional portfolios.

Consider the long-term value proposition. Does the program's reputation, alumni network, and college placement record justify the investment? Schools with strong college counseling specifically for arts students often provide valuable guidance for scholarship applications and portfolio development for university admissions. A strong high school filmmaking program can also equip students to immediately pursue a career in the film industry—allowing them to bypass college and get a jumpstart on their professional career.

Making your final decision

Schedule campus visits when possible, allowing you to observe classes, interact with current students, and experience the creative environment firsthand. Trust your instincts about whether the school culture aligns with your personality and learning style.

Remember that the best filmmaking high school for you is one that balances rigorous technical training with creative exploration; provides meaningful mentorship; and prepares you for either immediate industry entry or continued education at the collegiate level. Take time to thoroughly evaluate each option against these criteria to make an informed decision that supports your cinematic aspirations.