Fine & Visual Arts


Summer Pre-College Programs in the Fine Arts

Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs in the fine arts are six-week residential experiences that provide high school students with the opportunity to develop their skills in a conservatory or studio setting. For years, Carnegie Mellon has been recognized for the quality of education that is provided within our College of Fine Arts. Through the Pre-College program, high school students have access to this instruction and mentorship from full-time faculty members.

  • Architecture, provides students architectural experience within the studio, supported by integrated coursework in analog drawing, digital media, seminars and workshops.

  • Art, where students will hone their craft through challenging courses, critique, workshops, and portfolio development.

  • Design, for students who would like to receive a foundation of Design skills through studio learning, lectures, and critiques.

  • Drama, for students who would like to build their audition repertoire and portfolio with acclaimed faculty.

  • Music, where students participate in a conservatory-style curriculum and experience life within a research university.

Want more details? Click Here - Carnegie Mellon

Columbia College of Chicago – Summer at Columbia

Columbia College of Chicago’s Summer at Columbia offers college level courses to students who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior years of high school but have not yet attended college and are interested in the fields of art, media and communications.

The courses do transfer as electives to Columbia College of Chicago and to some other colleges or universities, depending on the discretion of the particular school. Students even have the option of living on campus. If you would like to apply for housing, options are limited, so early application is encouraged. There is an extra cost for housing, which includes a meal plan.

Program participants are able to choose from a variety of courses, all of which take place in July.

Want more details? Click Here - Columbia College of Chicago – Summer at Columbia


Early College Program Summer Institute - School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has a summer residency program in art and design. The program offers unlimited access to the Art Institute of Chicago museum -- the third largest collection of art in the world – and the opportunity to learn from faculty who also teach in their acclaimed undergraduate program. They even offer housing in our residence halls for 2 or 4 week sessions.

In addition to being a fun learning experience, participating in the program has benefits, too. For instance, you can earn college course credit and prepare a competitive portfolio for college admission.

Want more details? Click Here - Early College Program Summer Institute - School of the Art Institute of Chicago.


New York Film Academy's Summer Film and Acting Camps

These immersion workshops range from four-week programs to full-year programs. Programs are designed to introduce students of all ages to the creative and technical demands of telling stories with moving images.

Students have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot, edit and, even, star within short films, depending upon the student’s interest.

The NY Film Academy's summer camp was voted a top-20 summer camp in the U.S. Award-winning instructors, abundant equipment and small classes provide students with the individual attention and support necessary to complete their own work.

Want more details? Click here - New York Film Academy's Summer Film and Acting Camps.


Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program (RISD)

The six-week RISD summer Pre-College Program introduces high school students to the focused curriculum of a college of art and design experience.

Program participants follow college-level studio curriculum are immersed in experiencing the elements of a complete RISD education in one of the school’s 21 majors.

Students live in residence halls, attend social activities and study a particular subject in the fine or visual arts. Participants must be high school students between the ages of 16-18 years old. You can follow the program on Instagram.

Want more details? Click here - Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program.


Summer Term @Ross

According to the site, Summer Term @Ross is a “world-class program located in safe, idyllic East Hampton, New York. Our unique offerings balance rigorous academic courses with relaxation and time at the beach, cultural events, shopping, and day trips to vibrant New York City. Studying at Ross while also exploring the Hamptons and surrounding areas is a fantastic and fulfilling way to make friends from around the world and get a head start on realizing your academic potential and preparing for your college experience!”

Programs offered for students ages 12-18 are Mandarin Immersion, Design and Invention, Marine Science, ESOL, Mathematics, and Tennis. They are designed for both day and boarding students, and will run for six weeks from July to August on the East Hampton campus.

Want more details? Click here - Summer Term @Ross.