Calling 6th through 12th-grade musicians! Register for one of our free INSTRUMENT FESTIVALS. Take master classes and lessons with faculty and guest artists.

Arts Boarding School


Why Interlochen Arts Academy

Here, learning extends far beyond the classroom. You'll work with world-renowned faculty and staff who'll become treasured mentors and teachers. You'll find people and kindred spirits who'll reveal other parts of yourself. You'll enjoy experiences and classes that will help you grow in ways you never thought possible.

At Interlochen, you'll unlock potential and find the confidence to push against your own limitations. Immersed in nature and surrounded by a global community of like-minded artists, you'll discover a high school for the arts (grades 9-12) you may only have dreamed about.


College Matriculation

Why arts boarding schools can expand your college opportunities
Three smiling students hold up their college decision signs.
Class of 2022 students post with college acceptances
A group of students wearing sweatshirts and carrying signs representing various colleges and university poses for the camera.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, we have a history of success. Our talented and imaginative students go on to attend top colleges, universities, and conservatories. Here is a list of some of the institutions our students matriculated to recently:

  • New York University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Yale University
  • Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester)
  • University of Michigan
  • Harvard University
  • Berklee College of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • Princeton University
  • Northwestern University
  • Columbia University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • Stanford University
  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • The New School
  • Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins University)
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts
  • Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Vanderbilt University (Blair School of Music)
  • Rice University (Shepherd School of Music)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
  • Parsons School of Design (The New School)
  • Cooper Union
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • DePaul University

Our Arts Areas & Academics

Interlochen Arts Academy offers seven arts disciplines and a robust academic curriculum with college preparatory, advanced placement (AP), and college credit courses. Get ready to be challenged. Get ready to be inspired.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Interlochen Arts Academy is dedicated to making world-class arts education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. For this reason, we offer both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to families. Together, these opportunities help ensure that passionate, dedicated students can pursue their artistic and academic dreams at Interlochen.

Explore Options

Interlochen Arts Academy

Interdisciplinary. Interactive. Interwoven.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, transformation and opportunities happen everywhere—from the classroom to your residence hall, from the studio to the stage. Our holistic, integrated academic and arts education prepares you for a life of purpose and promise within—and beyond—the arts. Learn more about The Interlochen 5.

Two students and a faculty member look at a tomato during ecology class

Academic Life

Balance Intellectual Pursuit and Personal Growth

You’ll get an education that’s intellectually rigorous but so much more. Our academics emphasize the importance of creativity, empathy, resilience, and connection. Skills that will serve you well in college—and in life. Our Liberal Arts and Math & Science departments include courses like Algebra, English, History, Physics, World Languages, Chemistry, and Agricultural Science, in addition to AP programs, college credit courses, and much more.

Two Interlochen Arts Academy students scale the climbing wall at the Dennison Center

Residence Life

Immerse Yourself in a One-of-a-Kind Environment

You'll be inspired by the natural beauty of our campus and invigorated by our state-of-the-art facilities. You'll live in a passionate community that fosters and values constant creativity, collaboration, communication, and real-life experience. In addition, you'll have a whole lot of fun with classmates who will challenge, support, and value you and become your lifelong friends along the way.

Students relax in the Music Center lounge between classes at Interlochen Arts Academy

Artistic Life

Do What You Love, Better than Before

Here, you’ll find a high school for art that provides opportunity to master your discipline: from superior equipment and resources, to personalized instruction from teaching artists who excel in their fields. You’ll practice, perfect, and perform your art constantly with teachers whose passion and experience help you build a foundation for excellence.

An Exceptional Four-Year Journey

The Interlochen experience is a vibrant journey of creativity and camaraderie. We offer remarkable advocacy and support for all our students, particularly for our younger 9th and 10th graders, as they pursue their interests, passions, and goals both within and beyond high school.

Learn More

Three students walk across a fall campus

By the Numbers

82%

of 2024 graduates enrolled at a top 50 college

$56M

in college scholarships were earned by our 2024 senior class

51

Presidential Scholars graduated from Interlochen

140+

high-profile guest artists visited our campus to teach our students last year

24/7

mental health support and wellness benefits available free of charge to our students

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Out Our Viewbook

Step 2: Fill Out Your Application

Step 3: Upload Your Audition/Portfolio

Step 4: Review & Submit

Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid

Step 6: Schedule a Time to Connect


Arts Academy Concerts & Events
Apr
2

Music, Academy Faculty

Faculty Recital: Dr. Ty Chiko, baritone

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall FREE, no tickets required

Apr
2

Music, Academy Student

Music Recital

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Music Center 1010 FREE, no tickets required

Apr
3

Music, Theatre, Academy Student

Percussion Ensemble: Paddle to the Sea

Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Music Center 1010 FREE, no tickets required

Arts Academy News & Features

Claire Collins gazes into the camera on a snowy afternoon.
Space for discovery: Greenacres Project producer Claire Collins draws on journalistic background in working with Arts Academy students

A five-year stint at the Los Angeles Times and experiences interviewing people from society’s outskirts have made Collins a compassionate, detail-oriented filmmaker.

Dr. Leslie Dunner and Dr. Cynthia Van Maanen
Arts Academy faculty members selected as Frost School of Music ‘Super Teachers’

Dr. Leslie Dunner and Dr. Cynthia Van Maanen will participate in four-day, all-expenses-paid experience including class visits and conversations with students, faculty, and administrators.

Director of Animation Briana Yarhouse takes a selfie with students in Ottawa, Canada.
Ottawa International Animation Festival trip exemplifies only-at-Interlochen excellence

Thanks to the support of generous donors, students were able to attend film screenings, see presentations by top animation programs, and mingle with industry professionals at the world’s second-largest animation festival.

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free viewbook

In our free informational viewbook, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more

See what you can experience at Interlochen.

Come to an arts high school where young creatives thrive—and see how your unique journey unfolds. Plan your visit, request more information, or apply to Interlochen Arts Academy today.