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Answering the top twelve questions about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy
Will my student’s credits transfer? What are typical college outcomes? What about support for students with learning disabilities? Here are the top things parents want to know about Arts Academy academics, as answered by Admissions staff.
If you’re considering sending your child to an arts boarding school, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind. Many parents want to know what academics are like at boarding school. While most students come to Interlochen Arts Academy to pursue artistic training, parents can also be assured that they’ll receive a rigorous college-prep education—one that prepares them for a future in any field. Read on to explore answers to the top questions parents have about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy.
My student is interested in pursuing a career outside of the arts. How will an Arts Academy education prepare them?
Students graduate from Interlochen Arts Academy with valuable critical thinking skills and a strong background in creative work. These qualities prepare them to excel in any field and make them highly sought after by top employers, academic institutions, and more. Alumni have found success in fields ranging from automotive design to astrophysics. Explore more alumni outcomes here.
Will my student be able to take AP classes at Interlochen?
At Interlochen Arts Academy, students may choose to take Advanced Placement courses with Interlochen faculty in Calculus and Statistics. In addition, students can choose from dozens of other AP courses which are available through Interlochen’s partnership with Michigan Virtual Academy, as well as a variety of summer AP courses available through Johns Hopkins University and Northwestern University. All of the AP exams are offered on campus.
Does Interlochen offer dual enrollment classes?
Yes, Interlochen offers dual enrollment classes through Indiana University which allow students to earn college credits while still in high school. All dual enrollment courses are taught by IU-trained Interlochen faculty members on campus, so there is no need to travel to IU or use an online platform. Courses are available in English, history, and science.
My student has already completed some high school courses. Will their credits transfer to Interlochen?
All courses taken through an accredited institution will count towards Interlochen’s graduation requirements. Each year they study at Arts Academy, students work with an academic counselor to create a course load that takes into account the classes they've already taken, Interlochen’s graduation requirements, and each student’s unique goals.
How rigorous are Interlochen’s academics?
Interlochen Arts Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that helps students find powerful connections between academics and the arts. The school has a focus on experiential, hands-on learning. For example, students in a science class might explore Interlochen’s functioning greenhouse, learn about local pollinators, or even get an inside look at sustainable growing systems like aquaponics. With an average class size of 11, instructors are able to tailor their approach to individual students and learning styles. They also offer regular office hours, allowing students to enjoy a level of growth and mentorship comparable to what’s offered by top colleges.
Is Interlochen Arts Academy accredited?
Interlochen is accredited through ISACS, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, and licensed by the State of Michigan to operate as a boarding school.
What foreign languages does Interlochen Arts Academy offer?
On campus, Interlochen Arts Academy offers courses in French and Spanish through Level V. Students can access additional language courses through Michigan Virtual Academy, including Chinese, German, Japanese, and American Sign Language (ASL).
How will my student balance arts classes with their academic homework?
Arts Academy academic instructors understand that students come to Interlochen to pursue world-class artistic training, and they do their best to ensure that homework loads remain challenging but manageable. Frequently, academic instructors work one-on-one with students to promote their success, offering flexibility with deadlines when there’s an important arts event coming up like a performance or exhibition.
My student has dyslexia, ADHD, or another kind of learning disability. What supports are in place to help them be successful at Interlochen?
Interlochen offers a strong academic support system that serves the needs of diverse learners on campus. The Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) provides an assisted study program which facilitates the development of executive functioning and self-advocacy skills, as well as a variety of tutoring options ranging from peer tutoring to professional tutors. In addition, students work one-on-one with an academic counselor during their time at Interlochen, ensuring that they are equipped to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Does Interlochen Arts Academy offer support for the college application process?
Interlochen offers robust college- and career-planning support, starting the moment students arrive on campus. Each student is assigned a counselor who they will work with throughout their entire Interlochen experience. During the junior and senior year, counselors work intensively with students to support the college admissions process, helping them to narrow down a list of preferred schools, arrange for standardized testing, successfully complete college applications, and more. Learn more about the college counseling process.
What colleges, universities, and conservatories do Interlochen students attend after graduation?
Interlochen graduates are consistently admitted into highly-regarded colleges, universities, and conservatories. In 2024, 88% of Interlochen Arts Academy graduates were accepted into one of their three top-choice colleges and 82% of graduates enrolled at a top 50 college. Institutions recently admitting Interlochen graduates include Curtis Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, Harvard University, The Juilliard School, Princeton University, Rhode Island School of Design, and many more. While many graduates choose to pursue further training in the arts, others choose majors in disciplines like business or the sciences. Learn more about college matriculation at Interlochen Arts Academy.
How can I stay involved with my student’s Interlochen journey?
Interlochen offers a variety of resources for families who want to stay involved with their students throughout their Arts Academy experience. Parents may use Canvas, a teaching and learning software that Interlochen uses, to track their students’ grades. They can attend parent-teacher conferences virtually and in person throughout the year. In early October, Interlochen hosts a Family Weekend, welcoming families to campus to connect with their students, touch base with instructors, and enjoy special events.
Learn more about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy.
