A day in the life at a performing arts boarding school
From ‘Zero Hour’ classes to evening performances, here’s what you can expect as a student at one of the nation’s premier boarding arts high schools.
Continuing your artistic training at a performing arts boarding school is a big decision—academically, artistically, and personally. Your school will become your “home away from home”: a place where you will not only learn, but live, for the next few years.
With so many facets of your life affected by this choice, it’s natural to be curious about daily life at a performing arts boarding school. But even if you memorize the viewbook, scour the website, and watch every Instagram reel, it’s difficult to know exactly what it’s like to be a boarding school student. To give you a glimpse of what you can expect, we’ve put together a sample ‘day in the life’ of a student at one of the nation’s most prestigious performing arts boarding schools: Interlochen Arts Academy.
Morning routine
Depending on your schedule and personal preferences, your day will probably begin sometime between 6 and 8 a.m. Although quiet hours are enforced until 7 a.m., you’re welcome to wake up earlier to get ready for your day or engage in quiet activities such as reading, journaling, or meditation.
“On a good day when I wake up on time, I’m up at 6 a.m.,” says Mitch, a senior percussion student. “I plan out my day beforehand, so I stretch and go to the gym from 7 to 8 a.m.”
Most Arts Academy students choose to start their day with breakfast at Stone Cafeteria. The cafeteria offers a wide variety of options, including hot food items, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereal—plus coffee, tea, juice, and other beverages. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
“The first thing I do in the morning, after getting ready for the day, is have breakfast at the Stone Cafeteria,” says clarinet student Luis. “Then I attend my two academic classes.”
While morning classes officially start at 8:30 a.m., some students choose to get a jumpstart on their day with the optional “Zero Hour” period.
“I usually wake up pretty early—around 6:30—because I have a Zero Hour class at 7:30 a.m.,” says creative writing student Iliana. “My math teacher is there early, so I like to go in around 7 and get help on homework or ask any questions that I had the night before.”
Lunch, office hours, and afternoon classes
Classes continue through lunch, which is open from 11 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. To help alleviate congestion in Stone Cafeteria, you’ll be assigned a designated “lunch hour” that fits your schedule.
Although the Academy has 10 class periods per day, most students have at least one free period. You can use this time however you like: Popular choices include practicing, going to the gym, catching up on homework, or resting before your next class.
“I have a free period that’s either lunch or office hours,” says clarinet student Lawson. “I can choose to do work on my own and just complete stuff, but I can also take the time off, have a free period, and just relax.”
“I’ve got a big break in the middle of the day between my academic and my arts classes—which is the perfect time to get some homework done or do my online language class,” says creative writing student Seal.
Have a question or need help with an assignment? Arts Academy teachers hold office hours during lunchtime on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
“12:20 to 12:50 is the time to go to academic office hours,” Iliana says. “All the teachers are available during that time to help you with whatever you need help on.”
On Wednesdays, late mornings and early afternoons are reserved for special programming. Juniors, seniors, and postgraduates attend college counseling sessions from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. After lunch, all students meet with their advisory group—a small, faculty-led cohort of fellow students that meets weekly to explore the Academy’s unique social-emotional learning program, The Interlochen 5. At 2 p.m., all students and faculty unite in Corson Auditorium for the weekly Community Meeting.
The afternoon schedule is primarily arts-focused. During this time, you’ll enjoy activities such as classes related to your artistic discipline; dance, theatre, or music rehearsals; or master classes with visiting artists. If you have a free period during the afternoon, you’re welcome to enroll in select courses from other artistic disciplines if space is available and you meet the prerequisites.
Winding down
Generally, you’ll have your evenings free to eat dinner—which is served from 5-7:30 p.m.—practice, enjoy recreational activities, and work on your homework.
“After I eat dinner, I practice and hang out with friends until sign-in,” Luis says. “Once I get back to my dorm, I get academic work done or do something that I enjoy, like listening to music or watching a TV show.”
“Evenings are a great time to get work done or hang out with other people in the common rooms,” Seal adds. “There are also lots of dorm activities in the evenings as well.”
Arts Academy students enjoy regular opportunities to share their art in public exhibitions, performances, concerts, and showcases—many of which take place during the evenings. Beyond performing in your own events, you’re welcome (and encouraged) to support your friends by attending their performances. Many student events are free to attend; Arts Academy students also enjoy reduced prices on tickets to paid shows.
In addition to student, faculty, and guest performances, students can also spend their evenings participating in student clubs, sports teams, and other recreational opportunities. The school’s Recreation and Wellness team hosts regular events both on and off campus—including movie and game nights, holiday celebrations, skiing and snow tubing trips, dances, and more.
All boarding students are required to check in to their residence halls by 9:30 p.m. The day ends with ‘lights out’ at 11 p.m.
A fulfilling day
Ultimately, daily life at Interlochen Arts Academy is designed to balance academic, artistic, and personal success. You’ll enjoy a busy but inspiring day full of engaging classes and opportunities to practice your craft—plus plenty of time for fun and friendship.
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook
