Miami Country Day School partners with Interlochen Online to expand curricular offerings with flexible, high-quality online arts programs
Through the partnership, Miami Country Day School students can enroll in a variety of Interlochen Online courses in theatre, visual arts, film, and more.
When Miami Country Day School Chief Academic Design Officer Dan Bronish began exploring arts programs to expand the school’s online curriculum, one name came to mind: Interlochen.
“I respect the name and the high quality of the products that Interlochen puts out,” Bronish says. “I was looking for arts programs of high quality to offer to our students, so I went to Interlochen’s website to see if they offer anything online. I was happy to see that they do.”
After further examining Interlochen Online’s programs and speaking with Executive Director of Interlochen Online Carin Nuernberg, Bronish felt confident that Interlochen Online was a great partner for Miami Country Day School.
“I liked the philosophical fit that students don’t need 16 weeks to earn a credit in something: It’s more about the outcomes than about spending time in a seat—which matches how we structure our own online programs,” Bronish says. “We also liked the monthly start dates, because that allows students to horizontally schedule as well as vertically schedule.”
Bronish was also attracted by the variety of courses available through Interlochen Online.
“The depth of the catalog is something you just can’t find anywhere else for online programs,” he says. “It created a lot of flexibility and a lot of choice, and catered to a lot of the diverse interests of our students.”
Bronish and his team selected about a dozen Interlochen Online programs to offer to Miami Country Day School students. The partnership between the two institutions officially launched at the start of Interlochen Online’s Jan. 13 session. Ten students took part in the pilot session—many of whom have since enrolled in other Interlochen Online courses.
Student Malik C., who took Drawing Basics during the inaugural session, describes Interlochen Online as “an amazing experience.”
“I learned so many new techniques that helped improve my skills, and the class made me feel more confident in my artwork,” Malik says. “It was exciting to explore different styles and get creative in new ways!"
Britany M., who took Acting for TV & Film during the Jan. 13 session, returned this session for the Film Production 101 course. In addition to the practical knowledge and hands-on assignments, Britany has enjoyed the chance to connect with other artists through Interlochen Online.
“Even though these classes are online, I get to work with other students and share ideas,” she says. “It’s been a great experience, and I’m excited to keep learning more!”
Although the partnership between the two institutions has just begun, Bronish says the early response from students has been very positive.
“They like the brevity of the courses, but also the focus and the flexibility,” he says. “We haven’t even opened up the whole catalog of courses yet, but they’re excited by all the different options.”
“They’ve really enjoyed the experience.”
