Idyllwild Arts Academy, recognized as the country’s premier residential arts high school, embraces a diverse community that extends beyond borders, attracting not only traditional high school students but also those taking a gap year to explore their artistic passions. Ranked by Niche as the Best Private High School for the Arts in America, the academy opens its doors to students from grades 9-12, postgraduates, and those opting for a transformative gap year experience.
Nestled in the arts village of Idyllwild, the campus spans 205 acres of pristine pine forest in Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, providing an inspiring backdrop for students on their artistic journey. This haven for creativity is not just a high school; it's a destination where gap year students find a nurturing environment to delve into their artistic pursuits before venturing into the next chapter of their academic or professional lives.
The hands-on training and customized education provided by expert faculty extend to gap year students, ensuring that they benefit from a tailored experience that aligns with their individual artistic aspirations. Whether majoring in Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Fashion Design, Film & Digital Media, or InterArts, gap year students find a supportive community where their creativity flourishes.
Idyllwild Arts Academy's dual curriculum not only sharpens artistic skills but also instills the values of being Citizen Artists—individuals with the confidence and commitment to ignite meaningful change in the world. As gap year students explore their creative potential, engage in critical thinking, and foster innovative problem-solving, they emerge not only as lifelong learners but also as active and engaged citizens ready to make a positive impact on the global stage.
