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TeenLife
Summer Programs
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    READ NOW: 2025 Guide to Gap Year Programs

    Overview

    Discover the magic of an Idyllwild Arts summer, where teens can explore their creativity, build confidence, and forge lifelong friendships with other student artists in a beautiful, supportive, and welcoming sleepaway camp environment. Our immersive intensives and workshops for ages 13-17 are taught by renowned teaching artists, providing hands-on guidance for students of all abilities to hone their artistic technique while emphasizing educational values, personal values, and achievement.

    The Idyllwild Arts Summer Program offers workshops for all ages and abilities on our picturesque campus set amongst the pines in the stunning San Jacinto mountains of Southern California, with residential "sleepaway" options for ages 10+. The tradition of gathering an impassioned community of artists during the summer months in Idyllwild, CA dates back over seven decades and has served generations of musicians, painters, writers and performers in a variety of disciplines including dance and theatre. 

    We offer programs in all arts disciplines including:

    Classical Music | Jazz Music | Songwriting | Dramatic Arts | Visual Arts | Creative Writing | Dance | Fashion Design | Film & Digital Media

    Cost and Session Information

    Kids & Teens Programs

    Tuition, Room & Board (ages 10-17)

    • Two Week Session: $4700 +fees

    Day Student Tuition (ages 9-17)

    • One Week Session: $1090 +fees
    • Two Week Session: $2180 +fees

    Multi-Arts (ages 5-7) and Artist Discovery (ages 8-10)

    • $750 per One-Week Session +fees

    Upcoming Events

    • Academy Admission Summer Open House | July 11, 2025
      Jul 11, 2025

      Academy Admission Summer Open House | July 11, 2025

      07:00pm (ET)

      Idyllwild Arts Academy, ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, is located in Southern California's idyllic San Jacinto mountains, just two hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego. If you are wondering whether Idyllwild Arts might be the right place for you or someone you know to study, please join us for our Open House!

      This event is free, but you must RSVP to attend.

      Register Now
    • Academy Admission Summer Open House | July 12, 2025
      Jul 12, 2025

      Academy Admission Summer Open House | July 12, 2025

      02:45pm (ET)

      Idyllwild Arts Academy, ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, is located in Southern California's idyllic San Jacinto mountains, just two hours from both Los Angeles and San Diego. If you are wondering whether Idyllwild Arts might be the right place for you or someone you know to study, please join us for our Open House!

      This event is free, but you must RSVP to attend.

      Register Now
    • Ask Admission | Weekly Info Session | July 16, 2025
      Jul 16, 2025

      Ask Admission | Weekly Info Session | July 16, 2025

      08:30pm to 09:00pm (ET)

      Got questions about Idyllwild Arts? We've got answers! Join us for Ask Admission, a recurring 30-minute Zoom session where prospective students and families can connect directly with the Admission team. Whether you're just beginning your school search or getting ready to apply, this is your chance to learn more about our community, programs, and what makes Idyllwild Arts unique.

      When: Every Wednesday from April 16 to July 16
      ? Time: 5:30 PM Pacific
      To join: Email mberg@idyllwildarts.org

      Register Now
    • Academy Admission Meet & Greet | New York
      Aug 30, 2025

      Academy Admission Meet & Greet | New York

      10:00am to 02:00pm (ET)

      Join us for an informal meet and greet to learn more about Idyllwild Arts Academy's boarding high school for young artists. You'll meet a member of our Admissions team, connect with other prospective families, and get your questions answered about applying, programs, student life and more!

      An Admissions representative will send you a confirmation email with more information shortly after receipt of your RSVP. If you need assistance in the meantime, please reach out to hballou@idyllwildarts.org.

      Register Now
    • Academy Admission Meet & Greet | Nashville
      Aug 31, 2025

      Academy Admission Meet & Greet | Nashville

      03:00pm to 06:00pm (ET)

      Join us for an informal meet and greet to learn more about Idyllwild Arts Academy's boarding high school for young artists. You'll meet a member of our Admissions team, connect with other prospective families, and get your questions answered about applying, programs, student life and more!

      An Admissions representative will send you a confirmation email with more information shortly after receipt of your RSVP. If you need assistance in the meantime, please reach out to hballou@idyllwildarts.org.

      Register Now
    • Academy Admission Meet & Greet | Las Vegas
      Sep 9, 2025

      Academy Admission Meet & Greet | Las Vegas

      08:00pm to 10:00pm (ET)

      Join us for an informal meet and greet to learn more about Idyllwild Arts Academy's boarding high school for young artists. You'll meet a member of our Admissions team, connect with other prospective families, and get your questions answered about applying, programs, student life and more!

      An Admissions representative will send you a confirmation email with more information shortly after receipt of your RSVP. If you need assistance in the meantime, please reach out to hballou@idyllwildarts.org.

      Register Now
    • Academy Priority Application Deadline for Spring 2026
      Nov 10, 2025

      Academy Priority Application Deadline for Spring 2026

      Idyllwild Arts Academy is an internationally acclaimed boarding arts high school where education is guided by the belief that art is the greatest teacher of humanity. Ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, Idyllwild Arts Academy equips students (grades 9-12 & postgraduate) with the tools to leverage their own imagination to change themselves and the world around them.

      Register Now
    • Academy Early Decision Application Deadline for Fall 2026
      Dec 1, 2025

      Academy Early Decision Application Deadline for Fall 2026

      Idyllwild Arts Academy is an internationally acclaimed boarding arts high school where education is guided by the belief that art is the greatest teacher of humanity. Ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, Idyllwild Arts Academy equips students (grades 9-12 & postgraduate) with the tools to leverage their own imagination to change themselves and the world around them.

      Register Now
    • Academy Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026
      Jan 15, 2026

      Academy Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026

      Idyllwild Arts Academy is an internationally acclaimed boarding arts high school where education is guided by the belief that art is the greatest teacher of humanity. Ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, Idyllwild Arts Academy equips students (grades 9-12 & postgraduate) with the tools to leverage their own imagination to change themselves and the world around them.

      Register Now

    Testimonials(7)

    • "My child loved the Artists Discovery program and can't wait to come back next year!! As parents, we loved having him spend time outside with no technology, working collaboratively with his peers. It was confidence boosting and tons of summer fun in a beautiful environment!"

      - Parent of Summer Camper in Artist Discovery, 2023 - August 2, 2023

    • "Both of our boys explored art in new ways that surprised us! The culminating presentations and performances were a wonderful way for us to see their imaginations come to life!"

      - Parent of Summer Camper in Artist Discovery, 2023 - August 22, 2023

    • "It was my daughter's first sleepaway camp, and she had a great time and learned so much! It meant a lot to me that Idyllwild is so well-run. Even the tooth fairy came when she lost a tooth!"

      - Parent of Summer Camper in Jazz Instrumental Intensive, 2023 - August 2, 2023

    • "We had very high expectations but were still blown away by the quality of the program, the instruction, the projects, and our daughters overall experience at Idyllwild Arts Academy summer program. Such a magical experience!"

      - Parent of Summer Camper in Multi-Arts, 2023 - August 2, 2023

    • "Idyllwild is the only overnight camp that my daughter has felt truly included by staff and students. After going to several day and sleep away camps, Idyllwild is by far the best at communication and helping each camper feel a part of the community."

      - Parent of Summer Camper in Ballet-Intensive, 2023 - August 2, 2023

    • "Idyllwild Arts has really brought a new sense of discovery in my art future. I have learned things in a two week intensive that most people don't learn in two years. It was very well done."

      - Musical Theatre Camper, 2023 - August 8, 2023

    • "My son's confidence soared after writing songs with different peers every day and performing in front of the class. He made friends while being immersed in his passion, and he loved the experience overall. He definitely wants to go back next summer!"

      - Songwriting Intensive Camper, 2023 - August 2, 2023
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