Who We Are

Idyllwild Arts is an intentional community that welcomes different life experiences, perspectives, identities, cultures, abilities, and languages. We joyfully aspire and act to ensure that every student’s uniqueness is honored—and that everyone is seen, heard, and treated with respect in a safe, supportive environment. We believe “art is the greatest teacher of humanity.” At Idyllwild Arts, students hailing from over 30 countries, join in a global, multicultural community united by creative excellence, academic strength, artistic passion and mutual support. Idyllwild Arts will give your child an integrated education, a global peer group, a personal sanctuary, and a real future.

The Academy

Ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, Idyllwild Arts Academy believes that the practice of creativity, no matter the ultimate expression, sharpens the desire and ability to cultivate global change. Here, master teachers guide the practice of connectivity across all disciplines, empowering students to think critically, work collaboratively, and solve problems with agility and imagination.

While well known as a California boarding school, the Academy is intentionally global in scope, with nearly half of the student body representing more than 30 countries. This diverse community is bound by a shared passion for creative and academic excellence enriched by the exchange of cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. Through this daily immersion in “community,” students gain the empathy and adaptability needed to thrive as compassionate global citizens.Our 205‑acre campus, set within a pristine national forest, serves as a sanctuary for self‑discovery and personal growth. Here, students pursue interdisciplinary thinking, constructive competition, and a deep connection to nature—all while learning how imagination becomes intelligence.