Idyllwild Arts is an intentional community that welcomes different life experiences, perspectives, identities, cultures, abilities and languages. We joyfully aspire and commit ourselves to create a safe environment in which the uniqueness of each person is valued, and everyone is seen, heard, and treated with respect. Art is the greatest teacher of humanity, and we embrace its power to develop empathetic citizens of the world. We thereby will dedicate resources and time to build an inclusive community.
One of the top arts schools in California, Idyllwild Arts believes that art is the greatest teacher of humanity, and that the practice of creativity, no matter the ultimate expression, sharpens the desire and ability to cultivate global change. At Idyllwild Arts Academy, ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, master teachers guide the practice of creativity and connectivity within and across all subject areas, empowering students to think critically and holistically and to problem-solve with agility and imagination.
Though it’s well known as a California art school, the Academy is global by design with almost 50% of the student body hailing from more than 30 different countries. Whether domestic or international, our students are united by their passion for artistic excellence and thrive in our welcoming, safe, and supportive community. Our stunning campus is nestled within 205 acres of pristine national forest, providing an inspiring sanctuary for students’ self-discovery while nurturing their independence.
Only at Idyllwild Arts will you find one-of-a-kind Signature Programs that go beyond the curriculum to expand achievement and empower students to make a lasting impact on the world. At Idyllwild Arts, we have always believed that art is the greatest teacher of humanity, and our creative collective promotes intercultural understanding and peace while re-envisioning the artist’s responsibility to society.
Experience the magic of an Idyllwild Arts summer and explore your creativity alongside passionate students, faculty, and staff. Continuing the legacy of such legendary founding artists as Ansel Adams, Pete Seeger, Merce Cunningham, and many more, the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program offers a wide variety of art workshops for all ages, interests, and abilities. Generations of passionate artists have converged in this California arts academy during the summer months for nearly eight decades, drawn by the breathtaking natural setting and the vibrant artistic community. They leave replenished, inspired, and transformed with new skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.
Idyllwild Arts is an institution rooted in respect, reverence, and support for Native American people, and is the only residential arts high school in the country to offer a Native American Arts program. The Native American Arts Center (NAAC) was created to be the nation’s preeminent cultural center for Indigenous art education, research, and community. The NAAC hosts year-round workshops, provides educational opportunities for Academy students, and produces the popular Native American Arts Festival Week each summer on the Idyllwild Arts campus, showcasing esteemed artists, scholars, and cultural specialists with performances, demonstrations, films, and the renowned Michael Kabotie Lecture Series.
We’re proud to present the podcast, One World. One Idyllwild. The Series, hosted by Idyllwild Arts President Pamela Jordan. Each thought-provoking episode features creative leaders, cultural influencers, and artistic changemakers, highlighting the work of Citizen Artists whose careers and lives have been shaped by the transformative power of art.
Idyllwild Arts respectfully acknowledges the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (also known as Cahuilla Band of Indians) and all nine sovereign Bands of Cahuilla people who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and continue to steward this land for all future generations.
Come see our student-run IAA Improv Troupe and faculty Jeanette Knight faculty perform! These are fun, silly, and …
Join Idyllwild Arts Dancer Agnes Crocker Myers for this special performance, made possible by a student grant from Arts …
Our student filmmakers have been hard at work all year long, writing, directing, producing, and shooting dozens of student …
Our student filmmakers have been hard at work all year long, writing, directing, producing, and shooting dozens of student …
🎓 Ask Admission – Weekly Info SessionsWednesdays | 5:30 PM Pacific | April 16 – July 16, 2025 Got questions …
Your generosity is what makes Idyllwild Arts an internationally-acclaimed haven for gifted artists unlike any other in the world. See how you can support our mission.
