What will your art change?

You?

Someone Else?

The World?

Time To Find Out.

At Idyllwild Arts, our mission is changing lives through the transformative power of art.

What's Happening

Admission Open House: October 26, 2024

If you are wondering whether Idyllwild Arts Academy might be the right place for you or someone you know to study, please join us at our Open House on the beautiful Idyllwild Arts Campus on Saturday, October 26, 2024!

New!

Semester Exchange Program

An immersive, single-semester experience at Idyllwild Arts Academy

Application Deadlines

Accepting Applications for Spring and Fall 2025

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis while space remains available. 

What's Happening

News & Events

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Where to Shop

Online Bookstore

Explore a curated collection of clothing, water bottles, jewelry and more!

Learn More About Idyllwild Arts

Chat with a Current Parent

With PeerPal, you can connect with current Idyllwild Arts Academy Parents to learn about their experience at our school. Ask questions, make connections, and discover the difference that Idyllwild Arts can make in your child..

Explore Idyllwild Arts

The Academy

Idyllwild Arts Academy is the premier, internationally-acclaimed residential arts high school, ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America. With a unique blend of college-preparatory academics and pre-professional art courses, students develop into thoughtful Citizen Artists fully prepared to make an impact in the world. 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, inviting, and supportive community. Our stunning campus is nestled within 205 acres of pristine national forest, an enchanting backdrop of natural beauty that ignites creativity.

A woman painting. A painting.

Signature Programs

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.

Two happy AIS students.

Summer

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 Idyllwild 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.

A fashion design class. A chamber orchestra performing.

Native American Arts Center

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 popularNative 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.

Students in a classroom. A person weaving.

It’s a beautiful campus that leaves you with amazing memories that will last for a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to have spent my last two years of high school there. I recommend anyone to apply and check it out. You won’t regret it!

Idyllwild Arts is a great school to be at and has benefited my arts education immensely. The forest surroundings and kind teachers create a warm and welcoming environment.

We believe Idyllwild is doing extremely well in supporting the development of the kids in their chosen majors. Academically, Idyllwild Arts is also fantastic and we can certainly see the development and confidence in our son since joining.

This place teaches people not just to be artists, but how to live a life, how to develop into a well-rounded human being. It’s really a place where kids have an opportunity to become themselves, and that’s rare.

What’s embraced at this school is this ability to instill compassion and connection to art. There is this vulnerability with most of our students that you don’t necessarily get in other environments.

What’s really unique about Idyllwild is the multidisciplinary approach and how it’s completely deeply rooted in the fabric of this place.

Three students in a sound booth.

Our Podcast

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 Land Acknowledgement

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.

Support Idyllwild Arts

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.