Past Event

ELL & Arts

13 – 17*

This two-week program builds English proficiency through creative work and collaborative projects. Students strengthen their language skills in small classes with individualized attention, opportunities for self-expression, and general connection through the arts. Mornings focus on English in use; afternoons invite students to apply their knowledge through visual and performing arts, discussion and reflection.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

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Overview

The ELL & Arts Summer Intensive program is designed for students who want to improve their English while engaging with art and culture in a focused, supportive environment. Each day combines structured language practice with opportunities to create, perform, and collaborate. Students read, write and speak about ideas that matter to them, then use those ideas as material for artistic projects.

Instruction will emphasize clarity, curiosity, and participation rather than memorization or grammar drills. Class activities include conversation workshops, short writing tasks, art-based presentations, and informal performances. A planned excursion off-campus will expose students to museum works and natural landmarks that extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage real-world interaction in Southern California.

By the end of the program, students leave more confident using English to express themselves and to connect with others about what matters to them.

There will be a final culmination on Friday afternoon, July 24. Arrangements should be made for students to depart campus before 4:00PM on Saturday, July 25. Learn more about our campus shuttles to/from local airports by clicking here.

Additional Information

Students are placed according to their English proficiency, based on a short online assessment before arrival. Classes are small and collaborative, designed to meet each learner at their level and to help them advance quickly through means of communication and feedback.

Mornings will focus on developing language through discussion, reading, and writing. In the afternoons, students join arts workshops that connect their English language practice with creative artistic expression.

Evenings will offer community activities, open studio time, quiet study in the dorms, and a chance to relax and make friends. A planned excursion will offer the chance to explore Southern California’s natural beauty and to get out to a major urban destination as well, all while practicing English in genuinely immersive situations.

Click here to see the list of items to bring to Idyllwild

Donald Duffy is an educator specializing in Language Learning and curriculum design. He has experience directing international student programs, teaching English and World Languages in boarding schools, and creating immersive, project-based learning environments. His work emphasizes authentic communication, cultural literacy, and creative expression through art and language.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs