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Summer at Academy of Art University

During the Summer, Academy of Art University offers our pre-college art experience (PCAE) classes to high school students both online and on-campus in San Francisco. With over 50+ art and design classes to choose from, it is truly a unique summer program dedicated to showcasing what art school is all about.

The on-campus PCAE is a four-week program offering up to three classes. Get a glimpse into college life, meet other young artists, and explore a variety of art & design fields.

If you can’t come on-campus, you can also do it online from anywhere in the world and still be able to take up to three classes over six weeks. So whether you are at home or on vacation, you will still be able to attend.

*Please note that due to COVID-19 pandemic, onsite classes will be offered virtually

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Upcoming Program Dates for Summer 2021

Onsite Students

Saturday, June 22,2024PCAE Prep Day*
Saturday, June 22, 2024Move in Day* (Housing Students)
Monday, June 17 - July 1, 2024Online & Virtual Orientation*
Monday, June 24, 2024First Class Session
Monday, July 1, 2024Last Day to Apply/Change Schedule
Thursday, July 4, 20244th of July (no classes)
Friday, July 5, 2024Classes Resume
Friday, July 19, 2024Last Class Session
Saturday, August 3, 2024Last Class Session Closes
Saturday, July 20, 2024Hall Closing (Move Out)
TBDFinal Exhibition (onsite)**
**Prep-Day Mandatory for all new/1st time onsite students.
***Students may submit finished work to preadmissions@academyart.edu to be showcased on website or Instagram.

Online Students

Monday, June 17-July 1, 2024Online & Virtual Orientation*
Monday, June 24, 2024First Class Session Opens
Monday, July 1, 2024Last Day to Apply/Change Schedule
Thursday, July 4, 20244th of July (no classes)
Friday, July 5, 224Classes Resume
Saturday, August 3, 2024Last Class Session Closes
TBDFinal Exhibition (online)
**Mandatory for all first time online students. Duration is approximately 1 hour.
***Students may submit finished work to preadmissions@academyart.edu to be showcased on website or Instagram.

On-campus Housing

Located at the heart of California’s most dynamic artistic, cultural, and technological resources, the Academy is an extraordinary place to be an artist, designer, and college student. One of the biggest perks of the on-campus PCAE summer program is the opportunity for high school students to stay in the Academy’s dorms in the heart of beautiful San Francisco. *Housing is optional for Summer classes **Housing not available Summer 2021

How to get started?

  1. Complete your class registration
  2. Fill out the housing application
  3. Electronically sign the Housing License Agreement
  4. Pay the $500 deposit online through the Housing Portal, or contact Accounts Receivable at 415-618-6429

Once you have applied online and paid your deposit, you will be emailed information on housing assignments. Please make sure to check your email and spam folder frequently.

Cost

  • The full cost of summer housing for the Pre-College Summer Art Experience students is $3,009*. This includes the required $500 housing deposit. $75 of this deposit is for non-refundable housing fees, and $425 is a refundable security deposit. A $50 activity fee is included in this price. Additionally, this also includes meals.  *Prices subject to change without notice.
  • Daily Rate housing is optional for students looking to be on campus for a few days a week at $96 per night.

For any extra information or questions regarding housing, call us at 1-800-544-2787, extension 6335 or email us directly. Please note:

  • Students staying in campus housing must take three on-campus classes. 
  • All housing students are required to have health insurance
  • While international High School students cannot take onsite classes, we welcome them to participate in our online Pre-College Art Experience. 

Apply For Housing

Kickstart Your Future

High school is the perfect time to start preparing for your future as an artist and designer. You’ll complete the program with finished work for your portfolio. While you’re here, you can meet with one of our admissions reps for a portfolio review and speak to our Career Services staff. 

Friends for Life

Some of your best friends in life will be the friends you make at PCAE. Introduce yourself. Ask if anyone wants to grab some food. Start a movie night. When you see an open door, drop by to say hi. Putting yourself out there early is a strong way to make a lifelong impression.

See if the Academy is right for you

Our Pre-College Art Experience is the perfect way to explore if art and design school is right for you.  Our students and alumni have made an impact on the world. They are Oscar and GRAMMY winners, animators, illustrators, and photographers. They make award-winning Super Bowl commercials, help create top-grossing movies and video games, and design some of the hottest fashion in the world

Get a head start on your art and design education with our pre-college program.

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