Pre-College Art & Design Experience

Academy of Art University’s tuition-free, scholarship-based, Pre-College Art & Design Experience (PCADE) is for every high school student who wants to take a deep dive into their own creative universe. Study animation, game design, fashion, fine art, photography, filmmaking, and much more.

We’ve designed our college-level courses for high school students new to art and design, and for those who want to take their skills to the next level. You will collaborate with other artists and make new friends in an environment that embraces what is unique about you.

Your PCADE experience can be on campus in San Francisco or online—anywhere in the world, on your schedule, in your time zone.

Available Programs

Your classes will be taught by professionals working in your field of study. Your work will be featured in a juried art show at the end of the semester.

Spring
February 17, 2024 - April 5, 2024
Summer
June 17, 2024—July 27, 2024 (Online)
June 17, 2024 – June 27, 2024 (On-campus)
Fall
September 4, 2024-October 15, 2024 (Online)
September 14, 2024 - October 12, 2024 (On-campus + Virtual Zoom)

See Full Schedule

Pre-College Class Details

You can register for up to 2 Pre College Art & Design Experience classes per semester. You can take each class in whatever modality works best for you. For example, you can take one class on campus and the other online. Options vary by modality.

All students who want to participate in the end of semester Final Exhibitions have the opportunity to do so.

Click here to see the schedule of classes in Animation, Architecture, Car Design, Drawing, Fashion, Filmmaking, Game Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Painting, Photography, Visual Development, and many more.

Before registering, check each class in the catalog and contact a representative to discuss the details. The cost of supplies for classes are the responsibility of the student.

“Before attending this program, I was unsure if being a photographer was a feasible career path. This experience has confirmed that my dreams are possible. I was introduced to various mentors, youth artists, and creative/ academic resources. I would encourage students interested in pursuing art as a possible career path to consider attending this program because it is committed to helping students succeed.” —Pharoah

Live On Campus

If you want to experience college life to its fullest, we have a room for you in our dorms.
Explore San Francisco

Get to know San Francisco through weekly sponsored outings and make instant connections with your fellow students from around the world.

Exhibit Your Work

On-campus students work will be displayed in a live art show on October 19th at 601 Brannan Street, San Francisco 94107 opening at 1:00 PM. All are invited.

Our online gallery will open the end of August at https://pcade.academyart.edu/

“The Academy of Art University summer program was an amazing experience that inspired me to explore different things I have never explored before. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be and it helped me become less shy and more talkative. This program has also helped me distinguish between the careers that I feel really passionate about and the ones I don’t feel as passionate about.” —Jose-Sainz

Check out these representative classes to get a taste of what our program has to offer.

Character Design
Fashion Design
Introduction to Maya
Figure Drawing
Graphic Design
Photography
Introduction to Acting
Character Design

Explore PCADE Courses

How to Get Started?

Step 1: Submit an Application
Have your parents join you for this part, which takes about 10-15 minutes. No application fee needed.
Step 2: Selecting Classes
You can choose up to 2 Pre College Art & Design Experience classes each semester.
Step 3: Finalize Your Registration
You and your parents will review your class choices with your admissions rep. Once this final check-in is complete, you will be officially registered for PCADE!

Apply Now

Hear what past PCADE students have to say about their experiences.

You’ll work in a collaborative environment with faculty members who are practicing artists, designers, authors, and entrepreneurs themselves. You’ll also learn from other creative, highly motivated high school students from around the world who will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to push your limits and produce your best work.

Apply Now

PCADE Gallery

High School students participating in Academy of Art University’s PCADE program get the chance to showcase their completed works at the end of the course. The Academy is proud to present some of the best student art work to be produced under the most recent PCADE program in this online gallery.

VIEW GALLERY

Student Testimonials

“The Academy of Art University summer program was an amazing experience that inspired me to explore different things I have never explored before. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be and it helped me become less shy and more talkative. This program has also helped me distinguish between the careers that I feel really passionate about and the ones I don’t feel as passionate about.” —Jose-Sainz

“For me, it was a path-changer.” —Jarschire

“I learned how to use Photoshop, how to draw an automobile, and many more new skills. Although it takes a lot of concentration and dedication, this program is worth it all in the end. I am now sure that I want to spend my life doing this because of this experience.” —Yair

FAQ

No, but we would like to get to know you better! In the Pre-College Art & Design Experience application, we have a field for you to upload something that inspires your creativity. The file can be an image, a painting, sculpture, a design, a fashion collection, cars, motorcycles, architecture, interior design, or text – whatever will help us understand where your interests lie.

Students who are currently enrolled in High School and younger than 19 years old when attending

  • High School seniors graduating before 6/17/2024 are not eligible for the Summer 2024 Pre-College Art & Design Experience program but are welcome to apply to undergraduate programs. All current high school students are eligible to apply. Once the application is submitted, students will be considered for acceptance into the PCADE program.

International High School students (Online program only)

  • While International High School students cannot take onsite classes, we welcome them to participate in our online Pre-College Art & Design Experience.

Yes. You must re-apply every semester you take part in PCADE. If you are a returning participant, you should log in as a “returning user” on the application page.

No. Once you graduate from high school you are no longer eligible for the pre-college program. However, you are welcome to apply to one of the amazing art and design undergraduate programs at the Academy.

The Pre-College Art & Design Experience is a scholarship program, where the application and tuition fees are covered. Classes are valued at $1,250 each. Cost of supplies for online and virtual (Zoom) classes need to be paid by the student. Housing costs will need to be paid by the student. To learn more about this opportunity complete your PCADE application online. Once this is processed, you will be contacted by a member of our Pre-Admissions Department to register for your classes. Or call 1.800.544.2787 and we’ll walk you through the process.

Departments Offering Pre-College Program:

Acting
Advertising
Animation & Visual Effects
Architecture
Art Education
Art History
Communications & Media Technologies
Fashion
Fine Art
Fine Art - Sculpture
Game Development
Graphic Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interaction & UI/UX Design
Interior Architecture & Design
Jewelry & Metal Arts
Landscape Architecture
Motion Pictures & Television
Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media
Photography
Visual Development
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