Idyllwild Arts Academy is the premier, internationally-acclaimed residential arts high school, ranked by Niche as the Best Private High School for the Arts in America two years in a row. 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Idyllwild Arts Academy is the country’s premier and internationally-acclaimed residential arts high school. Ranked by Niche …
Come see our student-run IAA Improv Troupe and faculty Jeanette Knight faculty perform! These are fun, silly, and …
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! We are currently accepting applications for Spring and Fall 2025.
