Best Arts Boarding Schools (2023-24)

For the 2023-24 school year, there are 5 pre-professional arts boarding schools serving 1,281 students located within the United States.
While college-prep boarding schools generally have excellent arts programs, the schools below specialize further in helping students train and become artists in a variety of fields such as music, visual arts, theatre, ballet, and creative writing.
Students are prepared for entrance into either traditional colleges or specialty schools like music conservatories (e.g., Juilliard).

Top Arts Boarding Schools (2023-24)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Besant Hill School
Besant Hill School Photo - Besant Hill School is located in the Ojai Valley, on 500 acres of private land with beautiful vistas in every direction. Facilities include four dormitories, outdoor sports facilities including a new aquatic center, indoor theater, atelier, and classrooms nestled along winding paths and oak trees. We also have an eight acre organic farm.
(1)
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 100 students
Idyllwild Arts Academy
Idyllwild Arts Academy Photo - Idyllwild Arts Academy is home to 280 students from 30 countries and 26 US states, all devoted to intensive study of the arts. Located 2 hours from Los Angeles, 2 hours from San Diego, and 1 hour from Palm Springs, the Academy is an artistic crossroads for Southern California.
(24)
52500 Temecula Road
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 468-7223
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 280 students
4000 M 137 Hwy
Interlochen, MI 49643
(231) 276-7472
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 567 students
Iowa Conservatory
Iowa Conservatory Photo
123 N. Linn St.
Iowa City, IA 52333
(319) 804-5943
Grades: 9-12, PG
8-12, PG (day)
| 50 students
12 Highland Street
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 650-5020
Grades: 9-12, PG
| 284 students

Recent Articles

Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland
Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland
Nestled in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland lies an educational gem that embodies a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness and a profound sense of community. Founded over 30 years ago, Haut-Lac International Bilingual Day and Boarding School is now home to both 600 day students and a maximum of 30 boarders from around the world.
What To Wear at Your Job Interview
What To Wear at Your Job Interview
Navigating job interviews can be stressful, but knowing what to wear shouldn't be. Our comprehensive guide covers the essential dress code tips for men and women interviewing at boarding schools. Make your first impression count with style and professionalism.
Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools
Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools
Explore the pressing challenges facing boarding schools, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article delves into these complex issues and proposes innovative strategies to overcome them.

Featured Schools