For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 pre-professional arts boarding schools serving 1,229 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 (2026-27)
School
Location
Quick Facts
8585 Ojai Santa Paula Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4343
Gr: 9-12, PG | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Avg. class size: 8 students Acceptance rate: 50% Tuition listed
52500 Temecula Road
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2171
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2171
Gr: 9-12, PG | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 65% Tuition listed
4000 J Maddy Pkwy
Interlochen, MI 49643
(231) 276-7472
Interlochen, MI 49643
(231) 276-7472
Gr: 9-12, PG | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Avg. class size: 11 students Tuition listed
12 Highland Street
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 650-5020
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 650-5020
Gr: 9-12, PG | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 54% Tuition listed
Recent Articles
Urban vs. Rural Boarding School: Which Fits?
Compare urban and rural boarding schools by academics, campus life, transportation, outdoor access, cultural opportunities, independence, safety, and student personality to find the setting that fits your child best.
Should Your Child Start Boarding School in 9th Grade?
Should your child begin boarding school in ninth grade or wait? Compare academic timing, maturity, friendships, independence, admissions, and family considerations to choose the right entry point confidently.
How Far From Home Is Too Far for Boarding School?
How far is too far for boarding school? Learn how families can weigh travel time, homesickness, student readiness, costs, school support, emergencies, and family connections before enrolling confidently.

