Choosing a performing arts boarding school is a huge decision that can shape your entire
artistic future. These special schools combine serious arts training with strong academics, which
is very different from regular high schools. With so many options available, picking the right one
can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to find the perfect school for your artistic
goals and personal needs.
1. Finding the Right Balance Between Arts and Academics
The best performing arts boarding schools don't make you choose between being a great artist
and a strong student. They offer challenging academic classes like AP courses and college prep
programs alongside intensive arts training.
What makes these schools special is how they connect learning across subjects. Your history
teacher might have you research fashion from different time periods if you're studying visual
arts. Your English class could focus on analyzing plays if you're into theater.
Look for schools that require students to meet graduation requirements and prepare them well
for college. Find out how many hours each day students spend on academics versus arts
training (some schools use a block schedule). Check the school's college acceptance rates to
see how well they prepare students for the next step.
2. Arts Programs That Match Your Passion
Not every performing arts school offers the same programs or quality of training. Some focus
mainly on music, others on dance or theater. Some schools offer many different art disciplines.
while others specialize in just one or two areas.
You'll want to dig deep into the curriculum for your specific interest. Strong programs build skills
step by step, bring in professional guest artists for masterclasses, and let students work
together across different art forms. The best schools expose you to various styles within your
chosen field.
Make sure the school offers exactly what you're passionate about. If you love musical theatre,
see if the school you’re looking at produces the kinds of plays you really like. If you want to write
a novel, try to find a program where faculty members are published authors.
3. Learning from the Best Teachers
Your teachers will make or break your experience at performing arts boarding school. The best
programs hire faculty members who have real professional experience, advanced degrees, and
a track record of helping young artists succeed.
But credentials aren't everything. Look for schools where teachers really care about mentoring
students. Small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios mean you'll get the individual
attention you need to grow as an artist.
Research the backgrounds of department heads and key teachers in your area of interest. Find
out what the student-to-teacher ratio is like. Ask how the school supports teachers in staying
current with their fields.
4. Where Graduates End Up
Looking at where recent graduates have gone tells you a lot about how well a school prepares
its students. Research which colleges or conservatories accept students from the school,
especially competitive arts programs and top universities. Look for schools whose graduates
succeed in many different paths, including professional arts careers and other fields.
Pay attention to how many alumni win scholarships or competitions. The best performing arts
boarding schools keep track of their graduates and can share specific success stories with you.
5. Facilities and Chances to Perform
Serious artists need professional-quality spaces to train and perform. When you visit schools,
check out the practice rooms, studios, theaters, and performance spaces. Dancers need proper
floors, mirrors, and barres (windows with a view are a nice plus). Musicians need acoustically
designed rooms and plenty of rehearsal and practice spaces. Make sure to check if students
have access to professional-grade equipment and technology.
Performance opportunities are just as important as good facilities. Regular shows, showcases,
and competitions give you essential experience and build confidence. Look for schools that offer
multiple chances to perform throughout the year, from small showcases to major productions.
6. Audition Requirements and Standards
The audition process reveals a lot about a school's standards and what they're looking for in
students. Some schools require live auditions, while others accept video submissions.
Understanding what's required helps you figure out if you're ready for that level of intensity.
Look closely at audition requirements for your discipline, including what pieces you need to
prepare, the technical skills you need to demonstrate, and whether there's an interview component.
7. Living Away from Home
The boarding school experience means living away from your family while pursuing intensive
training. This can be challenging, so strong support systems are essential. Look into the dormitory
facilities, how students are supervised, and what activities are available on weekends.
Mental health support is especially important for young artists dealing with intense pressure and
competition. Find schools with qualified counselors, stress management programs, and policies
that promote healthy work-life balance.
8. Paying for Your Education
Performing arts boarding schools can be expensive, but many offer substantial financial aid
packages. These include need-based aid, merit scholarships, and awards based on artistic
talent. Understanding the full costs and available help is crucial.
Don't forget about extra expenses like private lessons, instruments, travel, and personal items.
Calculate the total cost of attendance, including all fees and extras. Research what types of
financial aid is available, and what percentage of students receive help paying for school.
9. Finding Your People
School culture makes a huge difference in whether you'll be happy and successful. Some
schools foster intense competition, while others emphasize collaboration and mutual support.
Visit campuses, watch how students interact, attend performances, and talk to current students
and parents to find a good fit.
Observe how students treat each other and their teachers. Notice the general atmosphere
during rehearsals and classes. Pay attention to whether students seem genuinely happy and
engaged.
10. Location Matters
Where a school is located affects both your daily experience and practical family considerations.
Schools in big cities might offer more performance opportunities and cultural events, while rural
schools provide focused environments with fewer distractions.
Think about travel costs and logistics for family visits, holidays, and emergencies. Research
what cultural opportunities exist nearby, along with medical facilities and community safety.
Consider how far the school is from home and what travel will cost your family. Look into what
cultural opportunities exist in the surrounding area and whether quality medical facilities are
nearby.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing the right performing arts boarding school means carefully weighing all these factors
while honestly assessing your needs, goals, and readiness. Use this guide as your starting
point, but remember that the best school is one that fits your unique combination of artistic
interests, academic needs, and personality.
Trust your gut feelings and make sure you're part of the decision-making process. Visit several
schools, attend their performances, talk to current students and alumni, and try to imagine
yourself thriving in each environment. The right performing arts boarding school should feel like
a place where you can grow, challenge yourself, and develop both your artistic skills and your
character.
The right performing arts boarding school is out there waiting for you. Take your time, do your
research, and trust that you'll find the place where your artistic dreams can flourish. Your future
as an artist begins with this choice.
Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier arts boarding high school. Guided by
distinguished artists, students pursue pre-professional training in music, dance, theatre, visual
arts, creative writing, interdisciplinary arts, and film alongside a robust academic curriculum,
preparing them to excel in the arts and beyond. Nestled in scenic northwest Michigan, the
Academy has been a leader in arts education since 1962 and has produced 51 Presidential
Scholars—more than any other high school in the country.
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