Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Interlochen Arts Academy

5.00 (2 reviews)
4000 J Maddy Pkwy Interlochen MI 49643
Tel: (231) 276-7472
www.interlochen.org
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 579 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $81,200
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $45,930
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #4 - Arts Academy dance students study classical ballet while exploring contemporary dance and other genres, presenting two full-length ballets and several contemporary dance showcases each academic year.
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #5
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #6
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #7
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #8
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #9
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #10
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About the School

#1 Best High School for the Arts in America, Niche.com Discover a high school like no other. Interlochen Arts Academy offers a holistic, integrated academic and arts education that prepares you for a life of purpose within and beyond the arts.
  • You'll spend half of the school day dedicated to college-preparatory academics, then spend the other half immersed in your art form.
  • On average, students who attend the Academy for four years receive double the national average in college scholarship awards.
  • Last year, 100% of 4-year seniors got into one of their top 3 college choices.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 579 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $81,200
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $45,930
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Interlochen Arts Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 271 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Affordability
High percentage of students on financial aid

School Overview

2026 School Data
Interlochen Arts Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
Pre-prof. Arts / College-prep
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1962
1906
Campus Size
1200 acres
130 acres
School Motto
Interlochen is the destination where young artists transform passion and potential into purpose.

Student Body

Enrollment
579 students
319 students
% Students of Color
39%
27%
% International Students
19%
21%
% Students Boarding
93%
65%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Casual
Average Class Size
11 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
87%
73%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Yes
Summer Program Details
View Summer Program Details
Accreditations
Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
# of AP Courses Offered
2
18

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$147.2 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$81,200
(83% of students receive merit scholarships and financial aid)
$71,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$45,930
(Interlochen awards $10M-$13M in scholarship awards - more than any other boarding school in the U.S.)
$40,400
Summer Program Cost
$2,050
(Cost varies per length of program)
% Students on Financial Aid
83%
40%
Merit Scholarships Offered
Yes
Weekly

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Admissions

Application Deadline
Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
No
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Director of Admissions
Ken LaBate
Heather Lee
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
5
17
Sports
BasketballCross Country
Cross Country RunningLacrosse
Volleyball
Colors
Blue; White
School Mascot
Fighting Blueberry

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
19
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Black Student UnionBook Club
Chess ClubChristian Fellowship Club
Cross-Country Ski ClubDebate Club
Ecology ClubJewish Student Union
Latinx Student UnionModel United Nations
Quiz BowlStudent Newspaper
Student Sustainability CoalitionYouth in Government


Arts and Music Programs:
Hip Hop ClubSFX Makeup
Slam Poetry Club


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Rock ClimbingWeightlifting Club

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate
82%
Year: 2023 - 2025
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
New York University
39
Berklee College of Music
28
The New School
22
Eastman School of Music
18
Northwestern University
15
Manhattan School of Music
13
Carnegie Mellon University
10
The Juilliard School
10
Harvard University
4
Princeton University
4
View Matriculation Data

School Notes

    Interlochen Arts Academy offers seven arts disciplines and a robust academic curriculum with college preparatory, advanced placement (AP), and college credit courses. Our talented and imaginative students go on to attend top colleges, universities, and conservatories. Here is a list of some of the institutions our students matriculated to recently:
  • New York University
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Princeton University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • The Juilliard School
  • University of Michigan
  • New England Conservatory
  • Northwestern University
  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Yale University
  • Harvard University
  • University of Southern California
  • Columbia University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins University)
  • And many more
    • Applications Open: Sept. 1; Early Action Deadline: Nov. 15; Regular Application Deadline: Jan. 15; Rolling admission after as space permits; Admission requirements vary by arts major. Please visit the Academy website for details at our How to Apply page. 
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Dr. Brittany Cavallaro - New York Times bestselling author and writing instructor at Interlochen Arts Academy
    • Kuan Cheng Lu - Violinist, New York Philharmonic
    • Claud - Singer-Songwriter
    • Derek Brockington - Company Member, Dance Theatre of Harlem
    • Shane Batwell - Cinematographer
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Interlochen Arts Academy cost?
Interlochen Arts Academy's tuition is approximately $81,200 for boarding students and $45,930 for day students.
Who are famous alumni from Interlochen Arts Academy?
Interlochen Arts Academy famous alumni include: Dr. Brittany Cavallaro, Kuan Cheng Lu, Claud, Derek Brockington and Shane Batwell.
What sports does Interlochen Arts Academy offer?
Interlochen Arts Academy offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Lacrosse and Volleyball.
Does Interlochen Arts Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Interlochen Arts Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Interlochen Arts Academy's ranking?
Interlochen Arts Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy?
The application deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy is Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2022
5.00
University of St Andrews (Scotland)
The arts education I received at Interlochen was truly incredible, I was a Creative Writing student, and the skills I learned through the workshop and one on one teaching changed my life. The community they. . .

Class of 2019
5.00
Northwestern University
The mandatory community service was very unique of Interlochen. On top of being great students they want us to be great citizens too. Community service varies but includes working in the on campus library, music. . .
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 579 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $81,200
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $45,930
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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