Idyllwild Arts Academy - Review #12

Idyllwild Arts Academy is truly a unique experience. There are just over 300 students, so your friends and even acquaintances really become like family. I personally really like the way that the schedule works. Being an art school, it really focuses on the arts but that doesn't stop the academics from being important. In the morning from 8-1, academic classes take place. Then from 2-6:30, sometimes even 10pm, people take art classes. There is a lot of free time as well, to work on art.

I'm proud of myself for becoming president. I've definitely grown as a writer and person from being there. It's a very unique experience. You make friends from all over the world. I have friends from Iran, China, Thailand, Mexico, Peru, Canada, Bulgaria, and more. It's a very eye-opening experience.

Do not take all your stuff! Seriously!! Packing your room at the end of the year SUCKS! Don't bring all of your clothes. Don't bring little desk toys. Christmas lights are in almost every room. Posters as well. However, other decorations make the end of the year a disastrous clutter. At this school, try not to spend too much money at the on-campus bookstore.

That's a really tough question, something that I've been asked by family and friends all the time. I went here for four years, so I have a lot that I loved and a lot to complain about, as well. I really loved my classes and the lifelong friends I made here,

Talk to people. Learn new things. Take classes outside your major. Get a roommate who isn't your best friend. Find friends who don't speak your language very well. Make the most of your time here. I went here for four years and I don't miss it every day, but there are times that all I want to do is go back to sophomore year and share some hot chocolate with my roommate.

I really loved that the teachers understood when we couldn't finish assignments on time. They realized that we needed to focus on our arts, so the teachers allowed extra time if you tell them in advance that you are struggling to keep up with work. There are honors classes offered for sophomores through seniors which really benefit the students. Debates and projects are always fun in the class, and it is easy to talk freely because many of the teachers are not strict about colloquialism.

There was no athletic program at my school. We had P.E. requirements twice a week for two years. The P.E. is not very difficult. Most of it is outdoor, hiking and games. Sometimes on rainy or snowy days we would go inside a dance studio and play dodge ball or do yoga.

This school was an arts school. That means that people majored in visual arts, music, and theater, among other things. Each major has its own family of students. The teachers are professionals and very intelligent and wise. The visual arts and music departments are the largest on campus (maybe 60 art students and music), whereas the creative writing department is the smallest (usually between 15-20 people). There are lots of materials to work with, like practice studios, theaters, painting/sculpture supplies, etc. Despite being in creative writing, I took art and theater classes. They were very beneficial.

Idyllwild doesn't offer a ton of extracurricular activities, since what we are doing is mostly extracurricular by itself.

I loved living in a dorm. Although it could be hectic at times, and dorm meetings can be annoying, living next to or with your friends and classmates is great. You can have sleepovers, watch movies, study, and hang out whenever you want. Our dorm parents were very nice and always willing to talk to you. The rules are fair, and there are cameras in the hallway to avoid thievery. The dorm common room has a little kitchen with a microwave and fridge, but no stove. Fire alarms are very sensitive, so watch your popcorn!!!

The dining hall is where most of the fun happens! People will often dance, sing, and have tons of fun in the dining hall! Teachers and staff will bring their young children to the dining hall and they are very cute. The food is not horrible, and the serving lines go quickly. The salad bar is very nice and there's enough seating for everyone. Dining hall staff members are extremely nice and can easily become your friends!

Idyllwild is a small town on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere. Its population is about 3000. It's 2.5 or 3 hours from Los Angeles. Civilization becomes very far away when you're at school. It's nice to get out there are be surrounded by the forest. I don't know much about the townspeople. There is a grocery store, pizza shop, and coffee shop. There are also several other shops and many restaurants.

As I said in earlier answers, Idyllwild creates a very familial atmosphere. We can be competitive, but it's not your typical high school. There are parties and dances and all that, very fun and exciting. Living in a dorm really brings together the students in a way that normal high schools can't.