Read more details about Idyllwild Arts Academy on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Idyllwild Arts truly prepared me for college and helped me start to build a career in the arts. As an international student and creative writing major, finding my voice and exploring new ways of expressing myself was extremely important. Unlike other schools, IAA's creative writing program allowed me to experiment with the different fields of writing so I had a chance to discover exactly what path I wanted to take in college.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I think boarding school helped me realize that I can survive the real world with an arts career. Before going to IAA, I was somewhat unsure about whether or not I had enough talent to be a writer. The academy really helped me develop my talent and grow so much I never had to wonder if I was talented or not ever again.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I wish I had attended more presentations and submitted to more contests.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
Idyllwild is like a big family, composed by students, teachers and personnel. Even after students graduate, the school is very welcoming and remains close, which shows just how strong the IAA arts community is.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Go to as many shows as you can, even if they are not relative to your major or you friend is not in them. Don't miss class and don't be afraid to asking for help. Use every hour you can to work on your art.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The teachers gave individual attention to each student. Because the classes were small, every student had a chance to ask questions and fill in doubts.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Idyllwild's PE class allowed students to build their own PE schedule.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
There was a great interaction in between arts departments. Throughout the year, the academy has different shows, which are attended by students of other majors. This gives everyone an opportunity to appreciate the arts and become part of Idyllwild's art community.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Idyllwild has different student associations and clubs. Students have different opportunities to connect with people of similar interests and backgrounds.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life at Idyllwild is truly about spending time together and building a community. Students like to hang out at the common rooms and have sleepovers during the weekends.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Idyllwild has a wide variety of food types to choose from. Students with vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian diets will always find good food at the dining hall.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Idyllwild is a small town rural town. Even though there are no shopping malls or Starbucks, the town has its own magic. This is the perfect place for someone who wants peace and really wants to focus on improving their performance in the arts.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Most of my friends where creative writing majors. What I liked the most about making friends in IAA was that we could share the regular high school classes (ex. math, science, english) and then share art classes. In this way, we could experience regular school and an arts academy together.
Read more details about Idyllwild Arts Academy on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
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Description
Idyllwild Arts Academy's focus on the arts is well-known. Intensive training in a variety of artistic disciplines, such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, and creative writing, is integrated into the curriculum. Along with intensive. . .
Comprehensive Arts Education: Idyllwild Arts Academy's dedication to providing a comprehensive arts education is one of its standout features. The academy offers a wide variety of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, visual arts, drama, film. . .
The academy lays a lot of emphasis on encouraging its students' creativity, focus, and artistic expression. A strong academic program is combined with a demanding arts curriculum to give children a well-rounded education. Students are. . .
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