Pre-College Art & Design Experience

Academy of Art University’s Pre-College Art & Design Experience (PCADE) is for every high school student who wants to take a deep dive into their own creative universe. Study animation, game design, fashion, fine art, photography, filmmaking, and much more FOR FREE! There is no cost to participate.

We’ve designed our college-level courses for high school students new to art and design, and for those who want to take their skills to the next level. You will collaborate with other artists and make new friends in an environment that embraces what is unique about you.

The Pre-College Art & Design Experience is primarily offered onsite, with a few select classes available online.

Apply Now

Available Programs

Your classes will be taught by professionals working in your field of study. Your work will be featured in a final art exhibition at the end of the semester.

Fall 2025
Onsite Saturday intensives offered October 11 and 18.
Exhibition is held on October 25.

Online classes offered September 3 – October 14
(Figure Drawing and Character Design)
Spring 2026
Onsite Saturday intensives offered March 28 and April 4.
Exhibition is held on April 11.

Online classes offered January 28 – March 10
(Figure Drawing and Character Design)
Summer 2026
No Saturday intensives offered.
June 13: Pick up your IDs in person at 79 New Montgomery from 12-2PM.
Required for all first-time attendees.

Onsite classes offered Monday through Thursday for two weeks from June 15-24.
Final exhibition is June 25 from 12-2PM at 601 Brannan.

High School Intensive

Are you a current High School student? If so, get ready for one of the most incredible art experiences of your life: Three days of in-person intensive exploration and expression in the art and design subject of your choice.

In Academy of Art University’s Pre-College Three-Week Intensive—held on campus in San Francisco—you will take a deep dive into your art and design passions, guided by our expert faculty. Over the course of three Saturdays, you will be immersed in boundless creativity.

No matter your skill level—beginner, expert, or anywhere in between—we will provide you with the instruction needed to create something amazing. There will be a final exhibition where you will display your creations alongside your fellow artists in the program; friends and family are welcome to attend.

This hands-on, project-based intensive will change the way you think and feel about art and design. Explore our classes today.

“Before attending this program, I was unsure if being a photographer was a feasible career path. This experience has confirmed that my dreams are possible. I was introduced to various mentors, youth artists, and creative/ academic resources. I would encourage students interested in pursuing art as a possible career path to consider attending this program because it is committed to helping students succeed.” —Pharoah

Live On Campus

If you want to experience college life to its fullest, we have a room for you in our dorms.
Explore San Francisco

Get to know San Francisco through weekly sponsored outings and make instant connections with your fellow students from around the world.

“The Academy of Art University summer program was an amazing experience that inspired me to explore different things I have never explored before. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be and it helped me become less shy and more talkative. This program has also helped me distinguish between the careers that I feel really passionate about and the ones I don’t feel as passionate about.” —Jose-Sainz

Check out these representative online classes to get a taste of what our program has to offer.

Character Design
Figure Drawing

Explore PCADE Intensive Courses

How to Get Started?

Step 1: Submit an Application
Have your parents join you for this part, which takes about 10-15 minutes. No application fee needed.
Step 2: Selecting Classes
You can choose up to 2 Pre College Art & Design Intensive Experience classes each semester.
Step 3: Finalize Your Registration

We’ve designed our college-level courses for high school students new to art and design, and for those who want to take their skills to the next level. You will collaborate with other artists and make new friends in an environment that embraces what is unique about you.

Apply Now

Hear what past PCADE students have to say about their experiences.

You’ll work in a collaborative environment with faculty members who are practicing artists, designers, authors, and entrepreneurs themselves. You’ll also learn from other creative, highly motivated high school students from around the world who will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to push your limits and produce your best work.

 

Apply Now

Student Testimonials

“The Academy of Art University summer program was an amazing experience that inspired me to explore different things I have never explored before. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be and it helped me become less shy and more talkative. This program has also helped me distinguish between the careers that I feel really passionate about and the ones I don’t feel as passionate about.” —Jose-Sainz

“For me, it was a path-changer.” —Jarschire

“I learned how to use Photoshop, how to draw an automobile, and many more new skills. Although it takes a lot of concentration and dedication, this program is worth it all in the end. I am now sure that I want to spend my life doing this because of this experience.” —Yair

FAQ

No, but we would like to get to know you better! In the Pre-College Art & Design Intensive Experience application, we have a field for you to upload something that inspires your creativity. The file can be an image, a painting, sculpture, a design, a fashion collection, cars, motorcycles, architecture, interior design, or text – whatever will help us understand where your interests lie.

Students who are currently enrolled in High School and younger than 19 years old when attending

  • High School seniors graduating before 6/2026 are not eligible for the Summer 2026 Pre-College Art & Design Intensive Experience program but are welcome to apply to undergraduate programs. All current high school students are eligible to apply. Once the application is submitted, students will be considered for acceptance into the PCADIE program.

International High School students (Online program only)

  • While International High School students cannot take onsite classes, we welcome them to participate in our online Pre-College Art & Design Experience.

Yes. You must re-apply every semester you take part in PCADE. If you are a returning participant, you should log in as a “returning user” on the application page.

No. Once you graduate from high school you are no longer eligible for the pre-college program. However, you are welcome to apply to one of the amazing art and design undergraduate programs at the Academy.

The Pre-College Art & Design Intensive Experience is a scholarship program, where the application and tuition fees are covered. Supplies will be provided. Housing is offered for Summer only and costs will need to be paid by the student. To learn more about this opportunity complete your PCADE application online. Once this is processed, you will be contacted by a member of our Admissions Department to register for your classes. Or call 1.800.544.2787 and we’ll walk you through the process.

Departments Offering Pre-College Program:

Acting
Advertising
Animation & Visual Effects
Architecture
Art History
Fashion
Fine Art
Game Development
Graphic Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture & Design
Jewelry & Metal Arts
Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media
Photography
Visual Development
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