Idyllwild Arts Summer Program

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program offers a wide variety of art workshops for all ages, interests, and abilities. Generations of passionate artists have converged on the campus during the summer months for nearly eight decades, and students in the program hail from over 30 countries, forming a global, multicultural community. The program takes place on a 205‑acre campus set within a pristine national forest that serves as a peaceful respite for artists.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Idyllwild Arts states that its mission is changing lives through the transformative power of art. Idyllwild Arts will celebrate its 80th Anniversary in 2026, reflecting nearly eight decades of Idyllwild Arts Summer Program and Idyllwild Arts history. The institution is led by Idyllwild Arts President Pamela Jordan, who hosts the podcast “One World. One Idyllwild. The Series.”

Idyllwild Arts is ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for the Arts in America, and its accreditations and memberships include WASC, the California Association of Independent School Associations, the National Association of Independent Schools, the Council for Advancement & Support of Education, NBOA, TABS, Western Boarding Schools Association, The Enrollment Management Association, GAP YEAR Association Member, and the National Association for Music Education. Idyllwild Arts is described as an intentional community that welcomes different life experiences, perspectives, identities, cultures, abilities, and languages. Transportation for the Summer Program is available via campus vans from Ontario International Airport or Palm Springs Regional Airport to Idyllwild, with arrangements required in advance, and there is no public transportation to or within Idyllwild.

The Native American Arts Center at Idyllwild Arts was created to be the nation’s preeminent cultural center for Indigenous art education, research, and community. The Native American Arts Center hosts year-round workshops, provides educational opportunities for Academy students, and produces the Native American Arts Festival Week each summer on the Idyllwild Arts campus, including performances, demonstrations, films, and the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series. Idyllwild Arts respectfully acknowledges the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (also known as Cahuilla Band of Indians) and all nine sovereign Bands of Cahuilla people, and its Living Land Acknowledgement was developed in partnership with and approved by the Cahuilla Band of Indians Tribal Council in 2019.

One alum, Nathan Stark, describes it as a beautiful campus that left him with memories that will last for a lifetime and recommends that anyone interested in attending a performing arts high school in California apply and check it out. A current student says that Idyllwild Arts is a great school that has benefited their arts education and that the forest surroundings and kind teachers create a warm and welcoming environment. A parent, Adriaan Levendal, says that Idyllwild Arts is doing extremely well in supporting the development of students in their chosen majors and describes the academics as fantastic, noting the development and confidence seen in their son. A trustee states that the school teaches people not just to be artists, but how to live a life and develop into a well-rounded human being, and calls it a place where kids have an opportunity to become themselves. A faculty member says that what is embraced at the school is an ability to instill compassion and connection to art, and notes a vulnerability in many students that is not always present in other environments. Another student says that what is really unique about Idyllwild is the multidisciplinary approach and how it is deeply rooted in the fabric of the place.

Last updated March 12, 2026.