- Academics
- Science & Mathematics
- Humanities
- (ELL) English Language Learners
- ESL Summer Intensive
- Summer mathLAB
- World Languages
- Support Systems
- Scholastic Honors
- College Counseling
- Postgraduate Gap Year
- College Acceptances
- Grades & Transcripts
Pablo Picasso, who revolutionized twentieth-century art, once said this about his work:
What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who has only eyes if he’s a painter. . . ? On the contrary, he’s at the same time a political being, constantly alive to heartrending, fiery, or happy events, to which he responds in every way.
At Idyllwild, we agree that the artist citizen is well-informed about the world. We offer rich comprehensive academic programs because we think the best education happens when imagination is valued, creativity is recognized as a path to open-minded thinking and critical analysis, and deep, thoughtful, rigorous learning occurs.
Idyllwild Arts students grow to understand that creative passion enriches our lives wherever we live them: in dialogue with fellow artists, with a patient, in the courtroom, in government service—even in the deceptively simple interaction with one’s own children.
More specifically, the Academy’s graduation requirements prepare students for any institution of higher learning of their choice. Honors levels are offered in all subjects in order to offer a competitive college preparatory curriculum and to challenge students to push beyond minimal academic expectations.
Typical Course Loads for Grade Levels:
Idyllwild Arts Academy’s outstanding level of support for our English Language Learners (ELL) is offered by the English for Academic Communication Program (EAC). The goal of the EAC department is to fully prepare students for mainstream courses and higher education beyond the high school. For more information about EAC courses, please direct your questions to EAC Department Chair, Magnolia Jurado (mjurado@idyllwildarts.org).
Freshman Course Load:
- English 9
- World Language (French or Spanish–students are placed according to their level at their previous school )
- Social Studies 9
- Math (students are placed according to their level at their previous school)
- Movement and Wellness (PE)–Life Skills once a week
Sophomore Course Load:
- English 10 (Honors offered)
- World Language (French or Spanish–students are placed according to their level at their previous school)
- Modern World History (Honors offered)
- Biology
- Math (students are placed according to their level at their previous school)
- Movement and Wellness (PE)–Life Skills once a week
Junior Course Load:
- English 11 (Honors offered)
- U.S. History (Honors offered)
- World Language (It is recommended that students continue in French or Spanish beyond Level II)
- Math (Students are encouraged to continue beyond Algebra II)
- Chemistry (Honors offered) or Physics (Honors offered)
- Life Skills (once a week) to prepare for college
Senior Course Load
(four academic courses recommended in senior year)
- English Elective (one per semester) (Honors offered)
- U.S. Government and Economics (one semester)/Social Science (one semester) (Honors offered)
- Science (students encouraged to take a third year of a lab science: Advanced Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
- Students are encouraged to continue in Math–Pre-Calculus (Honors), Calculus I or II (Honors), or Statistics
- Life Skills (once a week) working on college applications
Post Graduate Course Load
- Academic courses to complement student’s current transcript, per University of California admissions requirements
- Life Skills course with College Counseling
- Arts classes in the afternoon
- Free Summer College Preparatory Workshop (Funded by AEL)
Course Enrollment
Each spring returning students register for academic classes for the next academic year. Sequential courses and Honors courses are recommended by the students’ current teachers and additional elective courses are chosen by students to complete their programs. Current parents or students may contact the Academy during the summer if there is a need to change course selections.
New students should read the curriculum guide carefully and complete the Pre-registration Form. New students may be given placement tests in math and foreign language during student orientation to determine placement in required or sequential courses.
During his or her admission process, every international student is given an English-skills assessment supervised by the Chair of our English as a Second Language Department. The assessment, which takes place on Skype or during the student’s campus visit, ensures correct placement in Beginning ESL, Intermediate ESL, Advanced ESL, or mainstream courses.
Graduation Requirements
Because the Academy teaches grades nine through twelve and some post-graduates, individual programs ranging from one to four years in length may be created. A student’s course of study consists of the arts classes needed for his or her chosen discipline and also the following graduation requirements, which satisfy the University of California’s admission requirements.
English: Four years
History/Social Studies: Three years (World History, U.S. History, Government and Economics/Social Science)
Foreign Language: Two years (consecutive years in the same language)
Mathematics: Three years (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
Science: Two years (Biology and either Chemistry or Physics)
Physical Education: Two years
All academic courses are full-year (two-semester) courses counting for .5 credit per semester, unless otherwise specified.
Another admission requirement of the University of California is one year of Visual and Performing Arts. An Idyllwild student’s course of study in his or her chosen arts discipline will greatly exceed this UC requirement.
Testing
Sophomores and juniors are required to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) in October and juniors the SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) in May. Seniors take the SAT I in October and are encouraged to take the SAT II (previously known as Achievement Tests) in December.
All International students whose native language is not English are also required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in both their junior and senior years.
ACTs are available and are offered several times throughout the fall, as noted on the school calendar.
Students interested in taking Advanced Placement exams may register for the tests offered in May.
A Typical Day
The Academy operates on a 16-week semester. Although most academic courses are year-long, individual departments do offer semester elective courses. The daily schedule consists of morning academic classes and afternoon arts classes.
A typical day begins with breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., followed by academics until 1:15 p.m., then lunch followed by arts classes until 6:45 p.m. Dinner from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. may be followed by rehearsals or performances from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All students are expected to be in the dorms by dorm curfew and their lights turned off for the evening.
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- mathLAB (guided self-paced Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II)
- Honors PreCalculus
- Honors Calculus I
- Honors Calculus II
- Computer Game Design
- STEAM
- Creative Technology
- Biology
- Advanced Biology
- Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- Physics
- Honors Physics
- Astronomy
- Environmental Studies
Making Discoveries and Solving Problems
Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Science and Mathematics teachers collaborate with faculty from the Academy’s other arts and academics departments on a curriculum that provides an authentic twenty-first-century education. Their Environmental Studies, Introduction to Computer Game Design, and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) courses are three examples of their determination to teach science and math as creative means of making discoveries and solving problems, including our most pressing global problems.
Idyllwild Arts graduates often go on to careers that require direct application of the scientific and mathematical skills developed at the Academy. Others find that innovative collaboration between the Academy’s science and math teachers and its arts faculty helps them acquire the skills and confidence to succeed in any field, including those that don’t quite seem to be either scientific or artistic!
The most curious and ambitious students can take Science and Math Honors courses, but all Idyllwild Arts Science and Math courses are approved for acceptance by the University of California.
Educating the Citizen-Artist
The Humanities classroom provides the groundwork for an education of the citizen-artist, a person who expands the diversity of civic discourse, re-imagines the creative arts, and succeeds in any profession in the 21st century. To this end, humanities faculty support students as they cultivate the primary skills of communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and community-engagement. Corresponding to this skill development, students also engage content and process personal choices in relation to the grade-level values of empathy, respect, responsibility, and integrity. Thus, the department prepares students to engage thoughtfully in the global marketplace, the public square, and the interdependent creative work-space of the 21st century.
- English 9
- English 10
- English 10, Honors
- English 11
- English 11, Honors
- English 12 offerings: Literature of Western Thought (Honors), College Composition, Mythology, Science Fiction and Society, Contemporary Poetry, Contemporary Literature, Native American Literature, Graphic Novel, Novel into Film, Aesthetics
- Social Studies 9
- Modern World History
- Modern World History, Honors
- US History
- US History, Honors
- 12th Grade Social Studies Electives: Government and Economics, Government and Economics, Honors; Modern Revolutions; Modern Latin American History; Psychology; Mythology; Comparative Religion in the Modern World; Intro to Philosophy; Modern Middle East Politics and Culture; Introducing Terrorism
The Humanities Department at Idyllwild Arts Academy offers honors courses in 10th grade Modern World History and English 10, 11th grade U.S. History and English 11, and 12th grade Government and Economics and English 12. Entrance into these classes requires an application and department approval. Honors level courses are offered for academically motivated students who want to pursue in‐depth study and who are willing and able to spend extra time outside of class working independently. Honors courses are weighted and grading procedures for these courses reflect the expectation of a higher level of performance. These courses require additional reading and writing assignments. The nightly independent workload for Honors courses may vary between subject areas, but generally will be between 3‐5 hours/week of work. Students are expected to manage their time to meet nightly, weekly, and long‐term deadlines.
Qualities of a Learner/Basis for Evaluation
- Very strong reading and communication (written and verbal) skills
- Very strong problem solving ability and critical thinking skills
- Very high engagement in the learning process
- Exceptional ability to work independently and with groups
- Excellent performance on classroom assessments as proven by the submittal of a graded writing sample (as required)
- Required Placement Test with a High Proficiency Rating
9th Grade History/English: Empathy
To encourage understanding of oneself and others; to foster an appreciation of unique identities; and to develop the capacity to imagine one’s own experiences within a complex world.
10th Grade History/English: Respect
To perceive distinct political, economic, religious, and aesthetic viewpoints; to critically question ideas in order to better understand these viewpoints; and to navigate qualitative differences between viewpoints over time.
11th Grade History/English: Responsibility
To inspire a commitment to a cause and other people; to engage critically the gravity of consequences; and to nurture a mindful independence within a diverse community.
12th Grade History/English: Integrity
To recognize an accumulated body of knowledge and creative expertise of one’s own and of others; to measure the contemporary value of one’s work in a complex world; and to present one’s distinct interpretations of their work in the world to a public audience.
Idyllwild Arts Academy’s outstanding level of support for our English Language Learners (ELL) is offered by the English for Academic Communication Program (EAC). This program enables students, whose first language is not English, to meet the academic requirements for graduation, as outlined by the Student-Parent Handbook and prescribed by the University of California Admissions Standards. Our EAC teachers offer multiple levels of instruction. Its rigorous and supportive model, in an immersive environment, develops proficiency in oral and written English.
New international students must take our own comprehensive English-skills test (usually given during a Skype interview) to determine their appropriate starting levels in English. During the first week of class, teachers observe and evaluate each student to make sure this starting level is correct. Teachers then monitor each student’s progress with a broad range of continuous-assessment tools and an end-of-semester level check. Progress to the next level of English instruction is determined by the student’s arts and academic teachers’ recommendations, as well as by class performance.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The English for Academic Communication Program is designed to provide quality instruction to students whose first language is not English so that they, like native speakers, may meet the academic requirements for graduation outlined in the Student Parent Handbook and prescribed by the University of California Admissions Standards. Three levels of instruction are offered to develop proficiency in oral and written English: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Core classes include listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar. Class size is limited to provide individual attention and instructors are committed to increasing intercultural understanding as well as language proficiency. Students must achieve an average grade of C- (70%) in each EAC class before they can proceed to the next level of proficiency.
DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
New international students must take our own comprehensive English-skills test (usually given during an online interview) to determine their appropriate starting levels in English. During the first week of class, teachers observe and evaluate each student to make sure this starting level is correct. Teachers then monitor each student’s progress with a broad range of continuous-assessment tools and an end-of-semester level check. Progress to the next level of English instruction is determined by the student’s arts and academic teachers’ recommendations, as well as by class performance. All students are unique in their language development. We therefore tailor the program progression to fit individual needs during their time here. All students will get at least one year, if not more, of mainstream classes before graduation.
OVERARCHING GOAL:
To provide our students with the academic and language skills in 1 to 3 years to successfully integrate into mainstream classes as well as achieve their long-term goals.
EAC LEVELS & PROGRESSION TOWARDS GRADUATION:
A1 – Beginning – 9/10th grade
- Grammar & Composition
- Literature
- Language Skills (including ‘English for Math’)
- Resource
B1 – Intermediate – 9/10/11th grades
- Rhetoric & Composition
- EAC Literature*
- Introduction to Social Studies* (9th grade only)
- World Cultures* (10th grade only)
Plus Math* & Science* (for 11th graders)
C1 – Advanced – 9/10/11th grades
- Rhetoric & Composition II* (9th & 10th grade only)
- Introduction to Literature*
- U.S. History*
- American Literature*
Plus Math* & Science* (for 10th & 11th graders)
Harry Trantham
EAC Faculty
Director of EAC & Arts Summer Intensive Program
Harry Trantham began his teaching career in Linz, Austria on a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship followed by acceptance into Teach for America in New York City. He has also taught in Philadelphia, South Carolina, and California. He has a B.A. in German Literature and International Studies from the University of Oregon and an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from the City College of New York. Harry served as a founding member and ESL Department Chair of the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS) in New York City and was a charter faculty member of Smedly Elementary, a Philadelphia Mastery Charter Renaissance School. He is currently a full-time English for Academic Communication instructor for the Department of World Languages at Idyllwild Arts Academy. He has been here since 2016.
Maygen Sandrini
EAC (English for Academic Communication Program) Faculty
Maygen Sandrini has been part of the EAC Department since 2013. She is a longtime resident of Idyllwild who grew up watching students perform at Idyllwild Arts Academy, never imagining she would one day teach at that school. Before coming to IAA, she tried an assortment of jobs and studied many things including literature, music composition and classical vocal performance at both UC Santa Cruz and The University of Redlands before realizing her true love is teaching. Along with a dual bachelors degree in music and literature, she has an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside.
Mary Jane Radford Arrow
EAC Faculty
MJ has been teaching English for several decades, mostly in European universities where she specialized in Academic and Scientific English Communication and English for various disciplines, including Fashion Design and Visual Arts. She earned her doctorate in Education from the University of Liverpool. Her experience has included language assessment, curriculum and materials development, and teaching and learning in hybrid and online learning spaces. She has also worked as an educational consultant focusing on organizational learning and intercultural communication and as a substitute Special Ed public school teacher. MJ is deeply committed to supporting learners and contributing to their success in a rapidly changing world. She believes in the transformative power of the Arts and the potential of every child to achieve their potential and fulfill their dreams.
Magnolia Jurado
Chair of Department of Modern Languages, Spanish & EAC Faculty
Gloria Magnolia Jurado has worked as an Instructor of ESL, Bilingual Education, Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture since 2009. Magnolia came to Idyllwild after teaching nine years at Eastern New Mexico University and before that, four years at New Mexico State University. Magnolia holds two BAs from Eastern New Mexico University in Spanish and Criminal Justice. She has two MAs from New Mexico State University in Criminal Justice and Hispanic Literature. Magnolia is currently a Doctoral candidate in Hispanic Literature at Texas Tech University and is preparing to defend her dissertation titled Literary Crime and Victimization: An Analysis of the Ecology of Crime, Rational Choice, and Routine Activity Theories in Border Crime Novels. Magnolia has been Director and instructor of the ENMU Study Abroad Program in Málaga, Spain and Director of the ENMU Annual Festival Románico. Her academic interests include curriculum design, collaborative learning, Latin America Literature, Peninsular Literature, Colonial Literature and Hispanic Writers in the USA. She has also presented papers at various conferences in the US and around the word, including Spain, Ecuador, México and Costa Rica.
The World Languages Department offers five levels of study in Spanish and French and three levels of English as a Second Language with our English for Academic Communication Program (EAC). We are also looking into bringing a new online language learning program to offer students access to several other languages.
The Modern Language Department offers five levels of study in Spanish and French and three levels of English as a Second Language with our English as a Second Language Program (ESL). We are also looking into bringing a new online language learning program to offer students access to several other languages.
Basic Requirements:
For the students who are interested in fulfilling their high school foreign language credits for graduation and reaching beginning proficiency, students need to take Level 1 and Level 2 (one year each) of either Spanish or French. Two sequential years in the same language are needed per University of California admission requirements.
Further Study:
For those students who want to further and deepen their world language skills and reach intermediate to advanced proficiency, the following courses are offered in both Spanish and French languages:
Level 2
Level 3 (Honors)
Level 4 (Honors)
Level 5 (Honors)
In levels 3, 4, and 5, we encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across departments to augment the basic world language curriculum. Departmental collaborations have occurred with the Visual Arts, Art History, Theater, Music and Dance departments.
The World Languages Department is enacting 21st century teaching strategies:
The Department underscores the four basic skills needed in the learning of another language. Using Blended Model pedagogy, the classroom will be divided into structural pods with collaborative centers to facilitate writing, reading, listening and conversational skills. The focus will be on TPRS (storytelling–oral performance), exposure to cultural expressions of the Francophone and Hispanic world, and listening comprehension audio/visual programs.
We also enjoy organizing trips to France, Spain and/or Latin America when possible. Our mission is to encourage students to develop habits of mind that will foster personal transformation, spark critical thinking, and embrace an awareness of social justice with compassion and understanding in the world.
For any challenge a student may experience at Idyllwild Arts, we have a staff or faculty member ready to help.
Advising
The role of the advisor is to provide support and guidance in all areas of boarding school life; review grade reports and check on classroom progress as needed; communicate with the advisees and their families regarding class work and review progress within the major. Advisors meet with their advisees at least once a week.
Resource Center
Resource is a dedicated class period designed to provide individual support for students with documented learning differences. Resource is staffed by the Director of Resource and meets in the Krone Library, so students have dedicated time to work in a quiet space, and also receive 1-on-1 support and check-ins with the Director of Resource. Students in Resource receive support and instruction in time-management, communication, and organization skills, and are coached in self-advocacy. Resource also provides a quiet venue for extended-time testing. While Resource is not required for students with learning differences, IAA strongly encourages such students to enroll in Resource as an additional support. A student may gain permission to enroll in Resource through the Assistant Head of School, who needs to receive documentation of the learning difference prior to enrolling a student in Resource. Students requiring classroom accommodations also need to submit documentation to the Assistant Head of School, whether or not they would like to be enrolled in Resource.
Faculty Office Hours
Each academic faculty member holds regularly scheduled office hours Monday through Thursday during the X-block from 10:55-11:35 a.m. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from their teachers as needed. Attendance may be mandated for any student who is struggling or needs extra help to make up missing work.
SAT Review
A few weeks before the spring administration of the SATs, all juniors have the opportunity to attend a seminar dealing with the upcoming College Board examinations. The review courses familiarize students with the exam format and content. There is no SAT prep before the fall test date. Due to IAA’s late school start students who feel they require more preparation are recommended to attend summer SAT prep courses. Students may also use the SAT preparation computer program in the Computer Lab.
College Counseling
The College Counselors works directly with each senior and his/her parents. In conjunction with the faculty, they facilitate the college admission process by providing guidance in choosing appropriate colleges and/or conservatories. They also aid in obtaining and completing application materials. In addition, the arts faculty provide direction in the students’ preparation of auditions and portfolios.
Library
The 9,700 square-foot Krone Library is the school’s research facility, housing a computer center, an extensive music library and listening room, and special collections in art, dance and theatre. In addition, there are many books written especially for ESL students. The library subscribes to foreign newspapers upon request. There is a listening lab with a collection of records, discs, and tapes for students’ daily use, and faculty and students have access to eight file cabinets of music. Also, photocopiers are located in the library for both faculty and student use.
The librarian and her assistants staff the library from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday with somewhat reduced hours on the weekends.
If students need additional research material, they may use the library’s interlibrary loan service to borrow materials from California libraries that are members of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) California Resource Sharing Network (XPRS).
Practice Rooms & Studios
Practice rooms and studios are available for student use.
National Honor Society
Idyllwild Arts Academy is pleased be affiliated with the prestigious National Honors Society. This is an exciting opportunity for current and prospective students to showcase their achievements in the areas of scholarship, leadership, community service, and character development. Induction ceremonies take place at the beginning of each semester.
Idyllwild Arts Chapter Adviser: Kim Henderson
Faculty Council: Karin Obermeier, Bonnie Carpenter, Maygen Sandrini, Merria Iaccino
Idyllwild Arts students interested in becoming members of NHS should read the NHS Membership Criteria below, then complete the activity and character evaluations and submit all materials by the deadline for consideration.
NHS Membership Criteria
NHS Activity Form
Character Evaluations
The faculty recognizes significant scholastic achievement among the students by publishing Scholar Distinction and Honor Roll lists. These lists are designed to identify, praise and encourage those students who have worked diligently and distinguished themselves with noteworthy scholastic records.
Students are named to the Scholar Distinction list for outstanding scholastic performance. To qualify, students must attain a grade point average of at least 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale) with no grades below B- and no NC grades in all their courses, both arts and academics. Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, the Scholar Distinction list was known as the Deans’ List.
Students are named to the Honor Roll for excellent scholastic performance. To qualify, students must attain a grade point average of at least 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) with no more than one grade below B- in any course, no grades below C-, and no NC grades in all their courses, both arts and academics.
The goal of our College Counseling department is to equip students with skills and knowledge they need in order to apply to college and succeed in college. Our College Counselors majored in the Arts themselves and still work professionally in the Arts, which allows them to offer college and career advice to students based on firsthand experience.
Juniors at Idyllwild Arts take a year-long Life Skills class with our College Counselors. It teaches skills such as interviewing, résumé-building, and professional communication, along with introducing students to the college application process. This is also when mandatory meetings with their College Counselor begin. Students use this individual time with their College Counselor to explore their goals and needs, and begin cultivating a selective list of colleges. Students finalize this list during their Senior year by focusing on a manageable number of schools that give them the best chance for admission and future success.
Seniors at Idyllwild Arts take a one-semester Life Skills class that covers information all students will need while applying to colleges, and also have individual meetings to focus on things specific to each student. Within their Arts major, Seniors also take a Senior Seminar, which provides instruction and feedback for portfolios and auditions. Faculty members help students coordinate and plan audition recordings, travel, and schedules. Each year, our Theatre department seniors travel with faculty to the Chicago Unified Auditions; the Visual Arts and InterArts departments travel to Portfolio Days; and students in all departments regularly attend competitions, lectures, and showcases that present them with opportunities at the next level.
While students are ultimately responsible for their college applications, and while self-sufficiency is an important skill they will need to have beyond their time at Idyllwild Arts, we provide all of the above tools to assist them with navigating this experience.
Read this blog article for more details on how a
rigorous performing arts education prepares students for college:
IAA typically offers the SAT and PSAT on campus. Our test-center coordinator, Andrew Moss, works with all aspects of testing. Please address your standardized testing questions to him at andrewm@idyllwildarts.org.
Idyllwild Arts Postgraduate students receive the unique opportunity to work closely with our Arts faculty and College Counselors to prepare for college auditions, portfolios, and professional life as an artist. Both our faculty and our College Counseling staff have connections with top conservatories and Art schools around the world. We work with each Postgraduate student to customize their curriculum, best serving their needs for their individual goals beyond high school.
Postgraduate Gap Year Requirements:
- Online admission application
- High School graduation certificate from year prior to PG year
- The same portfolio or audition requirements as grades 9th – 12th
- Two references from current faculty: 1 Art & 1 Academic
- For international students seeking to attend college in the USA or other English-speaking country, TOEFL score of 90, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo score of 115*
- Student must be under 21 years of age throughout the Postgraduate Gap Year
Highlights of the Postgraduate Gap Year Program:
- Creative Writing publishing in Parallax
- Dance students participate in ABT exams, Student Choreography concerts
- Fashion Shows; opportunity to attend LA Fashion Week
- Film & Digital Media showcase events, field trips to Hollywood, optional entry to film festivals
- InterArts collaborative projects with peers and guest artists
- Music students receive professional recording for auditions
- Theatre students attend Chicago Unified Auditions
- Visual Art students attend Portfolio Day with top universities; gallery shows; field trips to museums
- One-on-one College Counseling support
- Student’s showcased capstone project, show, recital, or reading
- Eligibility to participate in and earn Art in Society distinction
- Eligibility to apply for Arts Enterprise Laboratory (AEL) grants for creative projects
- Networking with fellow artists from all over the world
- Masterclasses with renowned guest artists in every discipline
- Dorm life experience for students who seek to gain more independence away from home
- …and much more!
Postgraduate Gap Year Schedule:
- Academic courses to complement student’s current transcript, per University of California admissions requirements
- Life Skills course with College Counseling
- Arts classes in the afternoon
Our Postgraduate Gap Year program is a customized curriculum based on the student’s goals. Because of college application deadlines, students who are English Language Learners, who would like to go onto conservatories/colleges/universities in the US or other English-speaking countries, we highly recommend having earned a TOEFL score of 90, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo score of 115 prior to the start of their postgraduate year. However, we know college at an English-speaking institution is not necessarily the goal for all students who may wish to have a postgraduate year with us. For those students, we can offer additional ELL support through our advanced English for Academic Communication courses, as well as customized Arts training.
Postgraduate students have the same rules and expectations as 12th grade students. Postgraduate students may not live independently in town as a day student even if they are 18 or older.
Learn more about Idyllwild Arts Academy’s core curriculum for our Arts disciplines.
CREATIVE WRITING
DANCE
FASHION DESIGN
FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA
INTERARTS
MUSIC
THEATRE
VISUAL ARTS
IA Students attended colleges listed in bold.
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Arizona State University
Art Center College of Design
Arts University Bournemouth
Azusa Pacific University
Ball State University
Bard College
Belmont University
Bennington College
Berklee College of Music
Biola University
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Boston University
Brandeis University
Brown
California Baptist University
California College of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts
California Lutheran University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Monterey Bay
California State University, Northridge
Camberwell College of Arts
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Clark University
Cleveland Institute of Music
College of Advertising & Design, Brussels
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia College Hollywood
Columbus State University
Cornell University
Cornish College of the Arts
Creighton University
Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre
DePaul University
DeSales University
Dominican University
Drake University
Drexel University
Duke Kunshan University
Eastman School of Music
Elon University
Emerson College
Fashion Institute of Technology
Florida State University
Fordham University
George Mason University
Hawaii Pacific University
Hollins University
Indiana University, Bloomington
Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
Institute of the Arts, Barcelona
Iowa State University
Ithaca College
Jefferson College
Johns Hopkins University
Juilliard
Kansas City Art Institute
Laguna College of Art & Design
LIM College
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Long Island University, Brooklyn
Long Island University, Post
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University, New Orleans
Lynn University
Macalester College
Manhattan School of Music
Maryland Institute College of Art
Marymount Manhattan College
Massachusetts College of Art & Design
MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art)
Michigan State University
Mills College
Mount Holyoke College
Muhlenberg College
Nazareth College
New England Conservatory
New York Film Academy
New York University, Abu Dhabi
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Ohio State University
Otis College of Art & Design
Pace University
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Pennsylvania State University
Point Park University
Pratt Institute
Purchase College, SUNY
Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance
Regent’s University London
Rhode Island School of Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts
Royal College of Music
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts
San Diego State University
San Francisco Art Institute
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
San Francisco State University
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art & Design
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of Visual Arts
Sierra Nevada College
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of the Arts
Southern Oregon University
Stetson University
Stonehill College
Suffolk University
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Purchase
Syracuse University
Swarthmore
The New School of Jazz
The New School, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
The New School, Mannes School of Music
The New School, Parsons School of Design
The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance
Tufts University
University of Applied Sciences Europe, Berlin
University of Arizona
University of Auckland
University of Brighton
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Merced
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Denver
University of Hartford
University of Hawaii
University of Hawaii, Manoa
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Miami, Frost School of Music
University of Miami
University of Montana
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
University of Oregon
University of Pittsburgh
University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands
University of Rochester
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California, Roski School of Art & Design
University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts
University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music
University of Southampton
University of the Arts
University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins
University of the Arts London, Chelsea College of Arts
University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion
University of the Pacific
University of Utah, College of Fine Arts
University of Washington
University of the West of England, Bristol
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vancouver Film School
Vanguard University
Wagner College
Webster University
Westminster University
Edline (www.edline.net) is our web-based grade reporting system which links to Easy Grade Pro, the electronic grade book that teachers use for course grading and attendance. All students and parents receive log-in codes and have access to the student’s Edline account. Grades, comments, and attendance are posted regularly and uploaded in real time and can be accessed 24 hours a day. Also, both parent and student email addresses should be linked to this account so that teachers can email directly through Edline with important updates. The Edline account is valid and active throughout the student’s years of attendance at Idyllwild Arts Academy and does not need to be reactivated each year. Log in passwords also do not change from year to year.
Due to the accessibility of grade information throughout the school year on Edline, we do not mail grade reports home except at the end of the spring semester. It is therefore expected that all students and parents regularly check Edline to monitor progress. If parents have questions about grades in Edline, we encourage parents to first discuss with the student and then directly contact the teacher and/or the advisor if you have questions.
Please contact Elaine Huddleston, the Registrar, elaineh@idyllwildarts.org if you lose/forget your login password or have questions regarding how to use Edline.
Transcripts are generated upon request for students applying to post-secondary schools, summer programs, and other schools requiring grade and enrollment documentation. Please email Elaine Huddleston, Registrar, elaineh@idyllwildarts.org to request a transcript. Please provide a full address and to whose attention the transcript should be sent.