Interlochen Arts Academy Reviews

284 reviews

The arts are wonderful and the academics adequate. What I wasn’t prepared for as a parent was the lack of hands on college counseling. My child came home for break with only one application submitted (with major accidental gaps). The rest were due within days! Their list was not final. The schools were not in common app, most supplemental essays mot started, not all recommendations requested, and art portfolio not finished. My child said they had been meeting regularly with a counselor. Obviously there was nowhere near enough holding kids accountable or reviewing work/progress . This is important for a boarding school. Especially art schools because the applications are very complex. All in all you need to know unlike at other expensive boarding schools you will need to work very closely with your child unless they are very organized with top notch project management skills. If I’d known I would’ve hired a private counselor to avoid the hot mess at the end.

I attended Interlochen for two years as a creative writing major. Although the writing department changed a lot while I was there, the teachers were all wonderful. There are many opportunities to workshop your own work and get experience reading in front of an audience. All teachers are there for you. In the academic departments, they understand that art may come first every once in a while. There are regular office hours that students attend throughout the week to have one-on-one support from their teacher. You will continue to see your teachers after class or on the weekends because some live on campus. The community is extremely strong. You will never be bored on campus. Whether I was working on homework or hanging out with friends, there was always something to do. I participated in sports and the event planning committee. No mayor what you want to do, you will find it at Interlochen and if not, they will help you make it.

The teachers are incredible, the students are very talented. There are so many awesome opportunities, but it is very expensive and seeing as it is a boarding school, it's a difficult adjustment.

Review Interlochen Arts Academy

I love this place. I was part of the COVID freshmen group, and my high school journey was completely destroyed. I switched to 4 schools between 2019 and 2022, until eventually, I found Interlochen. The staff and teachers here actually care about students, and whenever I had struggles, are proactive in reaching out and genuinely providing support, negotiating deadlines, counselling, and checking in etc. Even the assisted study program is genuinely helpful often. I can most certainly say that it has not been like this at my other schools. Everyone is inclusive, and despite majors feeling somewhat distant between one another, it haven't stopped me from really enjoying my time here.

I am currently a junior in Interlochen arts academy and a Visual Arts major. I really enjoy the school, there is jazz playing in the courtyard and there is always a concert or gallery or event happening each week. Great teacher and staff, along with (in my experience) great art classes. If you work hard, you basically can get into any college you want.

I'm going to lay it out here -- You will receive a wonderful arts education. I grew so much as an artist during my time here and I feel very prepared for college and my career in the arts. I also made really good friends.
There is no mental health support. In fact, I'd argue that the opposite exists at IAA and you will probably feel worse after visiting counseling. This is a problem, considering that the student body is insane and do horrible things to each other all the time (and also you live alone in high school! that's hard!). If something happens to you here, your abuser will face no consequences (unless you can prove they smoke weed or something-- they're trigger happy about that) and you'll get no help.
Also, please please do not send your underclassman child here. There are drugs. A lot of them. I'm talking acid, molly, shrooms, weed, all easily available. There's a lot of rapists too. This is not an environment for an underclassman. Do not send your freshman here!!! please!!

Interlochen was an experience and a half. I learnt more about how Theatre operates and the ways one can be more independent in a boarding school.

Interlochen gives special experiences that other schools can't provide. It is very artsy. But the teachers often don't have enough time for students in VA. The food got better after the new cafeteria person came.

Interlochen Arts Academy gives students that are interested in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and film a creative outlet and opportunities to learn. while being in high school you have the privilege of working with college level professors. Being surrounded by talent helps to inspire and create.

I love my school. Despite being a high school specialized in the arts, the academic classes are rigorous and fun. The arts education is better than many universities, and it's a beautiful community. I love it here!!!

Being able to go to Interlochen was a dream come true. I’ve always loved writing as well as filmmaking, and I was finally able to study it in depth at Interlochen. Interlochen helped me through a lot, and pushed me in ways I never thought of. Even though there were some cons, it was a great experience.

I loved my time at Interlochen! I spent all four years of my high school career there, as well as a summer at their camp and a year working for them as a hotel housekeeper. It isn't an understatement to say that I've seen almost all aspects of this school from all angles. Its a fantastic school!

Interlochen is an amazing place that encourages community. The interlochen education and educators are and always have been amazing. I’ve met the most talented people I’ve ever seen at this school and it’s cool that we can share a message through our own unique art mediums and concentrations. As a film major I am given many sources to build a professional portfolio with professional equipment. Interlochen gives their student’s opportunities to shine like the stars that we are. While the education and experience is amazing sometimes the campus life can be rough as a gay black man. While BSU does exist and is thriving we are sometime under funded compared to tue other clubs. Interlochen is almost so anti-racist that they’re racist. While some of that does exist on campus it’s not an everyday thing and it’s not everyone.

As a student of IAA the only thing i wish was more addresses was the food request if the students, and how students are listened to in an overall. although the administration does their best theta re missing a vital part of rule making, which is student input. i believe with more student input, there will be a happier and healthier community.

Good school i love going here. Wish better sports. Wish better food. Very cold in winter yeah that is all

My experience is doing great!
Always for the International students are really hard if we don't know the English as a second language but we just do our best.
This Academy helped me to improve like a person and a musician and all teacher are kindness and we have differents forms of support, I really like this place because It was my dream for many years and now I'm studying here

I have had an incredible experience at Interlochen Arts Academy. One thing I would change, however, is having stricter enforcement of rules on campus.

Review Interlochen Arts Academy

Interlochen Arts Academy is an amazing arts boarding school—a truly transformational experience for young artists.

I will be a senior attending my third year at this school and I must say my life has been changed for the better since attending. I have been surrounded by numerous friends, support systems, and resources. If you live at this school, it is accompanied with breathtaking views and hands-on education. The motto for the school is "Art Lives Here" and there has never been a truer word spoken. This is a rigorous and involved school that is here to prepare you. I have taken away so much, and hope to learn more!

I attended IAA in 1992-1994. It was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I grew as an artist and as a human from this immersive environment. The mission statement "Dedicated to the Promotion of World Friendship through the Universal Language of the Arts," was reflected on often. The experience shaped my thinking, helped me become a music educator, and developed the desire to be a bridge for others. By joining faculty in 2012, I have witnessed the continued growth in artistic programs and the continued desire institutionally that how we see the world and communicate with others collectively has world wide impact. The holistic approach encompassed in all facets of our education model have serviced young artists, families, and audiences from all over the globe. My daughter has also attended camp. Interlochen is an ally, in every way, for all people. Interlochen comes highly recommended as an alumni, parent, and educator.

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