2023 Best Schools for the Arts in America

• Los Angeles County Office of Education, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  201 reviews

Works Here: Amazing arts programs AND college-prep academics. The school is all about well-educated, well-rounded artists, which is why graduates not only get into the top conservatories, but the most selective universities in non-arts majors, too!... Read 201 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 551

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Idyllwild, CA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  114 reviews

Alum: Idyllwild Arts Academy is a wonderful community and environment to explore and nurture your artistry. It has incredibly supportive network of faculty to advise and guide you through the challenges and triumphs of being a young artist. With majors including Interdisciplinary Arts (similar to undecided, meaning you can take classes from any department you choose), students receive an extraordinarily individualized experience with access to life-changing mentorship. Idyllwild Arts is also a boarding school which allowed me to get ahead in my general life-skills and self-management so the blow wasn't too hard when I got to college. It is a peaceful environment with quite a small student body, generally made up of really sweet kids who love to collaborate on projects with one another. Upon successful completion of their program/graduation, students receive both a high school diploma and art certificate. Tuition is quite pricey, but financial aid is available. Truly an amazing school!... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 280

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Interlochen, MI•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  277 reviews

Senior: 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!... Read 277 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 557

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Duarte, CA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  131 reviews

Parent: I absolutely love CSArts! I couldn't imagine sending my children to any other high school. The teachers and staff are amazing, and the students are the icing on the cake! This is such a diverse, accepting, supportive student body. I feel very comfortable sending my children to school here, knowing they will be safe and cared for. The education is top-notch and the conservatory classes, I can't say enough incredible things about them. I HIGHLY recommend this high school!... Read 131 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,016

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Chicago, IL•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  92 reviews

Parent: The Chicago Academy For The Arts provided our daughter with the artistic training and development in a pre-professional structure and an academic foundation that prepared her for college. The community of this amazing school is one with support and understanding entrenched in diversity and openness to all that engage with this institution. I would highly, and wholeheartedly recommend this incredible performing arts school to all that desire to study and perfect their art while receiving a college prep education!... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 119

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  311 reviews

Senior: I was in the visual communications strand. My passion for graphic design developed exponentially through my time there, though my explorations were pretty self-directed. The teacher is leaving this year so it'll probably be different next year. I know that the architecture teacher is great. The workload is quite intense, and if you expect to have flawless grades, you'll have to work significantly harder than in some other schools, as you have to produce quality art for a decent grade regularly. There is ample opportunity for college connections though, and it really prepares you for the application process. DASH kids have little trouble getting into most art schools.... Read 311 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Natick, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  81 reviews

Alum: Walnut Hill Provides young people with a chance to hone their craft and live their dream every day of the week. Academics are brilliant and have small focused classes. You don't sacrifice any of your academics for arts here; you get it all. On the downside- I attended Walnut Hill for my junior and senior years. Before that I attended one of the most underfunded public schools in the nation. Bringing a bunch of "big-fish-small-pond", talented, young people together... having them live together, attend every class together-- creates a level of immaturity and selfishness I had never experienced. The students here represent the utter lack of compassion and perspective- the literal problem with America. I had to remind myself to separate from the constant drama and focus on why I was there-- the music. The music is truly incredible. No other high school works with a real Conservatory (NEC), and no other high school will prepare young musicians better than Walnut Hill.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 284

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  321 reviews

Junior: I have thus far enjoyed my time at New World very thoroughly! It is a place in which allows students to express themselves and their passion with no boundaries. Though it must be noted, that better ways of communications should introduce themselves into the school for the good of the students and teachers. Otherwise, it is a very accepting and humble environment, that holds excellent standards for their students and their methods of study. Very fun too!... Read 321 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 485

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• North Hollywood, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: Oakwood School provides an excellent education that shapes the entire student. The teacher-student relationships at Oakwood are incredible, as teachers prioritize their students' educational experience and personal growth over anything else. Academically, courses at Oakwood are rigorous and competitive but also supportive and collaborative. I feel my Oakwood education has more than prepared me for college. Oakwood creates a strong sense of community and belonging through many extra-curricular activities, arts programs, and athletic teams. The athletic department is wonderful, building competitive, kind, and passionate athletes. The excellent facilities and talented coaching staff are big pluses too. I would recommend an Oakwood education to anyone looking for an inclusive community where they can be challenged academically and develop a sense of identity inside and outside of the classroom.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 824

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Santa Ana, CA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  593 reviews

Freshman: I believe that the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) is an excellent school. I am in my 3rd year at this school, as a freshman, and there are so many art opportunities for students wanting to pursue any type of art, as well as many academic opportunities such as a vast selection of clubs, honors societies, and volunteering activities. Students make so many great connections in their art field and can make friends with people they are much closer with, due to overlapping passions. Many of the arts teachers are actively working in their fields making them great resources! Overall, OCSA is a great option for any student passionate about art and curious about learning more about art! Although there are some problems with OCSA including safety because of the location, academic teachers because some are not sufficient in teaching, as well as the food since some options can be unhealthy and the menu does not get switched out daily, OCSA has a great positive community that accepts all!... Read 593 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,277

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: More than just a school: above all, a home. Fourteen floors of chaotically creative people, students, teachers and faculty alike. From the age of six I was taught to constantly question and challenge everything, that play rehearsals were more important than that physics test. I have learned to self motivate without competing with classmates and to treat every essay I write with the respect and eloquence of a novel. I have made puppets, written a twenty-page paper on the history of martial arts, and hypothesized whether sweet flavors are more commonly synesthetically assigned to major chords. Keep in mind that this environment in addition to being incredibly fruitful both creatively and academically, it can be perceived as a rose-colored, six-foot thick bubble, protecting its students from harsh realities beyond its walls. In my last year, I have come to see Saint Ann's for all of its flaws and strengths. Thank you!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,085

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Williamstown, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  45 reviews

Senior: Buxton is a tight knit community of queer and neurodiverse kids. Even the kids who aren’t neurodiverse or queer feel like they should be, or could be in a few years. The academics are lacking, mostly because everyone cares more about the social stuff than school, but there are some fun and cool classes and a lot of the teachers are sweet. The food is pretty lame a lot of the time, especially if you are a picky eater, but the kitchen staff are very nice and there are always leftovers, sandwiches and salads if you don’t like what they cook. The community Is lovely imo, almost everyone is very kind and it’s really nice to know everyone in the school, but that also comes with the down side of if someone is terrible and evil it’s very hard to not interact with them. Dorms are fine, pretty cute, just usually crowded. The little events we have are cute, the traditions are a little cult-y but lovely. I liked my time here, I think it was the best HS experience I could have gotten.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 64

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 3, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,186 reviews

Alum: During my time there, the teachers I had were kind, understanding, and knowledgeable about their respective fields. The classes were about 45 minutes each and a full school day ends at 4:00. You get to choose your classes from when you are a sophomore till when you are a senior. The graduating classes are big so if you like big schools then this is for you!... Read 1,186 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,722

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Houston Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  299 reviews

Senior: HSPVA is a place for Visual artists, Theater artists , vocalists, instrumentalists, creative writers , and dancers to perdue their artistic dreams through experienced staff, a state of the art building in downtown Houston, and opportunities to have your artwork shared with the world. Our school has won three Grammys, dozens of presidencial youngarts awards, and our alumni have been featured in the MFAH, Grey's Anatomy, Jones Hall, the Wortham Center, Discovery Green, Scholastic, and the Voice. Our most famous alumni being Beyonce! Our building is equiped with sound rooms, a print room, galleries, technology labs, large outdoor patios, recording equipment, piano rooms, lounging areas, and even metalworking equipment. I have been very lucky to go to this school, and I have had my work featured in the Contemporary Arts Museum and in the Scholastic Gold Key Awards because of the excellent education that this school provides.... Read 299 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 797

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Palm Beach County School District, FL•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  606 reviews

Senior: Good Academics and teachers. Fun school to be in even when academic wise it gets tough. Most teachers are friendly and ready to help. Dreyfoos encourages involvement of student group interaction therefore there is unity at least between kids inside specific departments. Outside of those departments sometimes kids feel the need have "rivalries" or almost pick on certain majors but if you love your art and make good friends despite the major they are, you can get around it. Admin encourages students to be proud of their school and to take advantage of the opportunities offered. There is a variety of activities during the school year to go to and enjoy like spirit week and open houses for parents. The school provides with lots of information about a variety of topics like scholarships. Boot camps outside of regular school hours to help with college apps are offered. I'm going to miss going here for sure. Came for the arts, stayed for the people and opportunities offered!... Read 606 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,363

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Dallas Independent School District, TX•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  512 reviews

Junior: I really like Booker T., and I think it's a great school to go to! One thing about it is that before my time here, I heard a lot of people telling me things like "We're all one big happy family", and maybe people say that about every school, but it is not the experience I'm having. It's still a great school though, and it pushed me to challenge myself in a lot of new ways, both in my arts and academics. I just want to make sure no one incoming has super unrealistic expectations- it's not perfect, and it can be super frustrating, especially as there's a lack of communication about important things at pretty much every level. But still, this school has led me to a lot of opportunities that I am very, very grateful for.... Read 512 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 999

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Junior: It is a great school if you want to go to a mediocre college or university. The students who go there are more so focused on arts and that is what the school caters to. So in some of the courses the difficulty level is lacking. The school does have a great energy and is filled with wonderful people who want you to succeed at whatever you are passionate about.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: Crossroads is a well-resourced, progressive school, with many unique elements such as its non-traditional campus setting and community-oriented engagement opportunities. As a PWI (predominantly white institution) it still struggles with representation and support for minorities on campus but they are earnestly working to change that. Just this year (2022) they hired its first female head of school (who is also black) in its 50-year career.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,174

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Studio City, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  141 reviews

Junior: Great school. Hands down one of the best schools in the state - Coolest, kindest, and most well rounded kids, best facilities, tight-knit community, fantastic teachers and campus, and the best opportunities to excel in whatever you're interested in - kids here are so talented! They really focus on creating kind, well rounded, successful, and well educated kids. It's a really special school. Wide variety of students of all different interests and backgrounds. Had such an amazing school experience here. The only academic school I've been in that isn't stressy and allows you to still have a good time whilst you're in kid. If you are lucky enough to go there don't take it for granted! - I can't imagine a better school :)... Read 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,148

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Santa Monica, CA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  117 reviews

Parent: My introduction to New Roads started 24-25 years ago with our son who started in kindergarten. We were looking for a diverse school for both students and faculty and we were referred to visit New Roads by a friend of the family. After going through the interview process, we quickly learned that this was no ordinary private school but rather a unique learning institution that would help us parents raise good humans! We love New Roads for so many reasons but here are a few: loving our kids for who they are as individuals, pushing their academics at their pace, creativity for freedom of expression through the arts/music/sports, standing up for what they believe in, building relationships, college readiness and the list goes on! Our daughter currently in the 4th grade is enjoying the same experience as our son had and we could not be happier with New Roads! Our village rocks!... Read 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Garden City, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  55 reviews

Parent: It's more than a school, it's a community of individuals (parents, teachers, coach, the janitor, everybody) whose goal is to support your student with whatever they need to succeed in life. The dedication of the teachers along with the rigor of the Waldorf curriculum is unmatched and has unlocked my student in a way that makes him stand out in the crowd. The school encourages students to be the best version of themselves as well as global stewards. As a WSGC parent I have no hesitation recommending the school, I only wish I had discovered it sooner.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 335

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Dobbs Ferry, NY•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  122 reviews

Alum: I attended The Masters School from 5th - 12th grade and had an amazing experience! The school has a strong sense of community; teachers are invested in their students, not just teaching cutting edge curricula but also being willing to explore students' interests inside and outside the classroom. The campus is beautiful, and facilities are top notch. The school both honors its long, rich history and constantly looks forward to meet changing times and needs. Graduates of The Masters School are well-rounded, open-minded, confident forces for good.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 694

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  377 reviews

Senior: As far as public high schools go, this one may just be one of the best. If you are an artistic student looking for a high school that will jumpstart your career then this is the high school for you! The school offers majors, not unlike a college, that students apply for and are accepted into, going into their sophomore year. These majors range from Animation, to Photography, Architecture, Illustration, Film and more! As a Career and Technical Education school these classes, alongside normal classes, prepare students for the industry and a fruitful career in the arts! In terms of environment, the school is full of kids who in most other schools would be deemed "the art kids" or "the nerds" which in turn creates an overwhelmingly positive environment and a massively diverse student body. I won't pretend the school has no problems whatsoever (it's still a public school after all) but if you're looking for an art high school, theres few better places to be.... Read 377 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,509

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• San Francisco Unified School District, CA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: I'm in the piano department and here I got to learn not only being a solo pianist but also a collaborative pianist. I got to work with other musicians on Piano Trios, duets, opera, and even more. The chamber music program I have now at SOTA provided me with the opportunity to love collaborating. Back when I was in my junior year of high school, I had my first duet and remembered that it was hard at first but rewarding. I learned how to listen to the violinist while he was playing, and we breathed together with the music, which allowed us to succeed. I want to continue this kind of collaboration in a more advanced music program because it is crucial to not only grow individually but play music with the people around you. Not only did I get to experience a rich culture within the music I was also able to study academics in the morning. Even if, fewer AP is offered we still are able to have great and fantastic teachers. Although we don't have a sports team, we are joined in the Academy!... Read 164 reviews

• grade A

• Students 776

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  99 reviews

Junior: Great school! Like all places, there are definitely some things that can be improved. Overall the school is a good place to be if you are looking for a small private new york city school then this could be it for you. The IB program could use a little work. Having more concrete classes and requirements and standards for testing and assessing. There could also be more use of the city and the neighborhood as an asset. Like using the park and museums near by. While there are thing s that need improvement there are a lot of things that I love.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1