Enrollment Now Open for Summer 2025 RISD Pre-Collegiate Programs

# Experience Art and Design Immersion With RISD’s Pre-College and Advanced Online Programs

For high school students with a passion for art and design, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers two distinct programs tailored to elevate their creative skills and provide a glimpse into the rigorous world of college-level artistic education. Through **RISD Pre-College** and the **Advanced Program Online**, students can experience RISD’s renowned curriculum, inspired by its first-year courses, and reshape the way they think about art and design.

### RISD Pre-College Program: A Life-Changing Artistic Journey

RISD’s **Pre-College** program is a five-week, on-campus experience built to immerse students in the life of a RISD student. Open to rising high school juniors and seniors, this program offers a unique opportunity to live on-campus, work in world-class studios, and produce a body of work that will help craft a competitive college application portfolio.

Running from **June 28 through August 2, 2025**—this immersive program mirrors the academic intensity and commitment expected of students in RISD’s first-year curriculum. Courses are structured to help young artists focus on technical development, creative exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration.

#### What You Can Expect:
– **Day-long Studio Classes:** These are the heart of the Pre-College experience, where students dive deep into hands-on work using different mediums and forms of visual art. This allows students to experiment with new techniques and materials, pushing their creative boundaries under the guidance of experienced, professional teaching artists.

– **Campus Facilities & Resources:** Students gain access to RISD’s famed **Nature Lab**, which serves as a living resource for scientific and environmental exploration, and the **RISD Museum**, home to more than 100,000 works of art from across cultures and time.

– **Critiques & Feedback:** One of the most valuable experiences reported by students—including 2024 attendee Gauri G.—is the critique process. Regular critiques allow students to receive structured, constructive feedback from peers and mentors, helping them refine their artistic voice and approach. Gauri shares, _”I feel like I’ve grown tenfold as an artist at Pre-College, and I’ve never been more inspired to work toward art school. The critique process at RISD is so unique and constructive. I’m so glad I got to experience it.”_

– **Activities Beyond the Studio:** Life at RISD Pre-College doesn’t just take place in the studio. Students also partake in social activities, events, and excursions that build a sense of community. These foster connections with fellow creatives from all around the globe, inspiring collaboration and lifelong friendships.

### The Advanced Program Online: Flexibility for Aspiring Artists

For students who are looking for a flexible, remote learning opportunity, RISD offers the **Advanced Program Online**, suited for high school students in grades 10–12. This program is designed to provide the same rigorous creative education in a virtual format, making it accessible to young artists worldwide.

Whether students are exploring new forms of design or honing their skills, the **Advanced Program Online** calls on creative minds to challenge their artistic boundaries, reframe their perceptions of the world, and learn from experienced artists.

#### Program Highlights:
– **Interactive Online Courses:** The Advanced Program Online consists of a series of college-level courses taught by renowned RISD faculty. The online environment provides students the chance to think collaboratively, while learning best practices in the field of art and design.

– **Portfolio Development:** Students will engage in creating quality work that is portfolio-ready, a pivotal part of applying for advanced art programs or college-level degrees.

– **Flexible Schedule:** The online program is ideal for students with other commitments or those unable to attend in person. The **Spring 2025 term runs from March 1–May 11**, and the **Summer 2025 term from June 14–August 10**.

Through these courses, students are not just exposed to foundational techniques—they are urged to explore their personal style, develop a critical eye, and refine their work in a supportive yet rigorous environment.

### Benefits of Participating in RISD Pre-College and Advanced Online Programs

For students interested in pursuing art and design in college, RISD programs provide a valuable head start in terms of skill development, exposure to professional tools and techniques, and the creation of a portfolio that stands out.

Here’s what makes RISD’s Pre-College and Advanced Online Programs unique:
– **World-Class Faculty:** Both programs are taught by skilled teaching artists who are experts in their fields. These instructors offer individualized attention and guidance to push students to their highest potential.

– **Hands-On Experience:** Whether online or in-person, the curriculum is based on RISD’s foundational first-year experience, emphasizing the process of creating work, problem-solving through design challenges, and refining artistic excellence.

– **College Preparation:** By the time students