Best Art High Schools In The US (2025 Update)
Looking for art high schools to attend in the US? Want to pursue your career path in performing art and looking for the best art high schools to achieve your goals? You’ve come to the right place. This article will list some of the best art high schools in the US and their location. Continue reading!!!
Below are the best art high schools in the US:
10 Best Art High Schools In The US
1. L.A. County High School for the Arts
Overview:
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts is a high school for visual and performing arts at California State University, California, United States, established in 1985.
The nonprofit Arts High Foundation works to raise money to finance the free conservatory-style arts instruction provided to students. The institution focuses on training students in the performing arts, visual arts, dance, and film.
Unique programs and specializations:
performing arts, drama, singing, and dancing; set design, sound production, and lighting design
Notable alumni and faculty:
Drew McClellan, Darren Dalton, Chaz Hall and Lois Hunter.
It is ranked first and is one of the best art high schools in America. Visit Lachsa for more info!
2. Idyllwild Arts Academy
Overview:
It is one of the best art high schools in the US. It was established in 1946 in California; it was previously known as the School of Music and Arts.
Idyllwild Arts Academy provides college preparatory programs for students in grades 9 to 12 as well as post-graduates.
Its purpose is to change people’s lives by utilizing the transforming power of art.
Unique programs and specializations:
Music, visual arts, theatre, creative writing, dance, fashion design, film & digital media, and interdisciplinary arts.
Notable alumni and faculty:
Shepard Fairey, Evan Christopher, Douwe Blumberg, Mary Stone McLendon, Suzanne Jackson, and Lisa Adams.
For more info, visit their website.
3. Interlochen Arts Academy
Overview:
Interlochen Arts Academy is a non-profit corporation that operates an arts education institution founded in 1928. The IAA also provides a postgraduate year for additional pre-professional study.
Unique programs and specializations:
Comparative Arts, Creative Writing, Dance, Theater, Motion Picture Arts, and Visual Arts.
Notable alumni and faculty:
Ava Harker, Maude Apatow, Michael Arden, Michael Arrom, Kate Baldwin
Website:
4. California School for the Arts
Overview:
California School of the Arts in San Gabriel Valley is a public charter school that offers gifted students a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for college as well as pre-professional arts conservatory training.
The school’s distinctive culture and cutting-edge curriculum enable its pupils to flourish as artist-scholars and to grow in self-assurance and talent. Academic and arts sessions have low student-teacher ratios, allowing for individualized attention.
Students at CSArts-SGV have the chance to take part in master courses, performances, field trips, guest artist presentations, and a range of campus organizations and activities.
Unique programs and specializations:
Animation, Architecture, Ceramics, Comics, Craft, Critical Ethnic Studies, Critical Studies, Fashion Design, and Film.
Notable alumni and faculty:
Ana María Hernando, Liliana Gramberg, Ako Castuera, Robert Arneson, Robert Arneson
Visit California School for the Arts for more info.
5. Chicago Academy for the Arts
Overview:
The Chicago Academy for the Arts was established in 1981 and is situated in Chicago, Illinois’ River West district. The institution provides college-preparatory academic classes and professional-level arts training.
Unique programs and specializations:
The academy focuses on training students in dance, media arts (filmmaking, animation, creative writing), music, musical theatre, and visual arts.
Notable alumni and faculty:
Lara Flynn Boyle, Leah Borromeo, Ali Cobrin, Tom Gold, Craig Hall, Lalah Hathaway.
For more info, visit their website.
Read: Top 10 Welding Schools in the US (2022 Update)
6. The Academy of Las Vegas
Overview:
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts is a magnet high school that was founded in 1992. The Las Vegas Academy offers a list of majors for which students can audition and then focus on for four years of high school, in addition to a traditional academic curriculum.
Unique programs and specializations:
Art, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts
Notable alumni and faculty:
702, Molly Bernard, Leah Dizon, Matthew Gray Gubler, Julianne Hough.
Visit the school’s website for more info.
7. Philadelphia Creative and Performing Arts High School
Overview:
Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, founded in 1978, is part of the Philadelphia School District.
Unique programs and specializations:
The school focuses on training students in creative writing, instrumental music, visual arts, theater, dance, vocal music, and media design.
Notable alumni and faculty:
Boyz II Men, Black Thought, Marchant Davis, Joey DeFrancesco, and Anye Elite
Visit the school website for more info.
8. Baltimore School of Arts
Overview:
The Baltimore School for the Arts is a public arts high school/secondary school that was founded in 1979. The Baltimore School for the Arts is a four-year public high school that offers extensive, pre-professional arts training within the context of a complete, college-preparing academic program.
Unique programs and specializations:
Art concentrations at the Baltimore School for the Arts include vocal music, instrumental music, theater acting, theater production, dance, visual arts, and film.
Notable alumni:
Tupac Shakur, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mia Brownell, Christian Siriano, and Tracie Thoms.
9. Professional Performing Arts High School
Overview:
The Professional Performing Arts School is a public school in New York City that was founded in 1990.
Academic staff provides students with daily study opportunities through a rigorous, comprehensive, sequential, and fully integrated academic curriculum.
Professional dancers, actors, and musicians teach performing arts classes at professional studios.
Unique programs and specializations:
Drama, Music, Dance
Notable Alumni and Faculty:
Eartha Kitt, Liza Minnelli, Jennifer Aniston, Ving Rhames, Lorraine Toussaint, and Suzanne Vega.
10. Alabama School of Fine Arts
Overview:
The Alabama School of Fine Arts is a public, partially boarding, tuition-free state magnet middle and high school in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, United States. Students in grades 7-12 receive a conservatory-style and college-preparatory education. The school began in 1968.
Unique programs and specializations:
Music, visual arts, theatre arts, creative writing, math and science, and dance.
Notable Alumni and Faculty:
Ajiona Alexus, Ryan Swain, Suzanne Collins, Laverne Cox, Orenda Fink.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Art High School
Curriculum:
A robust art curriculum is important when selecting an art high school. Look out for schools whose curriculum has a specific scope and organization that caters to the growth of skills and ideas throughout grade levels. Through this, students can be enriched with knowledge and techniques. This type of curriculum also supports an all-encompassing and structured learning journey.
Faculty:
This entails qualified and well-experienced artists or educators. It is to the benefit of every art student if their teacher is passionate about their field. This makes it easy to expand your artistic knowledge and skill. So ensure you look out for the credentials of your teachers. Be sure that they play an active role or make contributions to exhibitions, art shows, and the industry in general.
Facilities and location:
Location plays a huge role in your learning experience. If your art school is far from where you reside, it can be a source of stress. Also, you should consider the facility. A comfortable studio space with the right equipment and tools can encourage you to be more creative.