At Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College, high school students can work alongside other creative, highly motivated peers from around the world, who will inspire them to push their limits and produce their best work.
The on-campus experience in Providence, Rhode Island, offers rising high school juniors and seniors the chance to live like a RISD undergrad. For five weeks, students participate in day-long studio classes, critiques, and projects. With options to live on campus or commute from home, students access renowned resources and instructors, strengthen their portfolios, and forever change the way they approach art and design.
“Realizing there will be a community and a place to truly call home after high school was an eye opening experience. Being able to do what I love with people I loved being around is what made RISD Pre-College so special to me.”
— Liz, RISD Pre-College 2025
Pre-College (on-campus) will run June 27–August 1, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and remain open until the program is full.
New for summer 2026, RISD launches Pre-College Online, a virtual intensive for high school students in grades 10 to 12. Pre-College Online offers collegiate-level courses modeled after the RISD first-year curriculum, with live online studio classes and critiques. With a commitment of two days of classes each week and flexibility to complete assignments, the virtual format gives students time to work or pursue other interests while developing their skills, building a portfolio, and preparing to study art or design in college.
Pre-College Online will run June 22–July 30, 2026. Applications close June 1, 2026.
Whether participating in Providence or attending virtually, Pre-College students will be part of RISD’s community of dedicated art and design students committed to the concept of critical making.
- Get a taste of the RISD first-year student experience
- Learn from teaching artists
- Spend time working on studio projects and take part in class critiques
- Receive a final RISD critique and have a chance to showcase your work
- Engage with a cohort of like-minded peers who share your passion for art and design
Learn more and compare programs at precollege.risd.edu.
