Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Pre-College

Step Into Your Creative Future Now

The Academy’s Pre-College Art & Design Experience (PCADE) is a free, college-level program for high school students ready to explore what makes their creative perspective one of a kind.

Whether you’re just beginning or already building your portfolio, this is where you’ll stretch your thinking and sharpen your style in animation, game design, fashion, fine art, photography, filmmaking, and more.

We’ve built an environment that doesn’t just teach, it enhances your voice.

Classes are held primarily onsite in San Francisco, with select courses online. 100% free. 100% you.

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Program Schedule

    Spring 2026

    Onsite Saturday intensives offered March 28 and April 4.
    Exhibition is held on April 11.

    Online classes offered January 28 – March 10
    (Figure Drawing and Character Design)

    Summer 2026

    No Saturday intensives offered.
    June 13: Pick up your IDs in person at 79 New Montgomery from 12-2PM. Required for all first-time attendees.

    Onsite classes offered Monday through Thursday for two weeks from June 15-24.
    Final exhibition is June 25 from 12-2PM at 601 Brannan.

    Fall 2026

    Onsite Saturday intensives offered October 10 and 17.
    Exhibition is held on October 24.

    Online classes offered September 2 – October 13

    Spring and Fall Intensives

    Be Bold. Be Here.

    Ready for a deep dive? Join our three-week High School Intensives, held in person on campus. Spend three Saturdays immersed in the art and design subject of your choice, guided by expert faculty who treat you like the artist you are.

    This is a hands-on, project-based experience that builds your skills, expands your portfolio, and ignites your passion. At the end, you’ll exhibit your work in a gallery-style showcase open to friends and family.

    Summer Intensives

    Spend two weeks on campus in San Francisco, creating, connecting, and exploring what your art can really be. You can take one or two college-level courses, Monday through Thursday. Then, wrap it all up with a final exhibition that showcases your creativity and artistry.

    You can live on campus, experience life as an art school student, and see what it feels like to be surrounded by people who get what you’re about. Step out into San Francisco and let the city inspire you; every street, building, and mural has something to say.

    By the end, you’ll have work you’re proud of, new friends who see the world like you do, and a real sense of what’s next.

    And yes—it’s free.

    PCADE Final Exhibition

    Check out some of the work from past PCADE students.

    View Work
    Dreams, Nightmares, and Witches - Rakel Chavez

    Start Creating Your Future Today

    The Academy is ready. Are you? Apply now for the next session of PCADE and take the first real step toward the creative career you’ve always imagined.

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    Enjoy Some of the Benefits Academy of Art has to Offer

    Live On Campus

    If you want to experience college life to its fullest, we have a room for you in our dorms.

    Explore San Francisco

    Get to know San Francisco through weekly sponsored outings and make instant connections with your fellow students from around the world.

    Exhibit Your Work

    On-campus students’ work will be displayed in a live art show at 601 Brannan Street, San Francisco 94107. All are invited.

    How to Get Started

      Step 1: Submit an Application

      Have your parents join you for this part, which takes about 10-15 minutes. No application fee needed.

      Step 2: Select Classes

      You can choose up to two Pre College Art & Design Intensive Experience classes each semester.

      Step 3: Finalize Your Registration

      We’ve designed our college-level courses for high school students new to art and design, and for those who want to take their skills to the next level. You will collaborate with other artists and make new friends in an environment that embraces what is unique about you.

      Departments Offering Pre-College Programs