Experience Creative Growth at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College
Embark on a transformative journey at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College, where high school students are immersed in a vibrant community of creative individuals from across the globe. This unique program is designed to inspire students to unleash their artistic potential and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Located on the picturesque campus in Providence, Rhode Island, RISD Pre-College offers rising high school juniors and seniors an unparalleled opportunity to experience life as a RISD undergraduate. Over the course of five weeks, students engage in intensive studio classes, critiques, and projects that challenge and refine their artistic skills. Whether opting to live on campus or commute from home, participants have access to world-class resources and expert instructors who will guide them in building a strong portfolio and transforming their approach to 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
For those looking to immerse themselves in the RISD experience from anywhere in the world, RISD introduces a new offering for summer 2026 – Pre-College Online. This virtual intensive is tailored for high school students in grades 10 to 12, featuring collegiate-level courses based on the RISD first-year curriculum. Through live online studio classes and critiques, students have the flexibility to hone their skills, build their portfolios, and prepare for future studies in art and design.
Pre-College On-Campus will take place from June 27 to August 1, 2026, with rolling admissions until the program reaches capacity. On the other hand, Pre-College Online will run from June 22 to July 30, 2026, with applications closing on June 1, 2026.
Whether on-campus or online, Pre-College participants will be part of RISD’s community dedicated to the concept of critical making. The program offers students the opportunity to:
- Experience the RISD first-year student life
- Learn from accomplished teaching artists
- Create studio projects and engage in class critiques
- Receive a final RISD critique and showcase their work
- Connect with like-minded peers passionate about art and design
Discover more about the programs and compare offerings at precollege.risd.edu.
