Summer Academy
PAFA's flagship pre-college program is an in-person, four-week, college-level art-making experience for talented and motivated high school students at the nation's first and premier school of fine art
Experience PAFA’s historic campus for this immersive, in-person program July 10th-August 4th. Enjoy rigorous courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, animation and illustration taught by PAFA's exceptional faculty of practicing artists.
Summer Academy participants have the opportunity to:
- Get expert guidance from leading artists among PAFA's stellar faculty
- Students study drawing and choose three additional concentrations to explore: sculpture, printmaking, oil painting, illustration, or animation
- Get a head start on preparing a portfolio for applying to college
- Earn 4.0 college credits
- Participate in an exhibition in PAFA's world-class art museum
- Earn a scholarship for Summer Academy if you apply by April 10th
Students benefit from one-on-one portfolio reviews with the school's admissions staff. Summer Academy alumni who are accepted to PAFA's BFA program are eligible for a $4000 Next Step Scholarship ($1000 per year).
Summer Academy does not offer a residential option for students. Students who live beyond the Greater Philadelphia area are welcome to reach out to precollege@pafa.org with questions.
Susannah Fishman, Assistant Director of Education Programs and Professional Development, talks through everything you need to know to apply to Summer Academy:
Developing Artists at Summer Academy
Summer Academy COVID-19 Response Plan
Summer Academy will follow Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) guidelines for safe practices at the time of the program, and we will closely monitor changing recommendations in the interim.
Summer Academy will implement recommended safety measures as part of PAFA's safe reopening plan. This includes mandatory vaccinations for students, low density classrooms, intensive cleaning and contact tracing. Summer Academy 2023 safety plan will be updated and communicated with students to safely adapt to current conditions.
PAFA has taught the next generation of American artists for over 200 years- through wars, plague, and social upheaval. Throughout this time, PAFA’s unparalleled teaching tradition has enabled students to develop skills to create art that sustains society and points the way towards a better future. We are excited to continue in this tradition for Summer Academy 2023.
If you have questions, please reach out to precollege@pafa.org or 215-972-7630
Contact Pre-College Programs
Studio art classes and education for high school students to develop their artistic passions and prepare for college.