Interlochen Arts Academy Reviews

294 reviews

Going to Interlochen was one of the best choices that I have made. I felt that it provided me with the independence that I needed to grow into myself while also developing as an artist. The artistic training I received there was unparalleled and as a current college student, I often struggle to find the kind of training again that I experienced at Interlochen. The faculty are so involved, thoughtful, and talented. Many of them I still keep relationships with and speak to on a regular basis. I also met some of my best friends there and the alumni network is incredible. The few downsides are that the culture can kind of be insular, the food is pretty awful, and the quality of the academic courses is not always the best.

I've had a wonderful time at Interlochen. It's helped me grow my artistry so much, and I'm so proud of everything I've learned here.

I have been at the Interlochen Arts Academy for almost a year now. It has allowed me to learn and make connections with some of the most talented peers I have ever met and it allows for young and talented artists to blossom and to gain real world knowledge. If I had not been at Interlochen, I would not have learned so many things about the world of classical music and also meet some of the most dedicated artists that I have. I was previously in Texas and had gained a great knowledge for music, however, being at Interlochen allowed for me to gain even more knowledge and expertise in my areas. I also know that being at Interlochen has set me up for success for college and even my future career. Interlochen has been life changing and it continues to be for many people. I would like to see some change however mainly with diversity, food, and overall student culture. At times I wish I could see more positivity on campus and diversity along with better food in the campus cafeteria.

Review Interlochen Arts Academy

Went there to study piano and i honestly missed it so much! Loved doing music everyday and meet such incredibly talented people that become your life long friends

I am a current student at Interlochen Arts Academy studying towards a Creative Writing major. My experience here has been wonderful. The creative writing courses are at the MFA level and are highly individualized. The focus is on growth rather than grades. I love the readings, the masterclasses, and the academic side of studying writing. My only issue is with some of the academics for underclassmen, which have not affected me much. There are dual enrollment and AP courses offered through Indiana University's Advance College Project and Online High School and Michigan Virtual, which I take along with on-campus courses. The IU ACP courses are on-campus with Interlochen faculty. AP Calculus and AP Statistics are also offered on campus. I would not recommend this institution for underclassmen unless you are prepared to take summer courses and self-study. Still, the teachers, both academic and artistic are amazing and come from incredibly diverse backgrounds. Strong counseling and advising.

Choosing to go to Interlochen for my senior year of high school was the best decision of my life. In addition to attending the academy I went to two different summer programs. The campus is absolutely beautiful all year round. The opportunities are endless from different ensembles, classes, teachers, studios, chamber groups, sports, etc. My goal is to go to a conservatory for college and for the few months I have been here, Interlochen has prepared me incredibly well. I have improved so much and have learned countless amounts of rep, technique, ideas, and increased my passion for trumpet. The only thing that I would suggest for change is the food and some of the living situations, but in the past couple years (so I have heard) it has increased dramatically.

At Interlochen Arts Academy, I have been plunged into the world of professional classical music in ways I would have never thought possible. There is a plethora of resources available to me to hone in my craft and truly succeed at my instrument. The school is located at the top of the state of Michigan meaning we receive a lot of snow. The months of November to March can be really hard to get out of bed or stay positive when there isn't much sunlight due to the weather. Interlochen is and always will be my home, as well as an experience I will never forget.

A fantastic place with a powerful curriculum. Teachers always available for parents conversations. The teachers are like family and care deeply for al the students. There are a lot of scholarships available to help pay for the school.

This was once the premier school for the Arts. However, the musical theatre program has not kept up with an evolving post-pandemic collegiate audition process, where they do not have the facility to help with video auditions, proper audition preparation, and guidance to be successful. As our student went on auditions, multiple colleges and universities commented that they were concerned with the output of students who were prepared for auditions and that "Interlochen is behind the times" in musical theatre. Colleges and universities no longer respect this school as they once did before the pandemic. My student has claimed that the feedback mechanism from teachers is not helpful and is mostly non-existent. It can be difficult to set up feedback appointments with faculty. Some of the dorms do not have adult supervision, leading to more drug use among students. The food in the cafeteria is terrible, plan to door dash frequently. Musical theatre and acting programs have declined.

Most faculty and staff genuinely care about the students. Administration cares only about money and Interlochen's image. The provost even asks faculty members to come onto this site to boost the school's ranking. Residence life are understaffed, sometimes to the point of there being no adult in charge of certain dorms during the night resulting in students "partying." Faculty and staff are underpaid and can't afford to live in Traverse City, but Interlochen built a trailer park to house them. Problem solved? There's a drug problem among the students and a burn out problem among the faculty and staff. Where's all that tuition money going? Some administrators could take a quarter of a million pay cut and still be comfortably making six figures. Don't waste the tuition money. If you live in a city, keep your kid in school there, hire a college prep coach, enroll them in dance lessons, etc. You'll save money, and your kid will be less emotionally damaged.

The arts are wonderful and the academics adequate. What I wasn’t prepared for as a parent was the lack of hands on college counseling. My child came home for break with only one application submitted (with major accidental gaps). The rest were due within days! Their list was not final. The schools were not in common app, most supplemental essays mot started, not all recommendations requested, and art portfolio not finished. My child said they had been meeting regularly with a counselor. Obviously there was nowhere near enough holding kids accountable or reviewing work/progress . This is important for a boarding school. Especially art schools because the applications are very complex. All in all you need to know unlike at other expensive boarding schools you will need to work very closely with your child unless they are very organized with top notch project management skills. If I’d known I would’ve hired a private counselor to avoid the hot mess at the end.

I attended Interlochen for two years as a creative writing major. Although the writing department changed a lot while I was there, the teachers were all wonderful. There are many opportunities to workshop your own work and get experience reading in front of an audience. All teachers are there for you. In the academic departments, they understand that art may come first every once in a while. There are regular office hours that students attend throughout the week to have one-on-one support from their teacher. You will continue to see your teachers after class or on the weekends because some live on campus. The community is extremely strong. You will never be bored on campus. Whether I was working on homework or hanging out with friends, there was always something to do. I participated in sports and the event planning committee. No mayor what you want to do, you will find it at Interlochen and if not, they will help you make it.

The teachers are incredible, the students are very talented. There are so many awesome opportunities, but it is very expensive and seeing as it is a boarding school, it's a difficult adjustment.

I love this place. I was part of the COVID freshmen group, and my high school journey was completely destroyed. I switched to 4 schools between 2019 and 2022, until eventually, I found Interlochen. The staff and teachers here actually care about students, and whenever I had struggles, are proactive in reaching out and genuinely providing support, negotiating deadlines, counselling, and checking in etc. Even the assisted study program is genuinely helpful often. I can most certainly say that it has not been like this at my other schools. Everyone is inclusive, and despite majors feeling somewhat distant between one another, it haven't stopped me from really enjoying my time here.

I am currently a junior in Interlochen arts academy and a Visual Arts major. I really enjoy the school, there is jazz playing in the courtyard and there is always a concert or gallery or event happening each week. Great teacher and staff, along with (in my experience) great art classes. If you work hard, you basically can get into any college you want.

I'm going to lay it out here -- You will receive a wonderful arts education. I grew so much as an artist during my time here and I feel very prepared for college and my career in the arts. I also made really good friends.
There is no mental health support. In fact, I'd argue that the opposite exists at IAA and you will probably feel worse after visiting counseling. This is a problem, considering that the student body is insane and do horrible things to each other all the time (and also you live alone in high school! that's hard!). If something happens to you here, your abuser will face no consequences (unless you can prove they smoke weed or something-- they're trigger happy about that) and you'll get no help.
Also, please please do not send your underclassman child here. There are drugs. A lot of them. I'm talking acid, molly, shrooms, weed, all easily available. There's a lot of rapists too. This is not an environment for an underclassman. Do not send your freshman here!!! please!!

Interlochen was an experience and a half. I learnt more about how Theatre operates and the ways one can be more independent in a boarding school.

Review Interlochen Arts Academy

Interlochen gives special experiences that other schools can't provide. It is very artsy. But the teachers often don't have enough time for students in VA. The food got better after the new cafeteria person came.

Interlochen Arts Academy gives students that are interested in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and film a creative outlet and opportunities to learn. while being in high school you have the privilege of working with college level professors. Being surrounded by talent helps to inspire and create.

I love my school. Despite being a high school specialized in the arts, the academic classes are rigorous and fun. The arts education is better than many universities, and it's a beautiful community. I love it here!!!

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