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PreCollege at Ringling

Ringling’s art and design summer program for teens.

Ringling College’s PreCollege is a transformational summer experience for emerging artists and designers currently in their sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school.

During the four-week intensive, students follow a robust curriculum of core classes for fundamental skill building, as well as two selected immersions for a deeper investigation of areas reflective of the College’s degree programs. Students receive hands-on instruction from world-class faculty as well as studio time, so they can develop as an artist and strengthen their portfolio for college admissions and scholarships. A co-curricular series of mini-workshops further broadens their introduction to a variety of creative practices and techniques. In addition, Student and Residence Life teams provide wellness, recreational, and community service activities throughout the program.

First-time students who complete PreCollege successfully receive three elective college credits. Welcoming both residential and commuter students, ages 16-18. Application opens November 1 for the following June/July program.

Learn MoreExplore Other Teen Programs

2025 Program Information

Applications Now Open!

PreCollege 2025 will be held on campus from June 22-July 19.

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Connect With Us

Get in touch with the Ringling PreCollege team today! Click here to request a catalog and sign up for program updates or book an in-person/online meeting with a team member to get more information.

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PreCollege Scholarship Opportunities

Are you interested in a particular area of study? Learn more about unique scholarship opportunities for PreCollege

Creative Writing

Motion Design

Entertainment Design

Experience Ringling PreCollege

An example of a typical day for PreCollege Students:

Breakfast (7:30-8:30 am)

Core Classes (Monday-Thursday, 9-11:30 am)
Week 1: 2D Design | Week 2: 3D Design | Week 3: 4D Design | Week 4: Drawing

Lunch (11:30 am-2 pm)
Library | Fitness | Recreation | Majors & Portfolio Presentations

Immersions (Monday-Thursday, 2-5 pm)
Weeks 1 & 2: Immersion, Weeks 3 & 4: Immersion

Dinner (5-7 pm)

Open Studio (Monday-Thursday, 7-8 pm required, optional until 10 pm)

Friday Explorations (9-11:30 am and 2-5 pm)
Explorations are mini-workshops providing students with a myriad of different experiences to inspire their artistic journey. Students are required to choose and attend morning and afternoon sessions each week.

Students draw from a live model in the PreCollege mini workshop How to Draw Characters Wearing Armor.

Application Information

Application Requirements

Applicants must be between 16 and 18 years of age as of October 15 of the program year and, currently enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in high school.

A complete PreCollege application includes:

  • Review of the immersion descriptions and videos prior to ranking
  • A completed PreCollege application form
  • A $55 application fee (non-refundable)
  • A completed recommendation form submitted by a teacher or guidance counselor
  • A 250-word statement about your creative experience and aspirations

Timeline

Application opens November 1 the year preceding the summer program. Early application is advised to support our ability to reserve your higher ranked immersion selections. Immersions are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Immersion enrollment is secured upon receipt of the Program Deposit due upon acceptance. Application closes May 1 or when the program is full, whichever comes first.

Fees

Application Fee: $55 due at application
Tuition: $4,440
Program Deposit: $500 DUE upon acceptance

Tuition Balance Subtotal: $3,940

Residential Fees:

Room: $1,175
Board: $1,260
Balance Subtotal: $6,375
Plus Refundable Damage Deposit: $300

TOTAL DUE May 10: $6,675

Commuter Fees:

Must live within 35 miles of campus

Room: 0
Board: $525
Balance Subtotal: $4,465
Plus Refundable Damage Deposit $150

TOTAL DUE May 10: $4,615

Additional Fees:

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
4-week coverage: $200, 1-week coverage: $50

All students must provide current proof of health insurance to attend PreCollege. International students and those requiring or electing to enroll in SHIP will be billed $200 or $50, due May 10, 2025.

PreCollege
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