RISD Pre-College offers rising high school juniors and seniors the chance to experience life as a RISD undergrad. For five weeks you’ll follow a college-level curriculum with day-long studio classes, critiques and projects. You’ll work alongside hundreds of other creative, highly motivated students from around the world who will challenge, inspire and encourage you to push your limits and produce your best work. You’ll live like a RISD student, access renowned resources and instructors, strengthen your portfolio and forever change the way you approach art and design.

About Rhode Island School of Design

RISD (pronounced “RIZ-dee”) is a creative community founded in 1877 in Providence, Rhode Island. Today, we enroll 2,620 students hailing from 59 countries. Led by a committed faculty, they are engaged in 44 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and supported by a worldwide network of over 31,000 alumni who demonstrate the vital role artists and designers play in today’s society.

Beyond facts and figures, what is the spirit of this community? Through a cross-disciplinary curriculum of studio-based learning and rigorous study in the liberal arts, RISD students are encouraged to develop their own personal creative processes, but they are united by one guiding principle: in order to create, one must question. In cultivating expansive and elastic thinking, RISD seeks to activate a critical exchange that empowers artists, designers and scholars to generate and challenge the ideas that shape our world.

RISD’s mission, at both the college and museum, is not only to educate students and the public in the creation and appreciation of works of art and design, but to transmit that knowledge and make global contributions.

More than 50 Unforgettable Summers of RISD Pre-College

RISD’s first Pre-College summer program started in 1971 (pictured above!) with a few dozen students in just one building. Now, celebrating more than 50 unforgettable summers of Pre-College, roughly 550 students experience RISD’s campus each summer—representing nearly every state in the US, 84 different countries, and boasting more than 11,000 alumni since 1971.

Summer program fairs (in person)

Do you have questions about RISD Pre-College? Visit us at an in-person teen summer program fair! The free events offer students and their parents a place for face-to-face conversations with representatives of summer enrichment programs.

National Summer Program Fair (NYC Fair)
New York City / Manhattan
Monday, January 27, 2025, 4:30–7 pm
New York Marriot Marquis
Register

Teen Summer Expos (Massachusetts)
Monday, February 3, 2025, 5:30–8 pm
Newton South High School, Newton, MA

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 5:30–8 pm
Lexington High School, Lexington, MA

Register

Online info sessions with RISD Admissions

Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6–7pm ET
Register

Info session webinar (recording)

This webinar is ideal for students interested in RISD’s pre-collegiate programs and potentially applying to Rhode Island School of Design. Join our Admissions and Pre-College teams for this hour-long presentation and Q&A session. Learn about the basics of a RISD education and get an in-depth look at Pre-College and Advanced Program Online.

Find out more about RISD Pre-College from those with first-hand experience, including Pre-College alumni and instructors.

Johnny Adimando

From first-generation college student to Pre-College instructor, Johnny Adimando shares what it’s like to be part of a community where everyone takes their own creative lead.

Ruihan Lee

Pre-College helped prepare Ruihan Lee for her first year at RISD. Ruihan went on to earn her BFA in Industrial Design in 2022.

Matthew Kane

Alum Matthew Kane shares his journey into men’s and women’s fashion and how the program gave him the confidence he needed while applying to liberal arts colleges.

“RISD Pre-College pushed me to use new materials and techniques in my art that I never would have encountered before. Living on campus was wonderful and it was great to feel like we were really in college. I was in the sculpture major. I came out with so many plans for new three-dimensional portfolio-building projects I can begin, now that I’ve learned how to work in new mediums.”
– John, Massachusetts, Pre-College 2024

“It was such a great experience. I’ve left with newfound inspiration and drive and I’ve made some amazing friends. I’ve never been away from home this long, but it felt so easy to adjust and make new connections. I will always cherish my time there.”
– Cybele, Florida, Pre-College 2024

“I feel like I’ve grown tenfold as an artist at Pre-College, and I’ve never been more inspired to work toward art school. The critique process at RISD is so unique and constructive. I’m so glad I got to experience it.”
– Gauri, Texas, Pre-College 2024

“My experience at RISD Pre-College helped me in many ways to become both a better artist and person. I gained skills in storytelling, use of color and composition . . . While art school is about gaining skills and knowledge in art, it is also about meeting some of the coolest and talented friends that bring out the best in you.”
– Willa, New York, Pre-College 2024

“The completed work my daughter came home with was beyond impressive and it gave her confidence in her ability and direction for her future plans. She also made a ton of friends from all over the country.”
– Alyssa (parent/guardian), New Jersey