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RISD Pre-College offers college-level coursework and an introduction to the RISD approach to making and problem-solving. During the Pre-College experience—with options for attending on-campus or online—you will acquire a strong foundational understanding of drawing and design principles, and choose from a variety of majors for a deeper dive into a particular field of art or design.

Whether you join us in person or virtually, you’ll take courses led by our accomplished teaching artists and be part of a community of talented and likeminded student artists and designers from around the world.

You will learn to set up and work in a studio, manage time, self-motivate, and develop concepts, sketches, and finished pieces. You’ll also take part in discussions and critiques—and leave with a portfolio that can be a major asset in your college application.

Why this option?

On campus: Immerse yourself in the complete RISD experience for five weeks in a college setting.

Online: Experience RISD from where you are.

Who is eligible?

On campus: High school students age 16–18, rising into 11th or 12th grade.

Online: High school students age 14–18, rising into 10th through 12th grade

How many classes?

On campus: Four classes (Major, Drawing Foundations, Design Foundations, and Critical Studies in Art)

Online: Two classes (Major and Fundamentals of Drawing and Design) plus optional workshops

How long is the program?

On campus: Five weeks

Online: Five weeks plus a one-week orientation

What’s the time commitment?

On campus: Five days/40 hours per week

Online: Two days/20 hours per week, plus orientation week and optional workshops

What’s classwork like?

On campus: Work side-by-side with other students in six-hour studio courses and shared studio spaces.

Online: Set up a home studio and work in three-hour live sessions that include time for making, feedback, and discussions with other young artists. Use our online learning management system to access assignments and resources, and engage in discussions.

What’s the social experience?

On campus: Live in residence halls with other students, or commute to campus. Get a taste of college life through events and exhibitions.

Online: Connect with other online students, take part in virtual events, and access RISD resources through our Campus Link.

What extracurriculars and events are available?

On campus: In-person orientation, local trips and events, Artist Ball, and closing exhibitions

Online: Online orientation, virtual workshops, and webinars

Pre-College (On campus) Pre-College Online