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Interlochen Arts Academy

4000 J Maddy Parkway Interlochen, MI 49643

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked MI School
  • School Type: Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 577 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $78,725
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #1
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #2
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #3 - Students participate in master classes with renowned guest artists from all over the world.
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #4 - Music students study in the state-of-the-art Music Center, which features two large ensemble rehearsal halls, nine ensemble rooms, 25 teaching studios, a recording studio, and more.
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #5 - Students exercise and play in the state-of-the-art Dennison Center for Recreation and Wellness, which features a workout room, fitness studio, game room, climbing wall, and gymnasium.
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #6
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #7
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #8 - Arts Academy students enjoy one-on-one interaction with gifted faculty who are leaders in the arts and education. Each faculty member brings a wealth of real-world experience to their role as a mentor.
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #9
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #10
Interlochen Arts Academy Photo #11
School location map

About the School

  • Discover a high school like no other. Interlochen Arts Academy offers a holistic, integrated academic and arts education that prepares you for a life of purpose within and beyond the arts.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked MI School
  • School Type: Special Program Emphasis
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 577 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $78,725
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Interlochen Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Resources

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Students By Grade
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ADHD, Dyslexia, Mild Learning Differences, and more
Year Founded
1962
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
School Motto
Interlochen is the destination for young artists where they transform passion and potential into purpose.

Student Body

Total Students
577 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
32%
State avg.: 19%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
96 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
82%
Average Class Size
9 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Number of AP Courses
2 courses
List of Courses Offered

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition is variable based on grade level at entry; tuition cost includes boarding fees. Please see our website for further detail.
Summer Program Cost
$1,950
Summer Program Cost Notes
Program costs vary per length of program. Programs are offered in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-week sessions.
% on Financial Aid
83%
Admissions Director
Ken Labate
Admissions Associate
Heather Lee
Application URL
Endowment Size
$147.2 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
5 sports
School Mascot
Fighting Blueberry

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
34 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
AAPI Affinity GroupBe a Friend Club
Black Student UnionChristian Fellowship
Disability + Affinity GroupDND Club
Ecology ClubHip Hop Club
IAA Student NewspaperJewish Student Union
Latinx Student UnionModel United Nations
Mycology ClubQueer Student Union
Quiz BowlRobotics Engineering Club
Rock Climbing ClubSlam Poetry Club
Social Justice Club


Arts and Music Programs:
ActingBallet
BandChoir
Creative WritingFilmmaking
Jazz BandMotion Picture Arts
Music CompositionMusical Theatre
Opera WorkshopOrchestra
TheatreTheatre Design and Production
Visual Arts

School Notes

  • You'll spend half of the school day dedicated to college-preparatory academics, then spend the other half immersed in your art form.
  • On average, students who attend the Academy for four years receive double the national average in college scholarship awards.
  • Last year, 100% of 4-year seniors got into one of their top 3 college choices.
Interlochen Arts Academy offers seven artsdisciplinesand a robust academic curriculum with college preparatory, advanced placement (AP), and college credit courses.Our talented and imaginative students go on to attend topcolleges, universities, and conservatories. Here is a list of some of the institutions our students matriculated to recently:
  • New York University
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Princeton University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • The Juilliard School
  • University of Michigan
  • New England Conservatory
  • Northwestern University
  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Yale University
  • Harvard University
  • University of Southern California
  • Columbia University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins University)
  • And many more

Applications Open: Sept. 1
Early Application Deadline: Nov. 15
Regular Application Deadline: Jan. 15
Rolling admission after as space permits
Admission requirements vary by arts major. Please visit the Academy website for details at our page.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Megan Baxter - Pushcart Prize-winning author
    • Zach Dean - Screenwriter (The Gorge; Fast X; 24 Hours to Live; The Tomorrow War)
    • Jeff Toyne - Emmy Award-winning composer
    • Eric Zimmerman - Game designer and NYU Game Center professor
    • Lauren Braun - Project Manager at Apple
    • Kuan Cheng Lu - Violinist, New York Philharmonic
    • Sujata Murty - Climate research scientist and assistant professor
    • Dr. Brittany Cavallaro - New York Times bestselling author (Charlotte Holmes Series)
    • Josh Lederman - Award-winning foreign correspondent for NBC News
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Interlochen Arts Academy cost?
Interlochen Arts Academy's tuition is approximately $78,725 for private students and $1,950 for summer students.
What schools are Interlochen Arts Academy often compared to?
Interlochen Arts Academy is often viewed alongside schools like The Leelanau School by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Interlochen Arts Academy?
Interlochen Arts Academy famous alumni include: Megan Baxter, Zach Dean, Jeff Toyne, Eric Zimmerman, Lauren Braun, Kuan Cheng Lu, Sujata Murty, Dr. Brittany Cavallaro and Josh Lederman.
Does Interlochen Arts Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Interlochen Arts Academy offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does Interlochen Arts Academy offer?
Interlochen Arts Academy offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Interlochen Arts Academy's ranking?
Interlochen Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy?
The application deadline for Interlochen Arts Academy is Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
I had an amazing experience at Interlochen. To say that it changed my life would be an understatement. I attended the academy and both my academic and artistic education were changed. Each day they have a dedicated arts block in the afternoon including music theory and chamber music classes. I was a boarding student and had a great time. I came in not knowing anyone and left the place with lifelong friends. As for activities, I was able to start my own club as well as participate in sports like soccer and cross country. I just finished my undergraduate degree and am now heading to Northwestern University. I was able to attend my dream school because of the college prep resources available to me. It truly is a life-changing experience and I would do it all over again if I could.
- Posted by
5  
I first came to camp in 2015-2016 as an intermediate voice and opera student. My singing chops and competence improved in only three weeks (six weeks total). I came back in my Senior year and studied Creative Writing. While there, I made lifelong friends, became a pretty good volleyball player, made great connections with faculty, became a better writer (and can now boast of being published!), and got into my dream college. Interlochen is not just an art school but also academically rigorous and a place to make unforgettable memories. I'm unbelievably proud to call it my home away from home.
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Grand Traverse County, MI is $6,166 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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