About

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College program is a rigorous five-week summer studio experience (June 27 – August 1, 2026) for rising high school juniors and seniors. Hosted on RISD’s campus in Providence, participants engage in day-long studio courses, critiques, and sustained project work grounded in the Experimental and Foundation Studies curriculum. Students choose from over 20 majors, such as animation, fashion, and graphic design, working alongside peers and guided by accomplished teaching artists. The on-campus option provides access to RISD’s Nature Lab, museum collections, and specialized studio facilities.

Tuition for 2026 is $12,495 for residential students and $9,595 for commuters, with an additional estimated $800–$1,000 for art supplies. Admission is capacity-limited and rolling; majors fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
The structure mirrors a college studio rhythm: six to eight hours of in-studio work per day, supplemented by regular "crits" and independent work. The curriculum emphasizes technical skill, conceptual thinking, and artistic voice, with students producing substantial portfolio work. As a decisive benefit, students also receive a portfolio review opportunity with RISD Admissions.

For those unable to travel to Providence, the Pre-College Online option runs June 29 – July 31, 2026 (with orientation starting June 22). This virtual track costs $4,635 and features live classes twice a week. It is open to students ages 14–18 in grades 10–12 and requires no prerequisites. Both formats provide a serious preparatory experience, linking students directly to the pedagogy of one of the world's top art and design institutions.