Pre-College
I spend my vacation as a serious artist.
I Am Serious
Spend two weeks in the studios, mentored by professional artists and designers who take your work seriously. Level-up your skills while earning college credit and getting a taste of what art school is all about.
The Experience
Spend two weeks in apartment-style suites just steps away from your studio. Each has a kitchenette, two bedrooms, and private bathrooms.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience the amazing cultural hub of University Circle.
While most students choose to participate in Pre-College by living on-campus, we have many commuter students.
You are welcome to commute if you live with a parent/guardian in Ohio’s Cuyahoga county.
Experience campus life like many of our full-time undergrad commuter students. You will follow the same schedule as your peers throughout the day without staying on campus overnight.
Your CIA ID will be preloaded with Case Cash funds that can be used at any of these restaurants located within the campus boundaries.
Plum Market Kitchen across the street is great for grab-and-go meals, snacks and groceries!
8am: Breakfast
9am: Studio Class (Commuters arrive)
12pm: Lunch
1pm: Studio Class
4pm: Open Studio
5pm: Dinner
6pm: Evening Studio (Commuters depart at 9pm)
Dive Into Life as an Art Student
The Pre-College program is the perfect opportunity to ease into art school. It is a safe space for you to learn new skills and discover your passions. You may even meet your future college friends!
2025 Dates + Class Descriptions
Session 1: July 6–18
Session 2: July 20–August 1
Can’t decide on one course to take? Stay for both sessions and take two!
The 2025 application is open!
Explore course descriptions
Have questions about Pre-College? Contact the CECO office at precollege@cia.edu or 216.421.7460
Application Requirements
Applying to the program is easy via our online portal. Create an account if you do not already have one, select “Start New Application” and then “2025 Pre-College Application” under the application type.
You must submit a completed application and a nonrefundable $35 application fee.
Scholarships are distributed based on financial need and portfolio strength. We have a limited number of scholarships now available for Pre-College 2025! Students who complete their application—including portfolio materials—by May 15th are eligible for up to $500 per session in scholarship funds.
You must also follow these additional steps:
- Select “yes” to the scholarship consideration question on the application
- Submit a copy of the most recent tax return of whoever claims you as a dependent
- Write a paragraph that tells us why you want to attend Pre-College
- Submit a portfolio of 5–8 works
- If you are applying to the Creative Writing course, your portfolio should consist of up to 10 pages of original written works (school writing assignments can be used). These can be any style or genre, individual pieces or an excerpt from a larger work.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through June.
Tuition + Fees
Resident: $3,100
Includes college credits, room and board, meals, materials, activities and refundable materials and housing deposit ($250).
Commuter: $2,450
Includes college credits, meals, materials, activities and refundable materials deposit ($100).
Resident: $5,950
Includes college credits, room and board, meals, materials, activities and refundable materials and housing deposit ($250).
Commuter: $4,800
Includes college credits, meals, materials, activities and refundable materials deposit ($100).