Youth Courses
(Ages 13–17)
Whether online or in person, RISD has a variety of experiences for teens to explore art collaboratively. Online courses run year round while in-person courses are available during the summer on RISD’s campus in Providence, RI.
As part of RISD Pre-Collegiate Programs and designed for high school students interested in pursuing art and design in college, Advanced Program Online is an intensive for changemakers and offers a certificate track. RISD Pre-College is our residential summer immersive where students follow a college-level curriculum and live like a RISD student during the summer.
Teen Enrichment Programs
Teen Online Courses
Year-round online courses provide opportunities for teens to be with their peers who are energetic, creative and passionate about what they’re doing.
Ages 13–17, Fall, Spring, Summer
Teen In-Person Courses
Teens can maximize their summer by gaining a foundation in art and design fundamentals, experimenting with a new medium and building technical skills.
Ages 13–17, Summer only
Pre-Collegiate Programs
Follow a college-level curriculum in the format that works for you.
Advanced Program Online
Year-Round Online Intensive
Join RISD’s online intensive for changemakers to develop your art practice, learn new ways to collaborate and create a future you’re excited about.
Ages 15–18, Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-College
Residential Summer Immersive
Live like a RISD student this summer and follow a college-level curriculum that will forever shape the way you approach art and design.
Ages 16–18, Summer only
Compare Teen Programs
Teen Online Courses
- Eligibility: Online enrichment program for students ages 13-17.
- Focus: Connects students who are excited to develop visual communication and problem-solving skills through art and design.
- Schedule: 5-week program offered in fall and spring, with a 3-week option in the summer.
- Minimum Work Time: Fall/Spring: 3-4 hours per week, including class time. Summer: 3-4 hours per week, plus class time.
- Course Format: One- to two-hour live Zoom classes for students to join breakout rooms and review past and upcoming projects.
- Results: Newfound skills and approaches to communicating through art and design practices. A narrative assessment of performance with guidance toward suggested courses, programs, and careers.
Teen In-Person Courses
- Eligibility: In-person enrichment program for students ages 13-17.
- Focus: Connects students who are excited to develop visual communication and problem-solving skills through art and design.
- Schedule: 1-week courses offered in the summer.
- Minimum Work Time: Work is limited to the 3-hour in-class experience. There is no homework assigned in these courses.
- Course Format: One- to two-hour live Zoom classes for students to join breakout rooms and review past and upcoming projects.
- Results: Newfound skills and connections to a visual art and design practice. Individualized support from instructors with guidance toward suggested courses, programs, and careers.
Advanced Program Online
- Eligibility: Intensive online offering for students ages 15-18, including rising sophomores in the summer.
- Focus: Emphasizes collaborative making, feedback and discussion with peers interested in becoming changemakers.
- Schedule: 4-week program offering during the fall, spring, and summer. Students may opt to take Essential Fundamentals courses in two parts during the fall and spring.
- Minimum Work Time: 5 (fall and spring) or 10 (summer) hours per week for Essential Fundamentals. 20 hours per week for Concentration.
- Course Format: 3-hour live Zoom classes built around in-class critique and working sessions.
- Results: A developed, iterative conceptual process to create work that successfully conveys personal expression through inquiry. A contemporary thinking in art and design, especially as it pertains to social issues.
Pre-College Program
- Eligibility: Immersive in-person program for students ages 16-18 who are rising juniors or seniors.
- Focus: Designed to emulate elements of RISD’s first-year experience as a broad introduction to art and design elements.
- Schedule: 5-week summer program with residential and commuter options.
- Minimum Work Time: 4.5 courses per week + homework.
- Course Format: 6-hour courses in shared collaborative studio workspaces.
- Results: Portfolio-ready work unique to the student’s personal journey and practice during Pre-College. Acclimation with the college setting and preparedness for the social and academic challenges in college.