Youth Programs

(Ages 6–17)

Building a Foundation in Art and Design

Whether online or in person during the summer, our courses for youth ages 6 to 17 allow students to grow creatively as they develop and refine their artistic abilities. Led by outstanding visual artists, designers and educators, these programs journey into the artistic process where the emphasis is on thinking, designing, communicating and creating.

Young artists ages 6 to 12 build self-confidence as they develop a strong foundation of creative and technical skills. Teenage students ages 13 to 17 use art as a means for creative self-expression, increasing their skill level as well as their maturity. For both age groups, these programs introduce students to notable artists and their work, and help foster each student’s creative, social and intellectual development.

Youth Courses (ages 13–17)

Teen Online Courses

Year-round online courses provide opportunities for high school students to be with their peers who are energetic, creative and passionate about what they’re doing.

Ages 13–17, Fall, Spring, Summer

RISD CE teen students and instructor in the Nature Lab drawing from taxidermy model.

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

Full-day camp students and instructors walking from the beach to the lawns at Tillinghast Place.

Youth Full-Day Camps

RISD Art Camp is a week-long option for students 6–8 and 9–12 years old. Our camps are inspired by our bayside location (Tillinghast Place, Barrington, RI) and build on RISD’s expertise in art and design education.

Ages 6–12, Summer only

Pre-Collegiate Programs

Follow a college-level curriculum in the format that works for you.

RISD Advanced Program Online for high school students

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

RISD Pre-College program

Pre-College

Residential Summer Intensive

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