Leading Arts Schools that expand your College and career opportunities

“Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.” Victor Pinchuk

Some of us were born to be creative. Some of us simply don’t fit into the cookie-cutter shape of an accountant, economist or banker. Though growing up might see the end of messy finger painting, the need to express yourself through your words, music or pictures is an inextinguishable flame that burns from within.

Sadly, following creative subjects in school can all too often feel like you’re branching away from the subjects that will make a difference in the world. Our news feeds are saturated with articles about the latest health breakthroughs and our homes are filled with all the latest technologies.

You may be wondering what difference studying the arts can bring to a world of scientific development and technological advancement, but the truth is that progress in these fields relies on the arts to make an impact.

Without creatively-minded people, no one would know how to write the articles explaining the newest cutting-edge research or even design the latest tech as a work of art. Creative expression is the beautifully-crafted bodywork of the car driving us towards scientific expression.

By studying a higher-level subject in the arts, you begin to understand how to take society towards its next destination. The world around us is constantly changing and new issues are frequently arising – but despite this, the questions always remain the same.

Climate change and technological developments pose us with problems never seen before, but by studying the arts, you will learn how to objectively analyse the wider world, as well as how to present persuasive arguments and develop the creative confidence to express your ideas.

The ability to write articulately, read insightfully, discuss critically and understand deeply are qualities that will be needed no matter where the future takes us. By studying subjects such as literature, religion, history, anthropology and philosophy, you can cultivate these skills on top of a well-rounded understanding of the human condition.

Jobs will change, societies will progress and the world will advance, but humanity’s role within all of this will stay the same. Creative minds will remain responsible for identifying society’s problems and bringing scientific developments to fruition.

Without the ability to express ideas, economic development and scientific progression would solely remain in the knowledge of those who discover them.

Studying the arts at school allows you to carve your creative flair to real-world skills before cementing them in your college degree.

Here are some of the leading arts schools that will expand your College opportunities…

IDYLLWILD ARTS ACADEMY – USA

What do a vascular surgeon, an environmental scientist-activist, a prolific inventor, and a high-tech executive have in common with many professional artists from all over the world? They all graduated from Idyllwild Arts Academy, with its forested 205-acre campus nestled in California’s breath-taking San Jacinto Mountains.

Idyllwild Arts students acquire the skills and confidence to succeed in any field through the innovative collaboration between their academic teachers and arts faculty that includes working musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and more.

Besides a challenging college-prep curriculum for Grades 9 through 12 and postgraduates, the Academy offers intensive, pre-professional arts training. Young people passionate about Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Film & Digital Media, Fashion Design, or Interdisciplinary Arts will leave the Academy as budding masters of their crafts, also able to thrive in areas seemingly unconnected to the arts.

Kristie Hubbard, mother of a Visual Arts graduate, speaks for countless satisfied Academy parents: “While giving my son clear and rigorous guidance on the fundamentals and the incremental steps required to master any particular academic or artistic competence, he was encouraged to explore and take risks within his studies and projects.”

Every year, this residential high school attracts students from dozens of different countries to the much-loved Golden State. Here, 300 young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds give everything they’ve got to their studies, granting them a distinct advantage in a highly competitive world.

MILLFIELD SCHOOL – UK

Offering students an artistic education from age two to 18, Millfield School provides a world-class education that helps see children through those critical formative years.

The school was founded in 1935, boasting decades of tradition and expertise that enriches student learning. Over this time, the institution has finessed its philosophy of helping each individual fulfil their own potential.

Students get the chance to explore their intellectual abilities within the classroom and discover their passions outside of the classroom. An exciting timetable of extracurricular stories allows students to try their hand at anything from horse riding to acting.

Through studying at Millfield School, 14-year-old Juliet uncovered a fascination with human biology, plus a deep-held love of music and impressive talent in netball. “I find school life amazing, the academic study can be quite intense but it is always enjoyable and interesting. The sport is fun, no matter what level you are and I love going to the Music department for lessons or to practise with friends. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.”

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS – USA

Inspiring artistic and creative thinking is the central philosophy at the Governor’s School for the Arts, which is ranked in the Top 20 high schools in the USA.

The school provides conservatory training in Dance, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre & Film, Visual Arts and Vocal Music, preparing students for the demanding world of artistic expression.

Students receive both technical training and performance experience through the 50 public performances organised each year.

There is also an emphasis on becoming a valuable member of society beyond the arts at the school. Students must complete 25 hours of community service every year to give back to society. Projects range from food banks to swimming lessons.

Community spirit plays a large role in the culture of the school, encouraging students to come together through the arts and become lifelong advocates for creativity and innovation.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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