Students should be prepared to work hard and learn a great deal. Although many optional recreational activities are scheduled, the requirements of a student's chosen course, whether a rehearsal, class, or lecture, always take first priority. If a student feels the need for additional help or instruction, he or she can feel comfortable about asking an instructor for more time and attention. The Summer Program consists of courses in dance, music, theater, visual arts, creative writing, and Native American arts. Specific course offerings are organized into art centers according to age.
Courses are available to both boarding and day students.
The minimum boarding age is 9. An important goal of the Children's Center is for students to gain an enthusiasm and excitement for the arts and a basic foundation of technical knowledge. In addition, students in this age range may participate in selected Youth Arts Center music and dance courses based on experience and ability. Courses are two weeks in length with the exception of the Summer Theatre Festival, which is offered in two 3-week sessions. The Youth Arts Center comprises the largest segment of the Summer Program, with forty-eight weeks of course offerings in all of the visual and performing arts.