Click here to view current student activities.
The campus atmosphere is open and friendly. Teachers and students alike are referred to by first name, and there is a mutual respect for what each individual offers to the Academy. Just as students fill the seats in the classrooms to learn, faculty fill the seats at student performances to support and appreciate their artistic endeavors. Students and faculty participate in all-school meetings, eat meals together, perform together, play sports together and so on.
The curriculum at the Academy is challenging. With daily schedules that include academics, arts classes, rehearsals, recitals, studio work and practice, there is no question that Arts Academy students are constantly "on the go." At the end of the day, students might wind down with a game of basketball on the outdoor court, or challenge each other to a ping-pong tournament. Additionally, a weight-room is available to students, and activities such as swimming, Tae-bo, yoga, aerobics, baseball, flag football, soccer and ultimate frisbee are offered throughout the year. Occasionally, faculty and students square off in ultimate frisbee or basketball, providing an opportunity to lambaste each other good-naturedly. In the evenings, the common areas in each dormitory serve as social gathering places where students can relax, share stories of the day, play games, or watch movies. Dorm parents, who are also faculty members, often join in student activities. Dorm parents are the primary care-givers, listeners, organizers and overseers of students, creating a family atmosphere away from home.
On weekends, students often go into the village of Idyllwild. A popular tourist attraction, Idyllwild offers a variety of restaurants, specialty shops, antique stores, and art galleries, as well as a movie theatre. The Visitor's Center houses historical photographs of early Idyllwild and artifacts of the Cahuilla Indians who used to reside in the area. Public campgrounds, picnic areas and fishing lakes are nearby, and impressive views of Tahquitz Peak, Lily Rock, and the 10, 804' summit of Mt. San Jacinto greet the eye. Transportation is provided between the Academy and the town throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, and all day Sunday.
Weekend trips to Los Angeles, San Diego or Palm Springs for shopping, museums, plays, opera, concerts, or to visit theme parks such as Universal Studios or Disneyland, afford students an opportunity to get off "the hill" once in a while. Additionally, ski trips to local resorts occur throughout the winter, and other activities suggested by students or faculty can be arranged by demand. The Academy's mountain location offers students a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing and cross-country skiing. Roads and extensive trails in and around the campus encourage running and cycling, and there is a challenging, 18-hole "frisbee golf" course in the surrounding woods.
Students are encouraged to become involved in the production of student publications, which include the yearbook, the literary magazine and the photography magazine.
Physical Education
Due to the unique curriculum offered at the Arts Academy, the Physical Education program tends to be more creative than the typical standardized course offerings. This course serves as a foundation for a healthy, positive lifestyle with a focus on nutrition, fitness and some wilderness skills. It will enhance every student’s interpersonal and leadership abilities; develop an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment while physically challenging students in team sports and individual exercises such as: jogging, hiking, yoga, ultimate frisbee, various ball sports, and a broad range of core fitness and cardio exercises.
All students are required to complete two years of Physical Education. Courses meet twice a week during regularly scheduled academic classes in the morning. There are no fees involved in P.E. class, but students are expected to have appropriate clothing and footwear. Afternoon classes scheduled in the Dance department, if they meet for 3 or more hours a week, can be taken for P.E. credit.
Physical Education
Course offerings may include:
Aerobics
Individualized running program
Basketball
Stage Movement
Cycling
Swimming
Dance department courses
Tennis
Musical
Theatre dance courses
Walking/jogging
Hiking
Weight training
Individualized exercise program
Yoga
Courses meet a minimum of three hours per week and offerings may change depending upon enrollment. A student may elect to take the same course all year or take a variety of courses which fit his/her schedule. This program is designed to be flexible and to meet the needs and interests of the students.
Student Government
Students elect representatives from each arts major. Day students and international students as a group each have an additional representative. Students interested in policies, rules, privileges, or activities affecting them or the entire student body are encouraged to participate and bring their ideas and concerns to the Student Government members. Anyone in the student body is welcome to attend a Student Government meeting.
Prefect Program
At the Idyllwild Arts Academy, student leadership is expected in all areas of arts, academics, and campus life. The prefect program provides the opportunity for students to hold formal leadership positions. The goals of the prefect program are:
1. To instill and develop leadership qualities in students
2. To give students the opportunity to support and be a part of the school's residential goals by assisting in the residential program
3. To recognize student maturity and responsibility
4. To allow students a formal opportunity to serve the school community
5. To provide additional responsible supervision in the dormitories
6. To encourage older students to serve as positive role models for younger students
Prefects are students with the exemplary qualities of honesty, dependability, fairness, leadership, and good conduct. They are highly respected members of the school community by virtue of their positions. Prefects are selected from the junior class each May for the following year.
