Idyllwild Arts Academy

Idyllwild, CA

Financials

Source year 2026-2027 · Tuition source · Verified August 13, 2026

Day tuition (2026-2027)

$35,500

Boarding tuition (2026-2027)

$79,500

Financial aid

60% of students

Enrollment

300

Student:Teacher

6:1

Founded

1986

What Idyllwild Arts Academy actually costs

Estimates — verify with the school

Published tuition is only part of the picture. This projection adds the costs families actually pay (tuition source year 2026-2027), with ~4%/yr tuition inflation.

Program

Distance from home

Years attending

Expected financial aid0% of tuition

60% of students at this school receive aid. Use the school's net price calculator for your family's real number.

Year 1 real cost

$88,200

vs $79,500 published tuition

4-year total

$373,992

incl. $36,398 beyond tuition

Hidden costs per year

Books, laptop & course materials$800
Athletics gear & team fees$900
Activities, trips & event fees$1,200
Travel home & breaks$2,000
Dorm setup & storage$400
Spending money & incidentals$2,400
Health & student fees$1,000

About

Idyllwild Arts Academy is a co-ed boarding and day arts school in the San Jacinto Mountains of California offering intensive training in music, dance, creative writing, film, theater, and visual arts alongside college prep academics. Students come from over 25 countries.

Does this school sound like a fit?

Claire can tell you how it matches your child's specific strengths, budget, and learning style — and what questions to ask on visit day.