What will I do?
2025 Applications are now open!
Learn more about what you'll do during Pre-College, including your weekly schedule, class descriptions and topics, events, presentations, and activities throughout the month!
As a Pre-College student, you will join a talented community of practicing artists and designers who are eager to explore, challenge, and experiment with ideas. All classes are taught by AUArts instructors who are passionate about education and helping you grow as an artist. They will guide you through studio assignments, research projects, and critiques that will increase your abilities to observe, conceptualize, and create. Using a variety of media you will build a portfolio of finished work for post-secondary admission and bursary applications.
During Pre-College you will gain a thorough understanding of introductory art and design study at the post-secondary level. Preparing you for further education in a college or university environment. You will also participate in extracurricular activities, events, and presentations to support your learning, enhance your portfolio, and prepare for your future.
Find out how far you can go.
Studio Experience
You will receive instruction and demonstrations, participate in discussions and critiques, gather research, and work on your assignments with support from your instructors.
Your instructors are award-winning artists and educators who bring years of artistic practice, industry experience, and innovative teaching to the classroom.
Once your classes end for the day, you are welcome to remain in the studio to continue your independent projects or collaborate with peers. This Open Studio time allows you the space to work and build community. You will have homework most nights. But, it’s not really homework if you love it, right?
Monday - Friday
10AM - 4PM
Attend foundational studio classes, Mondays to Thursdays, with a one-hour lunch break.
Each Friday, you will participate in an elective studio. Elective studio options may change from year to year giving students the chance to explore the different concentrations offered through AUArts.
Pre-College students are expected to attend all classes, studio hours, activities and events over the length of the program.
Schedule
Here's what your weeks will look like:
Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday & Sunday
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Activities & events
Field trips
Spend a day understanding what life after university has in store through exciting field trips. Locations may change annually to provide fresh and inspiring experiences and may include a professional design firm, artist run center or a commercial gallery.
Presentations
Pre-college students will participate in a series of informative presentations during their time here, including a presentation from our Admissions team regarding future post-secondary applications. Students will also be able to engage in a live Q&A with current AUArts students to hear about their experiences, and take a guided tour with the Library team to learn about the resources available to them.
Closing Exhibit
End the program with a Closing Exhibit using the work you've created in a group show with the rest of your classmates. Share what you've achieved in only four weeks with your friends and family!
