
Pre-College Program in Architecture
The Pre-College Art & Design Experience (PCADE) at the Academy of Art University is a tuition-FREE art and design education program for high school students. Removing tuition as a barrier is in alignment with the university’s mission to be inclusive in offering art and design education to everyone. All supplies are provided.
The program is a great way to get hands-on experience in a fun and low-stakes environment. Curious to learn about what architects do? Interested in finding out whether you’d like to pursue it as a college degree? Find out!
For students who have already made the decision to apply to college as an architecture major, our longer summer program can help you build your portfolio. Please note that the program is not for college credit.
- Eligibility: 9th grade through 12th grade High School students
- Location: 601 Brannan St., San Francisco (0.2 mile from Muni / 0.3 mile from CalTrain King Street Station / 1 mile from BART Powell St Station)
- Duration: Summer sessions meet in June for 2 weeks in person. Fall and Spring sessions meet for 3 Saturdays in person.
- More information: https://www.academyart.edu/art-degree/pre-college-art-design-experience/
- FAQ: https://www.academyart.edu/art-degree/pre-college-art-experience/faq/
Apply at this link Pre-College Application
Course Offerings
*AE ARH 10 Architecture and the City & AE ARH 40 Architecture Making Lab are offered onsite and should be taken together. This is to take full advantage of the lab resources we have available on our campus.
Student Work
For examples of student work from our Architecture Pre-College courses, please visit these pages: