All students spend a day visiting CCA's San Francisco campus and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Fine arts students attend a panel discussion by studio instructors who discuss how they make a living as artists.

A variety of other activities supplement and enrich the coursework and are available to both residential and commuter students. In the past, social events have included outdoor films, dances, and weekend field trips. Other activities are designed specifically to enhance the studio experience.

Early-evening workshops typically are scheduled on weekdays from 4:30–7 p.m. CCA admissions counselors conduct two workshops: The first covers how to apply to art school, including portfolio preparation, and the second involves one-on-one portfolio reviews. Five life drawing sessions are scheduled. Other workshops in previous years have covered digital imaging, bookmaking, garment construction, sculpture installation, and sustainable design as well as visits from prominent artists and writers.

Weekend activities offer an opportunity to take advantage of Pre-College program activities and trips, as well as explore some of the remarkable natural and cultural sites in the greater Bay Area, from the Pacific Ocean and the California redwoods to major art museums and renowned architectural buildings.

Past field trip destinations have included Santa Cruz, Muir Woods, Headlands Center for the Arts, the Oakland Museum of California, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, and Oakland's historic Paramount Theatre and Jack London Square.

Alternatively, you may choose to relax and spend the weekend writing in a café near our Oakland campus.

The Pre-College Program culminates with a final exhibition and closing ceremony on Friday, July 25, to which families are invited. Formal invitations are mailed at the end of June.

Field trips and weekend activies add to the Pre-College experience

Muir Woods

Bay Area coastline

Scavenger hunt