Four weeks: June 30–July 25, 2008
CCA's summer Pre-College Program is an inspiring opportunity for high school students to study art or creative writing in an art school setting while earning three college credits. Participants immerse themselves in a college-level curriculum and become part of a creative community, meeting and working with other talented, serious students from diverse backgrounds.
Pre-College Classes
Students can sign up for Creative Writing or enroll in one of the select studio courses that takes place on CCA's beautiful and historic Oakland campus. While taking classes students can also explore the Bay Area's rich culture and geography.
Pre-College provides a perfect platform to expand their knowledge, grow as individuals, develop strong portfolio pieces, and get a taste of college life.
Summer 2008 is the Pre-College Program's 22nd year. Approximately 240 students attend each summer, many of them from around the country or from abroad; 160 reside in CCA housing.
See how a typical Pre-College weekday looks.
Eligibilty
The program is designed for students who have just completed their sophomore, junior, or senior years of high school in summer 2008.
CCA also offers a three-week Summer Atelier for students who have just completed their freshman year of high school, and the Young Artist Studio Program for students who have just completed sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. For more information please call 510.594.3710.
Schedule
Pre-College is an all-day program. Classes are held Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on CCA's Oakland campus. Morning studios take place 9 a.m.–noon, and afternoon studios take place 1–4 p.m. Optional evening events include art-making workshops, life-drawing sessions, and social activities.
Students must attend the entire four weeks of the program. The last day, Friday, July 25, consists of final critiques and concludes with a major exhibition and reception from 4:30–6 p.m. in which student work is exhibited throughout campus and in all college galleries. All Pre-College students are required to attend this final day.
Pre-College is an immersion experience. In addition to scheduled class time, each course requires work to be developed outside of class. Students should not make outside commitments or summer plans that interfere with their ability to focus on the program.
College Credit
Students earn three college credits upon successful completion of the program. An official report documenting the student's letter grade(s) and credits earned will be mailed to each student at the end of August. Absences will affect the student's grade; three absences result in automatic failure.
Official transcripts from the Pre-College Program may be requested through the Student Records Office. See Transcripts for more information.
Accreditation
CCA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
The Campus
CCA's beautiful Oakland campus stretches over four acres of landscaped grounds. A pleasant residential neighborhood surrounds the campus. College Avenue, a two-mile stretch of cafés, independent bookstores, boutiques, and restaurants, runs between CCA and the University of California at Berkeley.
Pre-College students find the CCA campus an inspiring environment for their summer art experience. It is within walking distance of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rockridge station, from which it is approximately 20 minutes to downtown San Francisco.
For directions to the campus, see How to Get Here.
Transportation
CCA's Oakland campus is served by AC Transit and, by connection, other Bay Area public transit systems. The BART Rockridge station is within walking distance (eight blocks). Many Pre-College students commute via BART from San Francisco and other Bay Area cities. Visit www.cca.edu for detailed directions to campus.
Meals
The A2 Café is located at the center of the Oakland campus, close to student housing and classes. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (hours subject to change). Meals are not included in the cost of housing. A2 Café gift cards may be purchased in varying amounts during move-in. Students living in campus housing also have access to shared kitchens. There is a supermarket around the corner from campus and a wide array of neighborhood restaurants within walking distance.
Costs
Tuition for the 2008 Pre-College Program is $2,500. All necessary supplies ($300 approximate value) are included in this price. For students who choose to live in campus housing, the cost is $795 plus a $150 refundable damage deposit.
Scholarships
Scholarship assistance is available to those with demonstrated artistic and academic promise and documented financial need. Students who submit all required scholarship materials by March 21 are automatically considered for any available funds. In addition to scholarships provided by the college, at least one annual full-tuition scholarship is awarded in memory of Marcella Cleese through a generous endowment created by her friends. Limited tuition scholarship support for San Francisco County residents is available through the generous support of the Miranda Lux Foundation.
Special diversity scholarships are available to students from the greater Bay Area who bring diverse experiences, ideas, and creative work to the program. Fifteen full scholarships are funded thanks to the generosity of the James Irvine Foundation. Students from educationally disadvantaged families who have demonstrated academic and artistic achievement, students who have demonstrated leadership and service to their communities, and students whose work focuses on social or cultural issues are considered for diversity scholarships.
Insurance
All Pre-College students must have health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the program and must submit proof of insurance before their arrival. Students who do not submit proof of insurance by May 9 risk losing their spot in the program, and those who fail to submit proof of insurance will not be allowed to attend. CCA has a vendor for students who need to obtain insurance coverage. Please call 510.594.3638 for more information.
Personal Conduct
In order to ensure a positive and safe learning environment, students are required to adhere to the policies and standards of the program. With their notification of acceptance, students receive a contract outlining CCA's policies and rules, which they and their parents/guardians are required to sign, acknowledging their understanding and acceptance.
If you'd like to apply for Pre-College, make sure to read the general information on this page, as well as information on Applying, Housing, and Special Activities.
2008 Course List
Phone: 510.594.3638
Fax: 510.594.3601
Students with Disabilities
For information about CCA's support services, please call 510.594.3638.
Oakland campus
"The program was challenging and really brings out the best in your artistic abilities."
Deadline Reminders
- Priority Application
March 21* - Scholarship
March 21 - Tuition Balance
May 9 - Housing Fee
May 9 - More deadline info
*After March 21 we begin rolling admissions, meaning applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
"I would definitely recommend this program to a friend because it was such an enriching, exciting, and enjoyable experience."
"Anyone who really wants to study art and get better really quickly should definitely do this."
CCA's historic Oakland campus