College Preview

Dive into art school life—and earn college credits.
Ready to experience college life as an art & design student? CCAD’s College Preview is a transformative pre-college summer program designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors ( grades 10-12) who are considering a future in art and design.
Set on our beautiful campus in thriving downtown Columbus, Ohio, this immersive summer program for high school students introduces them to the art and design school experience. You’ll customize your path by choosing a major area of study— like animation, game art and design, and photography—and take part in college courses modeled after CCAD’s own curriculum. It’s a chance to earn college credit, get a taste of college life, and start building your portfolio—all before graduating high school!
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2025
THREE WEEKS. ONE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE.
THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
THE CAMPUS & COLUMBUS EXPERIENCE
Just like a full-time college student, you’ll live in one of our residence halls. See firsthand why Columbus is a vibrant arts destination through chaperoned trips to sites of interest such as the Scioto Mile, Otherworld, and the Franklinton Arts District. Plus, you’ll participate in a public-facing exhibition at the culmination of the program.
Area of Study
Customize your experience by choosing an area of study.
- Animation
- Comics & Narrative Practice
- Fashion Design
- Film & Video
- Fine Arts
- Game Art & Design
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Interior Architecture & Design
- Photography
- Product Design
- Registration fee is non refundable and non transferable.
- A 100% refund of tuition balance less $250 non refundable registration fee is eligible if withdrawn by June 16, 2025.
- A 50% refund of tuition balance less $250 non refundable registration fee is eligible if withdrawn by June 30, 2025.
- There are no refunds thereafter.
Please note that classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. Registrants with canceled sections will be offered an alternative class section for their young artist or a full refund for their class registration.
Due to the logistics of supply acquisition and class rosters, we do not allow students to change majors mid-program. CCAD prides itself on our highly trained teaching artists, who work hard to develop curriculum and request professional artmaking supplies before the session starts.
- A core tenet of the College Preview experience is creating a safe environment for students to grow and experience the independence of attending college. If you feel it necessary, you may visit your young artist outside of class time (lunch, noon–1 p.m. or after 4 p.m.). We ask that you schedule your visit around our scheduled activities, as these events have already been supplied with a full student headcount in mind.
- STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE CAMPUS, with a family member or otherwise, unless for a pre-arranged medical appointment. Please contact our program coordinator at [email protected] to alert them of any off-campus medical visits with your young artist. Failure to abide by this requirement may result in your student’s immediate dismissal from the program at your expense.
Students will receive 3 non-major elective art credits and have their application fee to CCAD waived upon completion of the program.
How these credits transfer to outside institutions is at the discretion of their registrar, and will vary on a case-by-case basis. Please contact CCAD’s registrar at [email protected] to request your transcript.
We're here to ensure your safety while you're at CCAD. That’s why residence hall advisors and campus security staff are available at all times. At College Preview Orientation, we’ll cover our CCAD Student Handbook, code of conduct, campus safety procedures, and other related information.
A detailed checklist of items to bring will be sent to all registered students who have completed payment of their tuition before move-in occurs. Generally, we advise students to bring basic linens (towels, sheets, etc.), appropriate seasonal clothing, and any personal technology devices they feel they may need. All art supplies, materials, software, and technology that would be necessary for a student to complete their projects will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring personal sketchbooks and any of their favorite art supplies as well!
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