California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

The California State Summer School for the Arts is a rigorous pre-professional training program in the visual & performing arts, creative writing, animation, and film for talented, high school artists. It provides a supportive environment in which students hone skills and explore new techniques for an exciting learning experience.

The School was created by the California Legislature, held its first session in 1987. Its purpose is to provide a training ground for future artists who wish to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industries in California. The California State Summer School for the Arts is a state agency funded through a unique public-private partnership.

Students apply for the opportunity to study in one of the School’s seven departments which include animation, dance, film, music, visual arts, theater, and writing. They may receive 3 units of California State University elective credit for successful participation.

California residents enrolled in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to apply to CSSSA. Students from outside of California may also apply; a limited number are admitted each year. Participants are selected in the spring on the basis of their talent and creativity as demonstrated through assignments and teacher recommendations. CSSSA’s student body is representative of the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the state. The admissions process is highly competitive; in 2019 fewer than half of all applicants were accepted in each department. Students who complete the four-week program are named California Arts Scholars.

CSSSA offers courses like Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Visual Arts, Theater, and Writing. For summer 2021, CSSSA will attempt to be held in-person but if it is not possible then it will be moved to online. To find out more about how to apply, costs and session dates, check out our website!