Arts
CSSSA (California State Summer School for the Arts)
CSSSA is a 4-week residential program run by California State Summer School for the Arts (State of California). Open to: currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12.
- Application deadline
- February 28, 2027
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 8 to 12
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 4 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students spend four weeks in residence training in one discipline: animation, architecture and environment, dance, film, music, theater, visual arts, or writing. The program is run by the State of California.
- Animation
- Dance
- Film
- Music
- Visual arts
Key facts
- Run by
- California State Summer School for the Arts (State of California)
- Where
- Pomona, CA (residential)
- Who can apply
- Currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12For California residents; out-of-state students may apply for a limited number of places.
- Dates
- July 5 to July 31, 2027
- Cost
- 2026: $5,174 for California residents, $10,475 for out-of-state and international students; covers courses, room, board, department field trips, and most supplies
- Deadline
- February 28, 2027 (priority deadline)Application opens November 1, 2026.
- Selectivity
- Up to 500 students attend each summer.
What the application asks for
- Teacher recommendation
- Portfolio or audition
- Application fee
- Parent or financial forms
Two teacher references, the portfolio or audition assignments set by the chosen department, and a $20 application fee with waivers available.
How a mentor helps with your CSSSA application
- Decide whether CSSSA fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the CSSSA deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAED/Architecture Summer Career WorkshopCal Poly College of Architecture and Environmental Design | San Luis Obispo, CAResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid, aid available | Not posted |
| BUTIBoston University College of Fine Arts | Lenox, MAResidential | Ages 14 to 20 (Young Artists Programs ages 14 to 19) | Paid, aid available | January 19, 2027 |
| CMU Pre-College ArchitectureCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College ArtCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College DesignCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
| CMU Pre-College DramaCarnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PAResidential or commuter | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2027 (February 1, 2027 for scholarship consideration) |
Frequently asked questions
When is the CSSSA application deadline?
The deadline is February 28, 2027 (priority deadline). The application opens November 1, 2026.
How much does CSSSA cost?
2026: $5,174 for California residents, $10,475 for out-of-state and international students; covers courses, room, board, department field trips, and most supplies. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to CSSSA?
Currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12. For California residents; out-of-state students may apply for a limited number of places.
What does the CSSSA application require?
Teacher recommendation, Portfolio or audition, Application fee, Parent or financial forms. Two teacher references, the portfolio or audition assignments set by the chosen department, and a $20 application fee with waivers available.
How hard is it to get into CSSSA?
Up to 500 students attend each summer.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
