About the Program
What is Summer@Cornish?
Summer@Cornish gives high school students a mini-college experience centered on making art, developing skills and exploring creative possibilities. Students create, perform or showcase original work while building confidence and preparing for further study in the arts.
Morning intensives provide focused study in a primary art form. Afternoon electives offer opportunities to explore other disciplines or deepen an existing interest.
Music · Dance · Musical & Theater · Digital Design · Film · Art & Design
Can I take just one elective or attend part-time?
Yes! Choose the combination that works for you:
- Full-time: One morning intensive and two afternoon electives.
- Part-time: A morning intensive, one or two afternoon electives, or an intensive paired with one elective.
Residential participation requires enrollment in the full-time program.
Can I take electives outside my main discipline?
Yes! Students can explore electives beyond their morning intensive. A music student might take film, or an art and design student might explore theater. Choose from the available courses and schedules to build your program.
Do I need to audition or submit a portfolio?
Requirements vary by program:
- Art & Design: No portfolio is required.
- Digital Design: No portfolio is required.
- Music: No admission audition is required. After registration, placement auditions help faculty organize students into ensembles appropriate to their experience.
- Musical & Theater: No admission audition is required.
- Film: No portfolio is required.
- Dance: Visit the Dance program page for audition requirements, dates and registration forms.
Review individual course descriptions for recommended experience or prerequisites.
Tuition, Discounts & Scholarships
How much does Summer@Cornish cost?
Tuition depends on the courses you choose.
- Full-time: One morning intensive and two afternoon electives.
- Part-time: Students pay only for their selected courses.
See the program pages linked above for current tuition.
For residential package pricing and what it includes, visit the Residential Program page.
Is there an early registration discount?
Yes! Register before March 1 to receive 10% off tuition. Early bird pricing is reflected in the listed course prices during the discount period—no code is needed. Prices return to the regular tuition rate after the early bird period ends.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! Need-based tuition scholarships are available through the Summer@Cornish scholarship application.
Application deadlines:
- Students attending the Residential Program: February 14
- Commuter students: March 1
Scholarship awards depend on available funding and apply to tuition. Housing and residential costs are not covered.
Dance scholarships: The Jeanne-Marie Klepper Scholarship supports tuition for the four-week Dance Intensive and two electives. Visit the Dance program page for more information, or complete the Klepper Scholarship application, which includes a dance audition video submission.
Classes & Preparation
Will there be homework, tests or quizzes?
There is no traditional homework, testing or quizzes. Students may choose to practice, rehearse or continue developing their work outside class.
Do students need to bring supplies?
General course supplies are included. Depending on the course, students may need to bring appropriate clothing or specific footwear.
Pianos, drum kits and amplifiers are available on campus. Music students should generally plan to bring their own individual instruments, such as guitars, brass or woodwind instruments. Specific requirements will be shared before classes begin.
Can students use practice rooms or studio space?
Yes! Practice rooms are available, and students may request studio space. Access is subject to availability and program scheduling.
How large are the classes?
Morning intensives typically enroll 10–30 students, depending on the discipline. Most afternoon electives enroll 10–15 students.
Will I receive college credit? What will I take away from the program?
Summer@Cornish is a noncredit program. After completing the program, students may request a letter of completion for college verification, employment applications or other opportunities.
Students also leave with creative work and preparation they can build on beyond the summer. Depending on their program, this may include portfolio materials, audition preparation, faculty feedback and performance reviews, and recordings of final performances. These experiences and materials can support future study, college applications and continued artistic development.
Campus Life & Housing
Is housing available? Do I have to stay on campus?
Housing is available through the Summer@Cornish Residential Program for students attending the full-time program.
Housing is optional. Students may commute to campus instead.
Do I need to bring lunch?
No. Commuter students can purchase lunch at Nellie’s Café or choose from nearby restaurants, cafés and food trucks. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch.
Explore our guide to Seattle and South Lake Union dining and activities for nearby options.
For residential dining arrangements and meal information, visit the Residential Program page.
Is parking available?
Campus parking is limited. Families should plan to use nearby street parking or a public garage and check current rates and restrictions.
One nearby option is the Amazon re Garage, located at 2121 8th Avenue.
Can students take public transportation?
Yes! Campus is accessible by nearby bus routes and Link light rail. Families should plan their route and allow time to walk between their stop or station and campus.
What activities and attractions are nearby?
Cornish’s South Lake Union location offers plenty of opportunities to experience Seattle’s arts, food and waterfront. Nearby destinations and city outings include:
- Arts and culture: Seattle Art Museum, Frye Art Museum, MoPOP, MOHAI, SIFF and local galleries.
- Markets and neighborhood favorites: Pike Place Market, the SLU Saturday Market and Salt & Straw.
- Parks and waterfront: South Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle Center and Alki Beach via Water Taxi.
- Seattle landmarks: The Space Needle and downtown waterfront.
Residential programming may also include supervised outings, movie nights, trivia, game nights, theater visits and scheduled rehearsal or studio time. Activities vary by session; see the Residential Program page for details.
Explore our guide to Seattle and South Lake Union activities and dining.
Have more questions?
Contact CornishPlus at cornishplus@seattleu.edu.
