Pre-College Program Overview

Our three-week summer residential Pre-College Program (July 13 – August 2, 2025) is designed for high school students 16 years and older and provides an intensive introduction to the life and expectations at an art college while enhancing their portfolios. Students receive rigorous visual art instruction and time to cultivate their foundation drawing skills, as well as discover new subjects and mediums through our elective offerings.

The Pre-College Program mirrors the personalized scale of our BFA program, affording students small class sizes and individualized attention. We invite you to spend your summer immersing yourself in a creative environment with like-minded people. Challenge your assumptions. Take risks. Test your theories. Discover a new favorite artist. Surprise yourself. Grow. Learn. Soak it all in. This is the beginning of a beautiful portfolio!


Enrollment
The Pre-College Program is designed specifically for high school students aged 16 years and older and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you apply as early in the spring as possible to ensure your spot in the program. On average, the Pre-College Program enrolls about 75 rising juniors and seniors in high school from all over the country.  


Regulations
As in any community-living situation, there are rules and regulations. Montserrat College of Art is substance and alcohol free, and all apartments are smoke free, with no exceptions. Students residing at the college are expected to be reasonable and respectful, keep noise at a low level, and think before acting. The Resident Assistants will review all the rules and regulations with the students on the first day on campus. To be eligible for housing, students must be 16 years of age or older. Once a student is registered in the program, an information packet containing the specific rules and regulations, as well as what to bring, maps of town and campus, activity and class schedules, and housing assignments are mailed out.


Safety
Montserrat is located in a safe, suburban location one block from downtown Beverly. As in all locations, students should exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure safety. The college has 24-hour on-campus security. Pre-College staff are on campus from 8am until the 10pm curfew and live only minutes away for evening emergencies. Resident Assistants reside in each apartment with Pre-College students. The Beverly Police Department headquarters is two blocks from our campus and makes regular patrols in our neighborhood. Each student is required to send a copy of their medical insurance prior to the start of the program, should a doctor visit or medical emergency arise. Pre-College students use the buddy system, allowing them to explore the town and its environment safely. All students are required to arrive on campus with a cell phone and input Staff and RA cell numbers for safe communication at all times.


Notice of Non-Discrimination
Montserrat College of Art is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all applicants, employees, and students without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, active military service, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

The Human Resources Office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Montserrat College of Art non-discrimination policies. Inquiries concerning the application of non-discrimination policies may also be referred to:

Regional Director, Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
617.289.0174


Refund Policy
Students wishing to withdraw from the program must contact the Pre-College Admissions office. The $40 application fee is non-refundable. Prior to June 3, 2024 all tuition and housing will be refunded, less the $300 deposit. From June 3 to July 10, 50% of the tuition and housing will be refunded, less the deposit. No refunds are available after July 11, 2024. No refund is given to students who are asked to leave the program from violations of school policies or regulations.


Program Cancellation
The College reserves the right to cancel the Pre-College Program for any reason, in which case a full refund of tuition and fees will be issued. Montserrat is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.


College Credit
Upon successful completion of all three Pre-College courses, students are awarded three college credits, which may be transferable to prospective undergraduate institutions. However, acceptance of the three credits is contingent upon each institution’s policy.


Contact
For questions, please contact the Admissions Office at 978.921.4242 x1153 or email [email protected]