The Temple Pre-College programs offered at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture are designed for creative high school students entering grades 10–12 who want to grow as artists and prepare for college.

Whether you’re just starting out or already building a portfolio, you’ll find classes that help you explore new materials, improve your skills, and create work you can be proud of. You’ll get to work in real studio spaces on Temple University’s campus in Philadelphia, with classes taught by talented artists, designers and architects from many different backgrounds. Pre-College at Tyler is a chance to take your work to the next level—while making friends and memories that will last well beyond the classroom.

Summer 2025 Temple Pre-College Program Brochure      Browse All Temple Pre-College Programs and Apply

Pre-College Workshops

Connecting young artists with other creative thinkers.

High school students entering grades 10–12 are invited to join Tyler’s Pre-College Workshops, a series of two-week, hands-on art and design workshops. Each session, you’ll choose a morning and an afternoon class from a variety of creative subjects, allowing you to explore new materials, discover what interests you most, and strengthen your skills. You’ll create original artwork with guidance from Tyler’s dedicated faculty, get a feel for college-level studio classes, and learn about different degrees and career paths in the visual arts. It’s a chance to express your creativity, grow as an artist, and experience what it’s like to study art and design in a real college setting. 

Portfolio Bootcamp

Designed as an intensive portfolio preparation class for 11th and 12th  graders, Portfolio Bootcamp helps students create finished pieces that will distinguish them as exceptional artists. Recognizing that observational drawing is often the most important feature an admissions counselor considers when reviewing a portfolio, Portfolio Bootcamp includes time for drawing from still-life, figure models and other live sources.

Architecture Institute

The Tyler Architecture Institute welcomes 10th, 11th and 12th grade students to participate in a rigorous introduction to the field of architecture. Students in the program engage in collaborative design problems, faculty presentations, virtual site visits and hands-on projects. The program introduces students to methods of architectural representation and design and processes related to constructing and understanding the built environment. Students will leave the Architecture Institute with new skills and insight into the many college degree pathways and professions within this exciting field.

Creative Scholars Program

Looking to take your art to the next level? The Creative Scholars Program is a full-scholarship program open to rising 9th, 10th, 11th  and 12th  grade students in Philadelphia School District Public and Charter High Schools.