Joining the Precollege Program at Sarah Lawrence College means becoming part of a creative, close-knit community that values independence, collaboration, and self-expression. Students experience the excitement of college-level study within a supportive environment designed for balance, safety, and growth.
Our Precollege Visual Arts Program is one of the region’s most prestigious summer programs for high school students, offering both the academic challenge and real-world preparation that come from engaging directly with college faculty, campus culture, and creative peers.
Balancing Home Life and Studies
Because the Precollege Visual Arts Program is non-residential, most students commute daily to campus or stay locally with family or friends. This format allows students to balance the intensity of college-level studio work with personal or family responsibilities at home.
We understand that high school students may be navigating part-time jobs, family life, or summer commitments. That’s why the schedule is structured to include focused studio time, guided projects, and built-in breaks, helping students maintain balance while developing essential time-management skills that will serve them well in college.
Getting to Campus
Sarah Lawrence College is located in Bronxville, New York, just 30 minutes north of Manhattan by train.
By Train:
Students can take the Metro North Railroad (Harlem Line) to the Bronxville Station, where a free campus shuttle runs between the station and the College.
By Car:
Limited parking is available on campus for commuting students. Directions and parking permits are provided after enrollment.
Residential Option: The Hyatt Hotel
For students traveling from outside the area, the program offers a recommended residential option at the Hyatt Place New York/Yonkers hotel located less than two miles from campus.
The Hyatt Place provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to shopping and dining options. A free college shuttle runs between the Hyatt Place, the Bronxville Metro North station, and the Sarah Lawrence campus, making it easy for students to participate in the full experience of the program while enjoying a safe, convenient home base during their stay.
Meals
Lunch is included in the program tuition and is served daily on campus. Students enjoy a variety of healthy and delicious options in the College’s dining facilities, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals available.
We take dietary needs seriously. All participants will complete a dietary and allergy information form prior to the start of the program to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Safety and Well-Being
Sarah Lawrence College is deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Campus Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day, and all buildings used for the Precollege Visual Arts Program are secure and accessible only to enrolled students, faculty, and staff.
- Faculty and program coordinators supervise classes, studios, and group activities.
- For students staying at the Hyatt Place, hotel security help ensure a safe, respectful, and quiet environment.
- In case of emergencies, the College has established communication protocols to provide immediate assistance.
We prioritize the well-being of every student so that participants and their families can feel confident throughout the program.
A Supportive and Inspiring Summer
At Sarah Lawrence, we know that artistic and intellectual growth happen best when students feel safe, supported, and inspired. That’s why our summer Precollege Visual Arts Program emphasizes not just creative challenge, but also community, connection, and care.
Students will learn to balance responsibility and freedom, collaborate with peers who share their passions, and discover what it’s like to be part of a creative college campus — all within one of the most prestigious summer programs for high school students in the country.