SPONSORSHIP/OWNERSHIP/ACCREDITATION: Parsons School of Design

BACKGROUND: Originally called the Chase School, the Parsons

School was founded by impressionist painter William Merrit

Chase in 1896. Frank Alvah Parsons, who joined Chase in

1904 and later became president of the institution, helped to

make the school the first institute in fashion and interior

design. In 1939, the name was changed. Parsons is a leader

in fashion, computer, and architecture design education. The

summer program began in 2000 to acquaint aspiring students

with the world of professional art design.

DESCRIPTION: The program ranges from five to eleven days

every month, except June. The attendees are divided into three

groups based on their level of study: Elementary—for rising

4th, 5th, and 6th graders, who attend in the morning; Junior—

for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, and Senior—for 10th, 11th ,and

12th graders, who attend morning and afternoon sessions. All

students focus on electives of their choice, which range from

animation design to fashion to photography. Junior and senior

students must also enroll in Drawing Studio, which is held

in the morning.

OUR TAKE: This is an excellent opportunity for a student interested

in any of the many types of art design offered at Parsons.

The students also receive college credit, which will look

great on college applications.

OUR RECOMMENDATION: This is a program for artistically talented

kids, and it shouldn’t be passed up! Since housing is

not provided, if you live outside the New York metropolitan

area, you may want to call on friends or relatives or consider

a vacation in the city.