Summer Pre-College | Parsons Paris - The New School

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• In summer 2026, pre-college students can benefit from Parsons Paris' outstanding pedagogy in subjects like design, painting, drawing, and photography. Classes will be held in the center of Paris, at the Parsons Paris Saint-Roch campus, which offers cultural, historical, and touristic opportunities.

  This immersive program, taught in English, is open to high school students entering their junior or senior year and to recent high school graduates. Applicants must be 16 to 18 years of age by the start of the course.

  Note: All Summer Intensive Studies courses can be taken in order to develop a portfolio for the college admission process.

  • Program Dates June 27–July 18, 2026
  • Location Paris, France
  • Schedule 9:00 a.m.–3:40 p.m.
  • Housing Housing is available; see below.
  • Application Deadline April 10, 2026 (final payment is due two weeks after you confirm your attendance)
  • Ages 16–18
  • Tuition and Fees $9,999
  • University Credits 3 college credits

• Courses

  • The Business of Fashion

    3 U.S. credits recommended Language of instruction: English

    This course is an immersive introduction to fashion industries and their management strategies. Students explore the relationships between innovation, design, production, and marketing. The course also provides an overview of the Parisian high-end fashion market and its key actors, from designers to retailers. Through visits to Paris luxury stores and showrooms students gain an overall understanding of today’s fashion business.

  • Portfolio Preparation for Art and Design Schools

    3 U.S. credits recommended Language of instruction: English

    In this course, students conduct research for, prepare, and create a high-quality portfolio of work that they can use for art and design college applications. Students develop the skills and understanding they need to produce high-standard artwork for their portfolio submission. They conduct research and construct and refine work with a range of digital tools and design a portfolio for a chosen major. They develop the editing and typographic skills they need to frame and present their artworks in a clear and articulate manner for online portfolio submission. They develop the skills needed to research portfolio requirements for college programs as they prepare their work for applications. Students also familiarize themselves with life in Paris, participating in studio workshops and research trips to museums and galleries.

  • Fashion Safari in Paris

    3 U.S. credits recommended Language of instruction: English

    This course provides an insider view of the fashion industry in Paris. In the span of three weeks, students explore the way fashion is designed, produced, communicated, and consumed in the city. Participants get to know different facets of fashion, ranging from design studios to technology start-ups, from event agencies and retail to fashion exhibitions. They gain behind-the-scenes insights into the state of fashion through a combination of field visits, seminars, and guided research. Participants collectively create content to document their explorations while they engage with designers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and brand strategists. They capture images and videos to craft weekly posts, developing valuable connections in the industry and discover a wealth of career options along the way.

  • Fashion Photography in Paris

    3 U.S. credits recommended Language of instruction: English

    This summer intensive course is designed to cross theoretical and practical approaches to provide an introductory but fundamental understanding of fashion images and the creative process behind their production. Through specific assignments and lectures, you learn how to analyze fashion photography from historical, sociological, artistic, and commercial points of view. You experiment with practical photography techniques used at a professional level in order to learn to produce a fashion shoot, from the preliminary research and creation of a mood board to collaboration with a model to final editing and finished selection deliverable to a client. 

  • Fashion Design Process

    3 U.S. credits recommended Language of instruction: English

    This course introduces students to various approaches and techniques involved in the design process for fashion products. Students are encouraged to experiment as they research and find inspiration for a fashion collection and devise innovative 2D and 3D production methods for their fashion pieces. Working on projects individually and in groups, students develop fashion concepts for which they draw on the unique resources of Paris and explore how fabrication methods and color affect collections.

  • Explorations in Painting

    3 U.S. credits recommended Language of instruction: English

    This course introduces students to painting as both a fundamental part of the design process and an integral tool for media arts of all kinds. Students will learn basic concepts of painting such as color theory, composition, and techniques for using water-based paints. Drawing will also be taught as a means for observation and representation. Traditional and nontraditional methods, media, and theories of painting are all explored. Time will be dedicated to allowing students to develop a personal project.

• FAQ 

  • Tuition and Fees

    Tuition, housing, and excursions: $9,999

    Students provide their own art supplies. The cost is estimated at $400 for most studio classes.

  • Registration Process

    Parsons Paris partners with Academic Programs International (API), an established study abroad program provider, to enroll you and provide on-site support services.

    Visit API’s Pre-College page to learn about the programs. There, you can apply by clicking the yellow "Apply Now" button in the top right-hand corner to create an online account and gather necessary materials and complete the application. Required materials include the following:

    • Grade report 
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Course registration form

    Within two to three business days of receipt of your application, an API program manager will review your application and then email you to inform you if you’ve been accepted and provide next steps.

    Students confirm their participation by submitting a $400 deposit and an Intent-to-Enroll form (ITE). You can register for courses only after your deposit and ITE items have been received.

    You have until the final payment deadline to complete your remaining post-acceptance forms and make payments.

  • Travel

    All pre-college students are met at the airport by on-site staff on the program start date. A group return transfer to the airport is also included on the last day of the program. Students receive detailed flight instructions upon their acceptance to the program and should wait to purchase a flight until receiving more information after acceptance. 

  • Housing

    Experience a delightful stay in the heart of Paris at this recently renovated three-star hotel, where comfort meets convenience in cozy air-conditioned rooms. Relax in the inviting common area and take advantage of our central location, providing easy access to classes through the nearby metro. Explore the trendy shops and cafes that surround you, and if you're in the mood for some outdoor leisure, visit a beautiful park along the Seine River, just a short stroll away. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this Parisian neighborhood and make the most of your stay.

  • Academic Transcripts

    Transcripts for Parsons students are issued by the Registrar's Office and carry the signature and seal of The New School. A transcript is confirmation of a student's permanent record at the university. Students who complete Summer Intensive Studies in Paris may request that their transcripts be mailed to other colleges and institutions by submitting an official request to the Registrar's Office.

  • Supplies and Homework

    Students provide their own materials and supplies. Instructors will email a list of supplies to students, who must bring the materials to the first day of class. Because of the intensive nature of the classes, students should expect daily homework. Many classes are project based.

  • Additional Questions

    Please contact the API Paris Program Manager for Summer Pre-College and College/Adult Programs with further questions.

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To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

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