Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a program for high school students?
Yes! Columbia offers the High School Summer Institute for students who have completed their sophomore year.  For more information, please visit their website: www.colum.edu/Admissions/hssi.php


Where are you located?
The Summer Arts Camp takes place in the Columbia College Theater building at 72 East 11th Street (between Michigan and Wabash) in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood. We are across the street from Grant Park. The CTA 's red, green and orange lines are a few blocks away as well as the Metra Roosevelt stop.

What's the earliest I can drop my child off in the morning?
Our day begins at 9am but you may drop your child off anytime between 8:30-9:00am. Children are not allowed in the building before 8:30 am unless accompanied by an adult who must wait with them until 8:30 am.

Do I need to park in order to drop off or pick up my child?
No. In the morning we have counselors waiting outside from 8:30 to 9:00 to greet and escort your child into the building. Just pull up and drop off! If you arrive late (after 9am) you will need to double park for a moment and escort your child inside. At the end of the day, campers in Senior Camp will be dismissed at 3.25 followed by Junior Camp at 3.35.

Can my child leave at the end of the day by his or herself?
Yes, with your permission.  Some of our older campers take the CTA home by themselves; others walk to their parent's office in the loop. Before the session begins you will receive a form to tell us your dismissal arrangements.

What's the camper to adult ratio?
In most instances, it's 5 or 6 children to 1 adult. Children are divided into groups based on birth date. Each group has 18 campers and 2 counselors.  Classes are taught by 1 or 2 instructors. In addition we have floating counselors who go where needed.

What if my child has to miss a few days?
Our staff will do their best to accommodate campers who have missed projects, but keep in mind that certain projects cannot be made up due to facilities and schedule restrictions.

Can my child attend for just a few weeks?
Its best to attend the entire session, since our projects build upon one another and culminate in a final performance and exhibit. From time to time, we do have children who only attend part of the session however we are unable to prorate fees for partial attendance.

Is there time off for the 4th of July Holiday?
Although the 4th of July falls on a Sunday this year, the College is scheduled to be closed on Monday, July 5th.  The Camp along with the entire campus will be closed.

What happens in After Camp?
After Camp is our extended care program from 3:30-5:30pm. We provide juice and a snack and usually play outdoors (In the sculpture garden at the corner of 11th and Wabash) or work on small art projects. Occasionally we'll watch a movie.  After Camp costs $450 for the 6-week session or $16 per day if used on a per-day basis.

Is there a sibling discount?
Families with more than one child attending are offered a $250 discount for each additional child

How and when do I register?
Registrations are accepted by phone on a first come, first served basis beginning at 10am on January 11, 2010.

To register, call (312) 369-7574


Am I eligible for financial aid?
Limited financial assistance is available for families whose yearly combined family income is less than $50,000.  A select amount of spaces are reserved for financial aid applicants and are available on a first come, first served basis beginning at 10am on January 19, 2010.
To apply: Call (312) 369-7574 beginning at 10am on January 19, 2010 to reserve a space.  No deposit is due at this time.  Once your spot is reserved we will mail you an application package.  Completed applications must be received by March 12, 2010 to qualify. Award letters will be mailed out the first week of April. Your child's space will be held throughout the application process.