The Portfolio Prep Program provides rising, college-bound seniors with the opportunity to create an art portfolio of 8 works in various mediums. These works will meet the requirements of college admission boards, who look for artwork that reflects skill (composition, drawing), personal style, proficiency with process, and a willingness to experiment.

• For ages 16+, or younger with permission
• Hours 9 am to 3 pm, with opportunities for additional studio afternoon hours 
• 120 classroom hours for 1.0 credit

Students will select four from the following list of 2026 Pre-College courses:

• Pre-College Drawing June 29–July 3
• Pre-College Painting July 6–10
• Pre-College Sculpture July 13–17
• Pre-College Cast Drawing July 20–24 and/or August 17–21
• Pre-College Life Drawing July 27–31 and/or August 10–14
• Pre-College Portrait Drawing August 3–7
• Pre-College Master Copy Painting August 24–28

Program Registration: $1,500
This program fee includes four pre-college workshops (as seen in the weekly schedule).

• All supplies are included in the program registration fee. 
• It does not include housing or accommodations.
  

Registration payment is due in full at enrollment unless a payment plan is established. See the next section.

The Academy accepts e-checks (ACH payments), paper checks, major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, Discover), or money orders.

Credit card payments include an additional 3.5% processing fee; e-checks do not incur additional fees.

For payment by check: 

Please make checks payable to Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and mail them to:

Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
c/o Portfolio Prep Program
84 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT 06371

NOTE: A $50.00 fee will be assessed for checks returned by the bank. 

Opus Animae Caritas Pre-College Portfolio Prep Scholarship

Awarded to two rising high school seniors for participation in the Portfolio Preparatory Program. 

Opus Animae Caritas which means “charity is the work of the soul” in Latin. Scholarships made in loving memory of Opus by best friend Christopher Morrissey.

Apply Now!

Program Requirements – Every student must provide the following during the enrollment process: Documents will be uploaded to the student portal.

• • Enrollment Form 
  • Terms and Conditions Agreement
  • Medical Information Forms
    • Medical Exam Form completed and signed by current physician (within 36 months of enrollment date)
    • Copy of Immunization Record
  • Student Conduct Agreement
  • Parental or Guardian signature secured and submitted during the enrollment through DocuSign (provided once enrolled)

Note: If a student requires the administration of medication(s) (including Motrin, Tylenol, etc.), the approval of an authorized prescriber is necessary, as is approval for the administering of the medication(s). Forms are available via lymeacademy.edu or should be obtained from the student’s healthcare provider.

What age can a student enroll in the Portfolio Prep Program?
Students ages 16-19 can register for the program; younger applicants may be accepted with advance permission from the Program Director.

What will this program prepare my student for?
The Portfolio Prep Program provides rising, college-bound seniors with the opportunity to create an art portfolio of 8 works in a variety of mediums to support their admissions applications. The process is designed to foster life skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as visual literacy.

What is the meaning of “traditional practices” at the Lyme Academy? What is meant by “academic practices”?
Lyme Academy’s youth classes are based upon a proven historical precedent. They follow the same foundational (“traditional”) art practices used by the Renaissance and 19th-century masters. These sequential, skills-based practices were first taught in art academies (most famously at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris), and are therefore often referred to as “academic.”

Are there programs at Lyme Academy that follow the Portfolio Prep Program?
Yes! Students completing the Portfolio Prep Program can take Workshops and Continuing Education Classes; they can also apply for the Core Program in Drawing & Painting or the Core Sculpture Program for the next academic trimester or year.

Is there an application process for Portfolio Prep?
No application is required, however, students must first complete an Enrollment Package to register for the program. We accept students at all levels of proficiency and will work to meet individual goals and needs.

What if my student needs housing?
The Lyme Academy does not have housing available, but a list of local accommodations and recommendations for students who live outside the area is available. Send an email to admissions@lymeacademy.edu to request, or call 860-434-5232 ext 202.

What supplies do students need?
Basic art supplies will be provided and kept in the studio. We will also provide a recommended supply list; these supplies are available for purchase through our on-campus art store, but are not required.

Can I get a tour of the studio prior to registration?
Yes! To make an appointment for a tour and to see our facilities, please contact admissions@lymeacademy.edu.

Do you have scholarships available for the Portfolio Prep Program?
Yes! The Academy offers two scholarships; see the Scholarship tab for more information and application.

Do you offer payment plans?
We offer a partial payment plan with advance permission, but the program must be paid full before the start date.

Do you have other programs for youth at Lyme Academy?
Yes! High school students can attend FREE weekly Open Drawing Sessions and our Continuing Education Classes and Workshops are generally open to students ages 15 and up.