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French Woods
World-class youth football development from one of Europe’s premier clubs.
7–17
Ages
~500+
Students
3:1
Ratio
1970
Founded
About The FrenchWoods
French Woods is a premier co-educational sleepaway summer camp focused on performing and creative arts. Located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, it attracts students from across the U.S. and over 40 countries.
The camp offers an “individual choice” model, allowing campers to specialize in areas like music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts, and more, while also participating in traditional camp activities.
Institution Details
Type
Ages
Students
Ratio
Founded
City
Annual fee
Private Performing Arts Summer Camp
7–17
~500+
3:1
1970
New York, USA
~6000+
Contact & Enquiry
frenchwoods.com →
Quotes
“Campers are able to focus on one particular area, or choose a variety of activities.”
Ron Schaefer
Philosophy
How they teach
French Woods follows an individualized learning model where campers design their own schedules based on their interests, combining choice-based learning through major and minor activities with hands-on creative training. The program emphasizes real production experience in areas like theatre, music, and circus, while maintaining a balance between the arts and traditional camp life. With a strong focus on building confidence, creativity, and self-expression, campers actively participate in full-scale productions, workshops, and collaborative projects across multiple disciplines.
Outcomes
Where students go
French Woods alumni often go on to pursue successful careers on Broadway and in the performing arts, as well as in the film, television, and music industries, while many also gain admission to top arts schools and universities. The camp is widely recognized for developing students with strong creative portfolios and extensive performance experience, helping them stand out in competitive artistic fields.
Our Assessment
How The Brearley School performs
Coaching Credentials
Exceptional. Professional artists, instructors, and industry experts lead programs.
Student Wellbeing
Strong. Structured supervision with age-based camps and support systems.
Academic Integration
Moderate. Focus is on creative development rather than formal academics.
Competitive Pathway
Excellent for performing arts exposure and portfolio building.
Facilities & Resources
World-class. Multiple theaters, studios, circus rigs, music centers, and a private lake campus.
Ongoing Accountability
Long-standing reputation with decades of program consistency.
Admissions &
How to Apply
Admission is open to students interested in arts and performance.
Enquiries Open
Year-round
Application Deadline
Rolling (sessions fill early)
Annual Fee
~$6000+
Location
New York City, United States
Website
“We celebrate diversity and provide a safe environment for children to try new things.”
Ron Schaefer
Also in New York
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