Junior high students in the United States have several art schools to consider for their exam applications. These institutions offer a range of programs tailored to younger students, providing them with a foundation in various art forms. Notable schools include the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC).

CalArts, located in Valencia, California, is renowned for its rigorous and innovative approach to art education. It offers a pre-college program that allows junior high students to explore different art disciplines. MICA, situated in Baltimore, Maryland, is another excellent choice, with its Pre-College Summer Program designed for students aged 13-17. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) also provides a Pre-College Summer Studio Program, catering to students aged 13-17, where they can delve into various art and design fields.

The reason junior high students can take exams for these art schools is due to the growing recognition of the importance of arts education at an early age. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), arts education can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Moreover, the NEA reports that students who participate in arts education are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. These factors contribute to the increasing number of art schools offering programs for younger students, recognizing the potential of early artistic development.