School Year . In Person
Our high school, college-level programs lead to rewarding careers
DigiPen Academy offers college-level programs for high school students during the school year, and an intensive 3-week session during the summer. These rigorous academic programs are designed to give students a head start on their post-secondary studies, add depth to their college applications, and provide them with an opportunity to earn Advanced Placement (AP) credits, or credit at DigiPen Institute of Technology.
Most important, students have the opportunity to explore a passion or potential career in-depth through a balance of academic theory and hands-on projects, and by learning the “real life” creative and personal skills that lead to success in the industry. In addition to completing a projects-based curriculum, students gain exposure to a collegiate environment on the Institute campus, and have access to opportunities like college mentoring and shadowing.
DigiPen Academy’s four course tracks are Art & Animation, Game Design, Video Game Programming, and Music & Sound Design. Our high school academic programs are delivered through school districts affiliated with WANIC Skill Center, and taught at the DigiPen campus in Redmond, Washington.
WATCH the VIDEO
Discover DigiPen Academy’s WANIC Experience
Watch our video to get an inside look at the hands-on learning, real-world projects, and supportive community. Hear directly from students, parents, instructors, and alumni as they share their WANIC experience.
WANIC Skill Center Program Locations
The Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC) is a regional skills center cooperative of select school districts in Northeast King County. WANIC provides advanced-level Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs based on rigorous academic and industry standards, which prepare students for post-secondary education and successful entry into high-skill, high-demand careers and employment.
WANIC Skill Center programs are delivered through a system of branch campuses in seven participating districts:
- Bellevue
- Issaquah
- Lake Washington
- Mercer Island
- Northshore
- Riverview
- Snoqualmie Valley
Who can attend WANIC Programs?
- Students from consortium area high schools, who have not earned a high school diploma.
- Home-schooled and private school students who are registered with their local WANIC Consortium school district who have not earned a high school diploma.
- Out-of-consortium high school students may be eligible on a space available basis with a signed shared student agreement. Contact the WANIC office for more information by emailing wanic@lwsd.org or calling 425-739-8400.
Please visit the WANIC website FAQ for more information.
WANIC Full Year Programs
The program focuses on building a strong foundation of traditional arts skills, critical animation principles and techniques.
This program is for creative-minded students who want to understand the psychology behind games and learn the skills used for designing engaging interactive experiences.
For students who want to pursue a career as a video game developer, this signature program provides a solid foundation.
This program focuses on the creative and technical aspects of music and sound design, production, and implementation.
WANIC Programs Overview
Each WANIC course is 540 hours and run through the entire academic school year, Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours each day. Students can choose morning (7:15 am - 9:45 am) or afternoon (12:30 pm - 3:00 pm) sessions.
WANIC Full Year Programs require attendance to an Info Session. Please email academy@digipen.edu to set up a quick one-on-one info session.
2026-2027 Full year applications is closed.
Prerequisites:
This program is primarily for students entering their Junior or Senior year of high school in the fall, but younger students are accepted by permission.
- Video Game Programming requires Algebra 2
Credits:
For the 2025-2026 school year, WANIC students can earn DigiPen Institute of Technology college credit for Art & Animation Year 1, Music & Sound Design Year 1 and 2, Game Design Year 1, and Video Game Programming Year 1 and 2.
Please visit the WANIC website for more information on credits.
Instructors:
Our instructors are outstanding, highly trained and passionate about their respective fields. Instructors impart their years of knowledge and experience to teach and inspire the next generation of innovators.
WANIC Summer Programs
Our three-week programs during the summer are exploratory and introductory. Visit the WANIC Summer Programs page for full details.
Program Summary
Category:
WANIC
Timeframe:
School Year
Format:
Onsite
Program Dates:
September to June
Application:
Apply on the WANIC website.
Application Dates:
2026-2027 Full year applications is closed.
Location:
DigiPen Institute, Redmond Campus
Schedule:
For schedule, visit the WANIC website.
Tuition:
No tuition costs/fees; funded by the State
WANIC Programs require attendance to an Info Session
All Sessions are Online.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST
Zoom links will be emailed out the week of the session.
WANIC Info Session Dates:
- Wednesday, January 13
- Thursday, January 28
- Wednesday, February 3
- Thursday, February 25
- Wednesday, March 17
- Tuesday, March 30
- Thursday, April 22
- Wednesday, May 12*
- Thursday, June 10*
*Subject to change/cancellation
Ready to Begin?
Choose your next step
Got questions?
If you’ve explored our programs online, and still aren’t sure which one is right for you, please contact an Academy Coordinator who will be happy to speak with you.
Call: (425) 629-5007
Email: academy@digipen.edu