
Also known as: ACA
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | University closed for New Year's observance, starting the year with reflection for art students. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 13 January 2025 | First day of classes for spring term, focusing on new art projects and studio setups. |
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | Holiday honoring civil rights, with possible campus events on social justice in art. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday, university closed, time for independent study or gallery visits. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest and inspiration gathering in Atlanta's art scene. |
| 📚 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2025 | Classes resume after break, refreshed for mid-term projects. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 9 May 2025 | Last day of spring classes, followed by finals and exhibitions. |
| 🌺 | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | Holiday remembering veterans, university closed. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 2 June 2025 | Beginning of optional summer courses for intensive art workshops. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day | 4 July 2025 | Celebration of U.S. independence, university holiday. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 1 August 2025 | Conclusion of summer term with final critiques. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Begins | 25 August 2025 | Start of fall classes, new academic year excitement for art majors. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | Holiday honoring workers, no classes. |
| 🍁 | Fall Break | 13 October 2025 | Short break mid-fall for project reflection. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day | 11 November 2025 | Honoring veterans, possible art exhibits on themes. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2025 | Start of Thanksgiving recess, time for family and gratitude. |
| 🍽️ | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 30 November 2025 | Classes resume post-Thanksgiving. |
| ❄️ | Fall Semester Ends | 12 December 2025 | End of fall term with final exhibitions. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 13 December 2025 | Holiday break starts, extending into new year. |
Are you planning on applying to ACA next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at ACA. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Early Decision Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Deadline for early binding applications to ACA for 2026 entry. |
| 🗓️ | Early Action Deadline | 1 December 2025 | Non-binding early application submission. |
| ⏰ | Regular Decision Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Standard application cutoff for fall 2026. |
| 🎨 | Portfolio Submission Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Required for art majors, showcasing work. |
| 💰 | Financial Aid Deadline | 15 February 2026 | Submit FAFSA and other aid forms. |
| 🗣️ | Interview Period Ends | 1 March 2026 | Last date for admissions interviews. |
| 📬 | Decision Notification | 1 April 2026 | Regular decision outcomes released. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Secure spot with deposit. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 15 March 2026 | For students transferring in. |
| 🌍 | International Student Deadline | 1 January 2026 | Earlier cutoff for visa processing. |
The academic calendar at Atlanta College of Art (ACA) serves as the foundational framework for the institution's educational rhythm, guiding students, faculty, and staff through a year of creative exploration and academic achievement. As a specialized art and design college in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, ACA's calendar is tailored to foster an environment where artistic innovation thrives alongside rigorous academic pursuits. Typically structured around two main semesters—fall and spring—with optional summer sessions, the calendar incorporates ample time for studio work, critiques, exhibitions, and portfolio development, which are central to an art education. This structure differs from more traditional universities by emphasizing hands-on projects and collaborative events, allowing students to immerse themselves in disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, and digital media.
Historically, ACA's calendar has evolved to align with the dynamic needs of the art world. Founded in the early 20th century, the college has adapted its scheduling to accommodate major art events, industry trends, and even local Atlanta festivals, such as the Atlanta Film Festival or Dogwood Festival, which can influence class projects and field trips. Compared to larger universities, ACA's calendar often features more flexible breaks to encourage travel for inspiration, internships at galleries, or participation in national art competitions. For students, this impacts everything from course selection to mental health, providing built-in periods for reflection and recharge essential in the high-intensity world of art studies.
Admissions processes are intricately tied to the calendar, with key deadlines designed to ensure prospective students can join at optimal times. International students benefit from alignments with global holidays, making transitions smoother. Holidays and breaks are thoughtfully placed to respect cultural observances, such as aligning with federal U.S. holidays while offering flexibility for diverse backgrounds. This setup aids in planning family travel, coordinating with rival schools' events for collaborative opportunities, and tracking historical dates for archival art research. Faculty use the calendar for scheduling critiques, exhibitions, and professional development, ensuring a balanced work schedule. Overall, ACA's academic calendar is more than a list of dates—it's a strategic tool that enhances the creative journey, supports academic success, and integrates with the vibrant Atlanta arts scene. Whether you're a current student verifying semester patterns, a prospective one planning applications, or faculty aligning deadlines, this calendar is indispensable. For more insights, explore Rate My Professor to see how courses align with these timelines, or check out higher ed jobs at ACA.
The Atlanta College of Art academic calendar is meticulously designed to support the unique demands of an art-focused education. Structured around semesters that emphasize creative output, it includes periods dedicated to intensive studio time, group critiques, and public exhibitions. Traditions at ACA often involve end-of-term showcases where students present their work to peers, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering a sense of community and real-world preparation. Holiday notes are integrated thoughtfully; for instance, breaks allow time for personal projects or travel to art hubs like New York or Los Angeles, which can inspire new works.
In comparison to other institutions, ACA's calendar might offer more mid-semester flex days for artistic exploration, unlike rigid schedules at comprehensive universities. This flexibility impacts students by providing breathing room amid deadline-heavy projects. Faculty appreciate the alignment with grant application cycles in the arts. For those planning ahead, the calendar helps in coordinating with external events, such as Atlanta's thriving gallery scene. We invite you to share your experiences on Rate My Professor—rate your courses and professors to help others navigate the ACA schedule. If you're faculty or staff, consider viewing professor salaries or exploring lecturer jobs through Academic Jobs.
Moreover, the calendar incorporates locale-specific elements, like aligning breaks with Georgia's cultural festivals, enhancing the educational experience. Students can plan work schedules around these, ensuring balance between academics and part-time jobs in the arts. Historical patterns show consistency in semester lengths, aiding long-term planning. For international students, notes on visa timelines are crucial. Overall, this overview underscores how ACA's calendar is a vital tool for success in the creative fields.
At Atlanta College of Art, semester dates are crafted to maximize creative productivity. Typically, the fall term begins after summer breaks, allowing time for orientation and material setup in studios. Class planning involves selecting courses that align with artistic goals, such as sequential classes in illustration or photography. Tips include consulting advisors early to avoid conflicts and incorporating electives that complement major projects.
Ratings from platforms like Rate My Professor can guide choices—students often praise professors who integrate real-world critiques into the schedule. Planning ahead helps in tracking deadlines for assignments, which are often project-based rather than exam-heavy. For those coordinating with family travel, understanding general timing is key. We encourage students to rate their professors on Rate My Professor to share insights on how class schedules impact learning.
Additionally, rival school events can be synced for collaborative opportunities, like joint art shows. Verifying historical dates aids in understanding patterns for future planning.
Exam schedules at ACA often involve portfolio reviews and practical assessments rather than traditional tests, typically placed at semester ends. Preparation tips include building a strong body of work throughout the term and seeking feedback during studio hours. Study groups in art contexts focus on peer reviews, enhancing skills.
Understanding typical periods helps in pacing projects. For more, check how Rate My Professor works to see exam-related feedback.
As a U.S. institution, ACA observes Thanksgiving break, providing a welcome pause for reflection and family time. This period allows art students to recharge, often using the time for personal sketching or visiting museums. Travel tips include booking early for trips to inspirational destinations. Traditions might involve community art events in Atlanta, blending holiday spirit with creativity.
Planning tips: Align with work schedules or rival events. For ratings, visit Rate My College.
This break is crucial for mental health in the demanding art field, offering time to plan upcoming deadlines.
ACA's holidays and breaks include U.S.-specific ones like Thanksgiving and spring break, ideal for travel or projects. Spring break often aligns with peak creative seasons, encouraging outdoor sketching in Georgia's mild weather. Other breaks cover winter holidays, allowing time for portfolio updates.
Travel tips: Coordinate with family or international trips. For AU comparisons, note differences like Anzac Day, but ACA focuses on U.S. alignments. Plan work schedules accordingly.
These periods help track events and verify historical dates.
Faculty at ACA manage work schedules around teaching, grading, and exhibitions. Deadlines for submissions are semester-based, with tips for balancing research and classes.
Explore research jobs.
Meetings and grading periods are key. We invite employees to rate their employer on Rate My College. Job links: employer profiles.
Archives show patterns like consistent fall starts. In the past, ACA adjusted for events like the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, influencing schedules.
Future patterns aid planning.
Orientation and commencement are highlights. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results.
Check university rankings.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | University closed, welcoming the new year. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 12 January 2026 | Kickoff of spring classes and art initiatives. |
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Civil rights holiday with thematic events. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Federal holiday, time for personal art pursuits. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026 | Break for rejuvenation and inspiration. |
| 📚 | Spring Break Ends | 15 March 2026 | Return to classes post-break. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 8 May 2026 | Conclusion of spring with showcases. |
| 🌺 | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Remembrance holiday. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 1 June 2026 | Summer art workshops begin. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Holiday observance. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 31 July 2026 | End of summer term. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Begins | 24 August 2026 | New fall term starts. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Workers' holiday. |
| 🍁 | Fall Break | 12 October 2026 | Mid-fall respite. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day | 11 November 2026 | Veterans honored. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 25 November 2026 | Thanksgiving recess starts. |
| 🍽️ | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 29 November 2026 | Classes resume. |
| ❄️ | Fall Semester Ends | 11 December 2026 | Fall term concludes. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 12 December 2026 | Holiday break commences. |
There are currently no jobs available.
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted