Pratt Institute, a renowned art and design school with campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer term for additional coursework or intensives. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-to-late January and ends in mid-May. Pratt also offers shorter intensive sessions during the Summer and Winter breaks, allowing students to accelerate their studies or focus on specialized projects, which is particularly beneficial for its creative and studio-based programs.
The academic calendar at Pratt Institute aligns closely with standard U.S. university schedules, particularly those in the Northeast, with breaks corresponding to major national holidays like Thanksgiving and typical spring recesses. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and planning. Additionally, Pratt’s optional Summer and Winter sessions provide flexibility, especially for international students or those in intensive design programs who may benefit from accelerated coursework. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact deadlines as they may vary slightly due to institutional or regional considerations.