ACCADEMIA XXI PROGRAM
A complete journey to your future
At Accademia XXI, you can choose between two distinct pathways. From September to June, the Full Gap Year curriculum offers a ten months journey exploring a new subject each month, reinforced through expert masterclasses led by prominent professionals and visits to key institutions. From January to June, the Spring & Summer Term provides a condensed six months format, focusing on a selection of core disciplines with the same rhythm of mentorship, masterclasses, and cultural activities. Both programs are built around weekly meetings with our mentors, complemented by independent study. Full participation in all areas is essential, as these courses are designed not only to convey knowledge but to ignite curiosity and inspire students to delve deeper into each subject.
Full Gap Year Program (September – June)
A complete ten-month journey through 10 subjects, one per month, designed to nurture intellect, creativity, and personal growth.
Each subject is supported by:
- Weekly mentorship sessions with leading professionals
- Monthly masterclasses with world-renowned experts
- Tailored visits to top cultural institutions related to each subject ateliers, and events
- In-house orchestral evenings
- Sports & wellness program (sailing, tennis, yoga, canoeing, more)
Subjects covered:
Philosophy
Architecture
Economy of Art
Etiquette
Antiques
Photography
Critical Reading & Writing
Opera
Art
Italian Language & Culture
Spring & Summer Term (January – June)
A condensed six-month program offering focused immersion in six disciplines that unite creativity, culture, and reflection. This shorter pathway includes the same rhythm of mentorship, cultural visits, masterclasses, orchestral nights, and sports as the Full Program.
Each subject is supported by:
- Weekly mentorship sessions with leading professionals
- Monthly masterclasses with world-renowned experts
- Visits to cultural institutions, ateliers, and events
- In-house orchestral evenings
- Sports & wellness program
Subjects covered:
Architecture
Economy of Art
Photography
Opera
Art
Philosophy
Critical reading and writing
Objectives: to learn to read in order to write. Reading is a decisive activity for living in the world and developing a critical spirit that contributes to making us free.
Topics:
- Experimenting with readings capable of embracing and understanding a text
- “Listening” to the voices within texts – narrator, characters, dialogues
- Experimenting with some writing practices – in particular short fiction and essays, finding the most suitable voice
Philosophy
Objectives: to explore fundamental questions related to ethics, identity, and the meaning of existence, stimulating critical thinking.
Topics:
- Fundamentals of philosophy
- Ethics and morality
- Questions about identity and the meaning of life
ARCHITECTURE
Objectives: to understand the social and cultural impact of architecture, analyzing how design can influence the lives of individuals.
Topics:
- Social and cultural impact of living spaces
- Redevelopment of urban spaces with a focus on sustainability
- Revitalization of neighborhoods through participatory architecture
antiques
Objectives: to learn to appreciate and evaluate antiques as cultural and historical testimonies.
Topics:
- History and classification of period objects
- Methods of evaluation and conservation
- Developing a critical and conscious approach to collecting, promoting the protection of historical and artistic heritage
Etiquette and Protocol
Objectives: to master professional communication techniques and good manners in diverse social and cultural contexts.
Topics:
- Intercultural communication
- Business etiquette and formal protocols
- Sensitivity and adaptation to multicultural contexts
opera
Objectives: to understand and deepen appreciation for opera and orchestral music.
Topics:
- Developing awareness of vocal technique in interpretations of the operatic repertoire
- Providing tools to understand expressive interpretation and stage performance
- Deepening knowledge of the history and styles of opera singing
photography
Objectives: to develop the ability to observe and interpret the world through photography, developing a creative and critical eye.
Topics:
- Image analysis: interpretation and photographic criticism
- The relationship between photography and other arts
- Photography and contemporary society
Management and Valorization of Cultural Heritage
Objectives: to understand the economic mechanisms and curatorial practices that influence the art market.
Topics:
- Understanding the role of art in the contemporary economy
- Curatorial and management strategies
- Art as a financial asset
art
Objectives: to provide students with a methodology to approach Art.
Topics:
- Study how to see, observe, and read works of art
- Learn how to decode the language of art
- Understand the semantics of art: the combination of subject and style
Italian Language and Culture
Objectives: to develop linguistic and cultural competence in Italian that allows access to most university degree courses in Italy.
Topics:
- Prepare for any Italian language tests required by universities, such as CILS or CELI
- Interact confidently in social and academic situations
- Understand a wide range of written and spoken texts
The Accademia XXI program
A unique journey through knowledge, art and personal growth.
Unique features of the program
Masterclasses
Monthly masterclasses led by world‑class professionals across a variety of art disciplines. Tailored for Accademia XXI students, these sessions offer in-depth, hands-on study and mentorship—complementing the core curriculum with expert insights and specialized practice.
Visit to institutions
Curated visits to leading cultural and professional institutions provide students with direct exposure to excellence in action. These immersive experiences are designed to deepen understanding of institutional practices and enrich the educational journey through real‑world engagement.
Orchestral nights
Orchestral evenings feature performances by fellow students, giving everyone the chance to experience live classical music in a vibrant setting. These concerts celebrate peer talent, foster community, and cultivate a deep appreciation for musical performance.