Need help for son seeking very specific school: art, creative writing & open curriculum

How about The New School in NYC? It includes both Eugene Lang College, for open-curriculum liberal arts including creative writing and visual arts, and Parsons which has more intensive BFA programs including Art, Media & Technology. There’s also a 5-year BA/BFA for students admitted to both Lang and Parsons.

If maturity is an issue, a gap year can be a great option, especially when a students interests lie in creative fields where there are any number of non-credit opportunities that can make for a productive year before entering college.